How To Paint Over Brick Walls Outside?

Painting exterior brick is a quick and easy way to update the look of your home. To do this, use a Porch and Floor Enamel coat and allow up to four hours for it to dry. This method can liven up the appearance of tired or out-of-place brick while maintaining the character and tactile appeal of the brick pattern. Both exterior masonry and exposed brick on interior walls can be painted.

To paint your brick house or wall, follow these simple preparation and application steps. Start by applying an exterior primer at the top of the wall, then work around the edges using a paint brush and roller to paint the rest of the surface. The first coat of paint should be powerwashed and let dry. Next, wall and site preparation should be done, followed by applying Concrete and Masonry Primer and Sealer, then applying a top coat.

To clean the brick, brush and clean it thoroughly before priming. Use a wire brush and soapy water to clean off the area, and apply a coat of primer to the brick wall after using a wire brush and soapy water to clean off the area. Before priming, ensure that the brick surface is completely clean of loose debris or greasy stains.

In conclusion, painting exterior brick is an inexpensive and quick way to update the look of your home’s exterior brick steps. With the right tools and preparation, you can ensure your brick wall looks pristine and beautiful.

Can you paint straight onto exterior brick?

Priming is crucial when painting bare surfaces like bricks, as it acts as a glue to allow paint to adhere easily. Primer is a thin, milky liquid that can be applied using a paint brush or roller. For rough exterior surfaces like brick walls, long-pile rollers are recommended due to their long fibers that allow more paint to be picked up at once. A masonry brush can also be used for better paint application.

Apply a thin, even layer of primer to the brick and allow it to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which typically takes 3-5 hours in normal temperatures. The drying time may vary depending on the weather.

Do you need to prime exterior brick before painting?

To paint brick, use a primer that will “bite” into the brick, allowing it to adhere better. Primers made for brick and masonry are the best bet, such as Kilz 2 All-Purpose Interior and Exterior Primer. They are thinner, easier to clean, and have more alkaline resistance, preventing alkali burn. For larger areas, use a synthetic bristle brush, such as a Chinex brush, designed to withstand wear and tear without becoming bent or misshapen. If using a roller, choose one with a high nap of at least half an inch to ensure the primer gets into all crevices.

After priming, apply the paint color of your choice, using any sheen or formula. Higher-sheen formulas are preferred for their resistance to marring and staining, but you can also use an eggshell or flat finish if desired. Latex paint is quick-drying and easier to clean, while oil-based paint will dry to a harder finish. Painted brick should not require a sealer, but choose a wear-resistant exterior paint if exposed to the elements. Toile is a popular choice for tissue box covers, and everything is better with toile.

Can I paint directly on brick wall?

Prior to the application of paint to a brick surface, it is of the utmost importance to first apply a primer, then to clean the area with a wire brush and soapy water, and finally to allow the brick to dry for a period of 24 hours before commencing the painting process.

Can I paint exterior brick myself?

DIY brick painting is a feasible and cost-effective solution for transforming tired or out-of-place brick walls. However, if you have concerns or fears about tackling the project on your own, it’s best to work with experienced painters like Culver’s. Preparation is crucial, including power-washing, taping off surfaces, and sanding. Use specialized solutions formulated for masonry surfaces, such as concrete and brick-specific primers and sealers, for long-term protection.

Experience is priceless, and if you’re a first-time brick painter, take time to avoid common pitfalls and hire a professional painting company. Proper preparatory work is essential for a picture-perfect finish, and good prep work takes time and extra effort. Our process to paint brick, along with trusting key products, has been transforming brick walls in our area for over a decade.

How long does paint last on outside brick?

The lifespan of painted brick depends on maintenance commitment and regional climate. It is recommended to repaint exterior surfaces about every 5 years, ensuring the brick retains its appearance and integrity. Interior painted brick can last longer between touch-ups and repainting projects, as there are fewer direct threats. At Nash Painting, many brick painting projects last close to 20 years due to thorough cleaning and preparation, primed brick with Sherwin-Williams Loxon XP, caulked cracks or holes, and applied no fewer than two coats of paint.

The quality of materials, experience of contractors, and surface preparation all contribute to the longevity of a given paint job. Nash Painting is a company that resists shortcuts and focuses on efficiency, having transformed countless businesses and homes across Nashville, Brentwood, and Franklin, TN. To learn more about their services and values, call them at 615-829-6858.

