Download Article Download Article Painting a brick wall is a great way to transform an entire room, giving it a modern-looking style. Before painting the brick, it’s important to wash any dirt off of the wall using a wire brush. Apply a latex primer to the wall to ensure the paint will stick to the brick, and choose a paint that’s heat-proof to protect the brick wall.

1. 1 Use a wire brush to remove dirt from the brick wall. It’s important to get rid of any dust or debris that’s currently covering the brick so that the primer and paint will adhere well. Use the wire brush to gently scrub off the dirt, moving the brush in a circular motion as well as back and forth to be sure you get all of the dust.
   • Look for a wire brush at your local hardware store or online.
2. 2 Wash the brick using soapy water or TSP for a thorough clean. Either create a soapy lather in a bucket using dish soap and water, or combine 0.5 cups (120 ml) of trisodium phosphate (TSP) with 1 gallon (3,800 ml) of water for a deeper clean. Use the wire brush or a different scrub brush to work the cleaning solution into the brick. Rinse the soap or TSP off once you’re finished.
   • Wear gloves and safety goggles if you’re working with TSP.
   • Avoid using cleaners with acid in them, as this can damage the paint after you apply it.
   • Rinse the soap or TSP off using a clean, wet rag.

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3. 3 Let the wall dry for at least 24 hours. Applying primer or paint on a wet brick wall won’t work well, and will likely create uneven results. Wait at least 1 day for the brick to dry completely, waiting even longer if the wall doesn’t have access to sunlight or good ventilation.
   • Help the brick wall dry faster by opening blinds or window shades to expose it to sunlight, as well as by turning on a fan.
   • Touch the brick to see if it’s still wet after one day, or examine its color to see if it’s back to a lighter shade.
4. 4 Fix any small cracks in the brick using caulking, If there are any cracks along your brick wall, it’s important to fix them so they don’t grow and ruin your paint job. Insert the tube of caulk into the caulking gun before placing the nozzle tip where you’d like to cover a crack and squeezing the caulk out slowly.
   • If you see larger cracks or potential structural issues, consult a professional so they can help restore your brick wall before you paint it.
   • If you just have a few very small cracks to fill, it’s not necessary to use a caulking gun. Squeezing the caulk directly out of the tube works as well.

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1. 1 Tape off edges and areas that you don’t want painted. Use painter’s tape to place tape along the ceiling, side walls, and any other edges or fixtures that you don’t want paint to end up on. Take your time and go slowly to be sure the tape is applied in a straight line.
   • Find painter’s tape at your local hardware or big box store.
   • Put tape around things like light switches or sconces to protect them.
2. 2 Cover the floor with drop cloths to avoid getting paint on anything. Use a painting drop cloth, piece of plastic, or thick blanket material to cover the floor and any other objects. Extend the drop cloth at least 3 feet (0.91 m) from the wall to help ensure you don’t accidentally drip paint on the flooring.
   • Set up a ladder if needed to reach the top sections of the ceiling safely and more easily.
3. 3 Apply a latex primer to the brick using a brush or roller. Choose a water-based primer that’s made for brick and masonry so it’s sure to adhere well to the wall. Use a synthetic bristle brush which is great for painting uneven surfaces, or use a roller with a thick nap for a quicker application. Apply the primer to the entire brick wall in an even coating.
   • Most people choose water-based primers for a latex paint when they paint brick walls, but if you’re opting for an oil paint, use an oil-based primer.
   • Primers made for masonry are thinner, which will help the primer get into the brick’s uneven surface.
4. 4 Let it dry completely before deciding if you need another coat. Wait at least 24 hours for the coating of primer to dry. If you decide you want to add another coat to cover some spots that don’t look as protected as others, apply the second coat the same way you did the first.
   • Brick is very porous, making it more likely that you’ll want to apply a second coat of paint to ensure the paint job looks even.
   • Let the second coat of primer dry completely before applying paint.

