Which Paint Is Best For Outside Wall Bricks?

Brick on exterior retaining walls or around the outside of a home can become tired after a while, so updating the look of your home’s exterior brick steps is an easy and faster way to do so. The best type of paint for exterior brick is Behr Premium elastomeric masonry, stucco, and brick exterior paint. When determining how to paint a brick fireplace, opt for the best brick fireplace paint for the job.

Preparations for painting brick walls are crucial, and you need to consider the following items before starting: exterior primer, BeautiTone Elastomeric Masonry and Stucco Acrylic Base Paint, Exterior Surface Painter’s Tape, and BeautiTone 20mm Pile Paint Roller. Painting brick walls can transform your home’s interior or exterior, and it is essential to properly prime the bricks and outside area. Elastodynamic paint is preferred by homeowners with experience in brick painting due to its high level of elasticity. Emperor Masonry Paint contains the latest nano-technology that creates a durable finish.

Sherwin Williams Loxon is a concrete and masonry product that can work with any exterior paint as long as you properly prime. Glidden Premium Semi-Gloss Latex Exterior Paint is the best choice for a brick, and acrylic (water-based) wall paint is the best choice for outside walls. Romabio’s mineral-based Masonry Paint is ideal for short-term color changes for small brick walls, but if the wall is likely to be damaged, acrylic-based masonry paint is ideal.

To paint brick properly, Sherwin Williams’ Loxon® family of masonry products is recommended. Acrylic latex paint is the go-to material for exterior brick walls, providing excellent coverage and a durable finish.

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.

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.

What is the longest lasting paint for brick?

Brick painters often use various types of paint, including latex paint, semi-gloss paint, and acrylic latex paint. Latex paint is popular due to its durability and versatility, providing a flat finish with subtle texture and color variation. It can be applied in multiple layers for a richer effect, while semi-gloss paint offers a shinier finish but does not hide imperfections well.

The choice of paint depends on the desired outcome and budget. Latex paint is ideal for a matte appearance with minimal shine, while semi-gloss is suitable for bolder, brighter colors. Acrylic latex paint is the go-to material for exterior brick walls, offering excellent coverage and a flat finish with subtle texture and color variation. It is durable and versatile, transforming any ordinary brick home into an extraordinary piece of art.

Latex paint is easy to apply with just two coats of brush or roller, and comes in a wide range of color options to suit specific tastes. It also offers superior protection against UV rays and moisture damage, ensuring your natural brick exterior looks great after its new coat of paint.

What type of paint is best for exterior brick?

Brickwork is a durable and versatile material, with a unique classiness that cannot be replicated with other building materials. The default color of brick is reddish-brown, which may not appeal to the masses. However, brick can be painted with relative ease, making your home any color you like. To paint a brick exterior, you need to find the right paint for the job, as it differs significantly from painting the walls inside your home or a wooden fence.

Acrylic latex is the top choice for brickwork paint due to its weatherproof properties and ability to prevent cracks in the brick. Elastodynamic is also a popular choice, but it is not as effective in preventing cracks in brickwork.

Is brick paint waterproof?

Masonry paints like Dulux Weathershield provide some weather protection but are not 100% waterproof. They are designed to remain attractive without peeling or flaking but do not completely prevent water from soaking into the brickwork. Emperor Paint, an advanced masonry paint, creates a super hydrophobic surface on exterior walls using nano-technology to repel water off the surface.

When choosing a waterproof masonry paint, it is crucial to ensure it is breathable. Breathability refers to the ability for water vapor to transfer through a paint, which is crucial for a masonry paint. If a paint is waterproof but not breathable, moisture trapped within the property will cause significant damp issues. Therefore, it is essential to choose a paint that not only offers weather protection but also prevents moisture from escaping the property.

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.

Can I paint directly on a 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.

What happens if you don’t prime brick before painting?

Painting brick can be a simple and effective way to update the look of any interior or exterior space. It can brighten a room or boost the curb appeal of a home. However, it’s not as straightforward as rolling a new color onto the wall. If you don’t choose the right paint or primer or prepare the surface well, you could end up with a flaky finish, uneven look, or an alkali-burned topcoat. To ensure a successful DIY project, consider the brick’s recent installation date.

Brand-new brick and mortar can exude a powdery substance, so it should be given at least a month to cure before painting. This will prevent it from becoming chalky and not holding onto the paint as well. Octave Villar, applications and lab manager at Kilz Primers and Paints, provides step-by-step instructions for painting brick.

Do you need a primer to paint exterior brick?

Before painting a bare exterior brick, it is essential to prime it to prevent paint from absorbing into the brick. For small areas with failing paint, a diluted coat of masonry paint can be applied as a priming layer, but not for large areas. Emperor Masonry Paint Primer, which is water repellent, is recommended for this purpose. Standard primers or stabilizing solutions may not provide optimal paint performance. A primer acts as a stablising solution, but not all stabilising solutions act as a primer.

Masonry primer is a thin, milky substance that can be applied using a roller or paint brush. Only one coat of primer is needed before applying the paint. If conditions are not dry, do not continue with the painting process. Apply a thin, even layer of primer to the brick, covering the entire surface. Allow the area to dry completely for 3-5 hours before painting.

How to paint a brick wall exterior?

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 do you put on bricks before you paint them?

To properly seal brick walls, use a pressure washer and scrub brush to clean them. After drying, use Crommelin 4L Brick And Render Water Based Sealer to seal porous masonry materials. After sealing, apply Dulux Weathersheild exterior acrylic latex paint for best protection. Painting brick walls can be done using rollers, brushes, or spray guns. A step-by-step guide on how to paint your house’s exterior with a spray gun can be found in the provided link.