Is it better to spray or roll exterior paint on brick?

The choice between spray and rolling exterior paint tools is complex. While sprayers are often preferred due to their efficiency, better coverage, and professional finish, it is essential for a painter to use both tools to achieve the best paint job. For porous surfaces like brick or stucco, a sprayer is recommended, while a roller can be used to “back-roll” the paint in. For smoother surfaces like trim, wood, lap, vinyl, or metal siding, spraying is more suitable as it eliminates roller marks and allows for different angle angles to ensure full coverage.

Both tools should be used under different circumstances, and the choice between spray and rolling depends on the specific needs of the project. For more inspiration, check out our gallery of exterior paint projects and Instagram for more inspiration.

Is painting exterior brick a good idea?

Painting a brick house can be a costly and time-consuming process, as it can trap moisture inside the porous material, leading to mold, mildew, and other damage. Additionally, paint can peel and flake over time, requiring frequent maintenance and touch-ups. Staining brick is a popular alternative, providing a natural, durable, and long-lasting finish that allows the brick’s natural texture and color to shine through. With proper maintenance, staining can last for up to 25 years or more.

There are eight reasons to stain your brick instead of painting it:

1. Staining provides a more lasting, low-maintenance, and customizable finish that enhances the unique character of the brick.

2. Staining allows the natural texture and color of the brick to shine through, enhancing its appearance.

In conclusion, staining brick is a superior option for updating the appearance or covering up damage, but it is not recommended for all brick houses.

What is the downside of painting brick?

Painted brick exteriors require regular maintenance to prevent peeling or chipping, especially in extreme climates. Regular inspections and touch-ups may be necessary to maintain the painted surface’s appearance. Repainting costs include the cost of paint and labor for preparation and application, and the frequency can vary based on factors like climate, paint quality, and sunlight exposure. Painted brick surfaces have a smoother, more uniform appearance compared to exposed brick, which may be a downside for some homeowners who value the tactile and visual charm of rough brick. The smooth appearance of painted brick can contribute to a home’s character and appeal.

What is the easiest way to paint a brick wall?

Apply a single coat of latex primer to the brick surface, adding more if affected by mildew or efflorescence. Allow the primer to dry completely before applying acrylic latex exterior paint or elastodynamic paint. Acrylic latex is preferred for exterior brick due to its resistance to moisture. Semi-gloss and gloss paint are suitable for both interior and exterior brick, revealing details and being easy to clean. Paint the brick to look bright, crisp, and solid.

How do you prepare an exterior brick wall for painting?

To clean masonry walls, use a brush or broom to scrub loose debris, dust, and flaking paint, then wash them down with a detergent solution. If using a power-washer, be cautious not to get too close or linger too long in any area. Treat areas affected by mold, lichens, algae, and moss with a fungicidal wash. Rinse with clean water and allow to dry completely.

Scrape off any flakes or defective coatings, sand down to key and feather edges of existing paintwork, and avoid using a wire brush as it may break off and become embedded in the surface. Repair minor defects with an appropriate masonry filler and allow to cure for one week.

Seal new or bare surfaces with a thinned first coat of appropriate masonry paint to ensure adhesion of the finishing coats. Primer can be used on powdery or chalky surfaces after preparation, but avoid using a’stabilizing primer’ on new or bare surfaces. Protect your floor and nearby furnishings from paint splashes with a drop cloth or old bed sheets.

Painting is essential for a uniform finish, and experts at The Paint Shed can advise on the most appropriate exterior paints and the best application method. Two or three coats are recommended, with 30 minutes of dry time between each coat.

Why you don’t paint brick?

Brick is a porous material with tiny holes that allow moisture vapor to pass through, regulating humidity and preventing moisture from being trapped within the walls. Despite its durability and low maintenance requirements, some homeowners consider painting their brick facades to conceal minor defects. However, painting brick can have several drawbacks, including trapping moisture inside the brick, which can lead to deterioration.

The outer layer of brick can flake or crack due to trapped moisture freezing and expanding. Therefore, it is not recommended to paint brick as it can lead to a more durable and natural look. Alternative methods to achieve the desired aesthetic should be considered.