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1. 1 Choose a masonry or latex paint for your brick wall. If you’re painting a brick fireplace, it’s important to choose a paint that’s heat-resistant so it won’t bubble up near the flames. Pick out a latex paint that’s flat, semigloss, or gloss depending on your own personal preferences.
   • Visit your local hardware store to find masonry or latex paint perfect for painting brick interiors.
2. 2 Roll the paint onto the brick evenly using a roller made for textured surfaces. Dip the roller in the paint tray and brush it back and forth in the tray to evenly distribute the paint on the roller before rolling it onto the brick. Apply the paint to the brick using the roller evenly by rolling it back and forth to spread a thin layer over the entire surface.
   • Choose a 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) thick nap roller that will be able to get into all the nooks and crannies of the brick wall.
   • Brick isn’t easily painted with a regular roller due to the extreme textures and uneven surface.
3. 3 Use a smaller paint brush to get paint into the nooks and crannies of the brick. While the roller will do a great job painting most of the brick wall, you may need to touch up sections using a small paint brush. Dip the brush into the paint and dab the paint into any cracks or spots that aren’t easily covered with a roller.
   • The mortar will likely need to be touched up using a brush, as well as any deep crevices in the bricks.
4. 4 Let the paint dry for 24 hours before adding another coat. If all of the brick is covered after one coat and you’re satisfied with how it looks, great! Otherwise, repeat the process of applying the paint to the brick using a roller and paint brush to add a second coat.
   • Let any additional coats dry for another 24 hours before placing anything on or next to the brick walls.

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Question Can you paint directly over brick? James Guth is the co-owner and founder of Chesapeake Painting Services LLC. With over 20 years of experience, James specializes in exterior and interior painting, drywall, powerwashing, wallpaper, staining, sealing, and carpentry. James holds a BS in Economics and Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Towson University Painting Specialist Expert Answer Yes, you can paint directly over brick. I would recommend washing it first, and if you’re using regular paint, you should also use a masonry primer.

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• Wire brush
• Dish soap
• TSP (optional)
• Clean rag
• Caulk (optional)

• Painter’s tape
• Drop cloths
• Ladder (optional)
• Latex primer
• Brush or roller

• Masonry or latex paint (heat-resistant paint if you’re painting a fireplace)
• 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) thick nap roller
• Small paintbrush

• If you’re unsure how your chosen paint color will look on the brick, try testing it out on a less noticeable section of the wall before applying it everywhere.
• Wait at least a year to paint a brick wall that’s been installed recently to allow the brick to settle in and dry completely.

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How do you prep a brick wall for painting?

Step 1: Prep the brick – It’s important to thoroughly clean the brick before you paint it. Use a wire brush and soapy water to scrub the brick and remove any efflorescence (those streaky white deposits) or dirt. If you’re having trouble getting the surface clean, you can apply a mixture of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water.

What kind of paint can you use on a brick wall?

4 Exceptions That Make It OK to Paint Brick – #1 If It’s Already Been Painted Most painted brick needs regular repainting, and compared to, it’s typically the lesser evil. Just be sure to use the right paint. The right paint to use for exterior brick: Use a mineral-based paint or a silicate paint that’s designed to be breathable, and is recommended for brick, such as the brand KEIM.

Should you DIY it? The long and short of it is this: There is so much critical, tedious prep work required, like cleaning and repairing damage, you’re better off having it done by a professional. According to Homewyse, the average cost for a professional to paint your brick home is $1.70 to $3.27 per square foot.

That adds up fast. #2 If the Brick is Severely Damaged Let’s say you’ve got an older home and the “the grout between the brick is old, and may have turned to sand,” says Chris Landis, partner/owner of Landis Architects/Builders, who sits on the board of Washington, D.C.’s, Historic Preservation Review Board.

Painting could be the solution. Sure, you could have the brick repointed (replacing/adding new mortar), but that can be costly — as much as $25 a square foot — depending on where you live and the degree of damage. (Cha-ching!) If you try fixing it yourself, “You’ll likely get cement all over the brick, which is really messy.

The best thing to do in that case is to actually paint it,” Landis says. Dried cement all over your brick isn’t a good look. #3 If the Brick Was Meant to Be Painted There’s a slim chance your home might have an old type of brick that actually needs to be painted to protect it.

• It was built before 1870.
• The brick was handmade, not machine-made.
• It has traces of paint that looks faded or whitewashed.
• The home lacks ornamental brick decoration.

The paint, however, for these bricks isn’t your typical latex paint. The paint must be all-natural, such as milk paint or lime-based whitewash. Modern paints will only damage the brick, potentially causing structural damage. Because these bricks are more delicate, homes using them are less likely to have ornate brick architectural features such as dog-toothing.

If you see features like those, then you have the more durable handmade bricks, which should never be painted. #4 If the Brick is Inside Indoor brick isn’t subject to harsh outdoor elements. If you were to paint your fireplace surround, for example, Palmer says you won’t have the issues of moisture and humidity.

