Which Paint Finish Should I Apply On External Brick?

Before painting your home’s exterior brick steps, it is essential to select the correct type of paint, such as acrylic latex exterior or elastodynamic made specifically for masonry. The best paint for brick is a latex paint with a satin or semi-gloss finish, as these finishes provide greater protection and appeal to the brick surface than a matte finish. Painting a brick exterior can bring new life to your home and give it a modern look.

When choosing the paint color, it is crucial to consider the exterior paint sheen. Painting brick involves coating the entire brick wall, including mortar, using an acrylic or latex-based paint. Brick staining involves applying a finish made of mineral materials to the brick. Dulux Weathershield® is a popular choice for revitalizing home brickwork and providing a lasting look designed for Australian conditions.

The best type of paint for exterior brick is a high-quality advanced masonry paint that prevents moisture from getting underneath the paint and is completely breathable. Elastodynamic paint is preferred by homeowners with experience in brick painting due to its high level of moisture resistance.

For short-term solutions, an acrylic-based masonry paint may be suitable. Benjamin Moore offers Aura Waterborne Exterior Paint specifically for brick surfaces, available in semi-gloss, satin, low-luster, and flat sheens. Glidden Premium Semi-Gloss Latex Exterior Paint is the best choice for a brick.

Aura Waterborne Wall Paint is also the best choice for exterior and interior brick. Acrylic-based exterior house paints and primers are fine on both exterior and interior brick. Whether flat or satin is personal preference.

Is satin or gloss better for exterior paint?

Satin paint is characterized by a low reflection coefficient, which renders it an effective coating for the concealment of imperfections on exterior surfaces. In contrast, high-gloss paint is more durable and can withstand frequent washing, rendering it an appropriate choice for frequently washed surfaces. Both paints are suitable for application to exterior surfaces.

What is the best paint finish for the exterior of a house?

The optimal exterior paint sheen is satin, as flat sheens are susceptible to color loss and damage. Semi-gloss sheens have been observed to become sticky and to possess an unpleasant texture. The application of satin sheen enhances the durability and retention of paint color without unduly affecting the texture. French Roast is one of the most optimal brown paint colors for domestic exterior applications. One of the most frequently asked questions in the field of exterior home maintenance is whether it is preferable to paint or stain wood siding.

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.

Do you need to prime brick before painting exterior?

When painting bare brick walls, it is essential to prime the surface to ensure proper adhesion of the masonry paint. Zinsser Bullseye 1-2-3 is a great all-rounder for exterior primers. To paint exterior brick, ensure the surface is ready to paint by checking for cracks or holes, removing rubble, and filling them with an exterior filler like Toupret Touprelith F Masonry Repair Filler. Sand the filler down to create a smooth surface.

After cleaning the surface, use a stiff brush to remove large parts or dirt and dust. Apply a masonry cleaner like an anti-fungal cleaner to kill any green growth or fungus that can cause paint failure. Brush the cleaner on and leave it to dry for a few hours. Any residue left will be covered with the paint. This process ensures a smooth and durable surface for the paint to adhere effectively.

Does satin exterior paint dull over time?

Satin/eggshell paints have unique strengths and considerations compared to flat finishes. They are rough but have an almost waxy feel, with a slight shine that gives the paint a lustre. Satin paints are more reflective than matte finishes and can hide imperfections. They are easy to wipe clean and more resistant to elements, making them generally last longer. However, they require more care than matte finishes, as the more shiny the paint, the more imperfections will stand out. Mixing the paint thoroughly before each session is essential to prevent resins and pigments from separating, resulting in uneven sheen.

High gloss paints are more reflective and resilient, but they are best for areas that will get a lot of wear, such as doors. They are also perfect for accenting features of your home, such as window frames or gutters. Painting the entire exterior with a rich, reflective high gloss paint is a bold design move, but it can highlight every imperfection if not properly done.

What is the best paint for exterior brick or concrete?

The 4 Best Paint for Brick Exterior list includes Sherwin Williams’ premier exterior paint product, Emerald, which offers outstanding coverage and cross-linking technology, making it stronger and easier to clean. Emerald Rain Refresh with hydrophobic properties is recommended for extra cleaning power. It offers superior resistance to blistering, peeling, fading, dirt pickup, and mildew. As an acrylic latex paint, it helps moisture evaporate quickly, making it even more durable.

The Best Buildable Brick Paint is Regal High Build, a Benjamin Moore classic that has been around for a long time. This thick paint is ideal for getting into nooks and crannies of brick, making it a great fit for those with incredibly textured brick. The High Build version of Regal High Build is perfect for getting into the nooks and crannies of brick, making it an ideal choice for those looking to update their home’s exterior.

When should you not use eggshell paint?

Eggshell paint is recommended for interior designers due to its versatility and versatility in various areas of the home. However, it is not suitable for high-contact areas like door trim, baseboards, cabinetry, and doors. Instead, semi-gloss paint is recommended for these areas. Eggshell paint can be used on most interior walls, including bedrooms, living rooms, hallways, kitchens, and bathrooms. For high-contact surfaces like trim, semi-gloss paint is recommended.

Is eggshell or satin better for exterior paint?

Eggshell paint is the preferred finish for homeowners looking for a durable, attractive finish that conceals imperfections. Satin paint, with its more sheen, is more durable, easy to clean, and resistant to abrasion. Both satin and eggshell are popular exterior paint options, especially for trim and areas with high UV rays. Semi-gloss paint, with its higher shine, is ideal for surfaces that require frequent cleaning and upkeep.

It is easy to clean, protects against moisture, and is more durable than satin. However, the shinier the finish, the more imperfections it will reveal. Semi-gloss is suitable for trim, shutters, garage doors, railings, and window sills.

What is the best way to paint exterior brick?

1. Powerwash and let dry to create a clean surface for primer and paint to adhere.
2. Wall and site preparation is crucial for a successful exterior brickwork painting project.
3. Apply concrete and masonry primer and sealer, then apply top coat.
4. Inspect and touch-up to ensure long-term protection.
5. Use specialized solutions formulated for masonry surfaces, such as concrete and brick-specific primers and sealers.
6. Experience is priceless, and if you’re a first-time painter, take time to avoid common pitfalls. If in doubt, hire a professional painting company with a well-reviewed reputation in your area.

Painting tired or out-of-place brick is an inexpensive and quick way to achieve an updated look. Proper preparatory work is essential for a picture-perfect finish.

Our process, along with key products, has been transforming brick walls in our area for over a decade.

What paint finish is best for exterior brick?

The article advises on the importance of sampling and testing paint colors before committing to a project, considering factors like natural lighting, undertones, and property elements. Samplize offers large peel-and-stick paint samples for exteriors, including ‘Real Paint, No Mess’. The article also discusses the use of eggshell or satin paint for masonry surfaces, with Satin being more suitable for dirtier surfaces like brick.

The article suggests that while the Eggshell color is preferred, it is slightly more difficult to clean. The article encourages partnering with brick and batten for a painting adventure, from ideation to design rendering.

Can you use regular exterior paint on brick?

Brick is a porous material; however, the application of an exterior coating, such as acrylic latex paint, forms a seal over its surface, thereby preventing the evaporation and subsequent drying out of moisture.