So have fun with it! Related: : 5 Reasons You’ll Regret Painting Your Brick House

Can you paint directly over brick?

From time to time, brick surfaces, whether they are outside or in, need to be refreshed. You shouldn’t be afraid to use paint on brick. It can be used to complement interior and exterior color schemes, or to hide old, weathered and beaten bricks. You just need the tools and know-how to get the job done. Keep reading to find out how to use this DIY painting guide.

Is it better to spray or roll paint on brick?

Using the Right Tools and Materials – Like any other job, having the right tools on hand will make the job flow much smoother and easier. You will want to make sure you have a sprayer or roller that can cover large amounts of an area at one time. We recommend using a sprayer. If using a sprayer, you will still need a brush on hand for any drips or any hard-to-reach areas. Always keep in mind that before applying a second or third coat, you want to make sure and let the paint dry for at least 4-6 hours. We own the and absolutely love it. If you are going to DIY a painting project like this, a good paint sprayer is a must. It’s also very important to use the right type of paint on your exterior brick. We recommend using either a mineral-based paint or a latex paint made specifically for masonry. Both are fine, but mineral-based should hold up even longer.

Do I need to prime brick before painting?

Next, it’s Time to Prime. – No matter whether the brick you’re painting is old or new, interior or exterior, you absolutely must use a primer. “You want a primer that will ‘bite’ into the brick; the better it can wrap around those pores and get into all the nooks and crannies, the better the paint will adhere,” says Villar.

Primers made for brick and masonry are your best bet. “They’re usually a little thinner, which helps the primer penetrate into brick’s porous surface and bind any chalky or loose materials, and they have more alkaline resistance, which keeps the top coat of paint from getting alkali burn,” he explains.

Choose a water-based primer if you’re planning to use latex paint, or opt for an oil-based primer for oil paints.

What is the downside of painting brick?

Cons of Painting Brick – Most paint is not vapor-permeable, which means moisture is trapped within the brick itself. Paint creates an impenetrable membrane on the surface of masonry that leads to the paint bubbling, blistering, chipping, and peeling within just a few years.

Most brick is very porous and absorbs moisture when it is wet. Moisture can be the result of precipitation, high humidity, and even wet soil. Moisture around a foundation is soaked up through the pores of masonry until it reaches an equilibrium with the outside air. The moisture is then supposed to evaporate, but it is unable to escape if the brick surface has been painted.

The hardest part about painting your brick home is the amount of maintenance required to keep the paint looking fresh and pristine. Painted brick requires touch-ups for chipped or peeling areas since moisture easily lifts paint, Homeowners who choose to paint their brick homes should inspect areas close to the ground regularly as these are where a lot of chips and peels are found.

Do you need to seal brick before painting?

Tip #4 Apply Masonry Sealer and Primer – Brick and cement are porous and absorb water. Therefore, before painting, a layer or two of masonry sealer should be applied. A roller can be used for this task, and it will typically take from four to 12 hours for the surface to dry.

Is painting bricks a good idea?

Is painting brick a good idea? – Bricks will absorb moisture from the interior of a home and they need to be able to expel that moisture ; applying paint to the exterior can cause the paint and masonry to lift, peel or crack as it can become susceptible to freeze thaw cycles in cold climates.

Can you put masonry paint straight onto brick?

What Is Masonry Paint? – Masonry paint is any paint that you can use on a brick, stucco, or other surface. That being said, experts will tell you that there are some special qualities that make masonry paint different from other kinds of paint that you’ll find in stores:

Masonry paint will be able to stay in a nice, thick coat on brick much more easily than other types of paint.

It can also provide a measure of insulation on an area of your home that might usually struggle to retain heat. This is perfect for anyone looking to save energy and reduce their heating or air conditioning costs.

The paint is also allows your masonry to breathe. This insulates to keep moisture out of your home. The paint will also allow any moisture in the brick already to filter out into the air.

How long does painted brick last?

How Often Do You Have to Repaint a Brick House? – It can’t be denied that brick homes bring lots of advantages to their owners. A brick-made house can safeguard you and your family members and confers safety from natural disasters like storms, earthquakes, dust storms, etc. However, most house occupants usually paint their brick house to increase its outer & inner beauty.

But the problem is, after a couple of years, the paint wears off over time; thus, it needs to be repainted. The majority of house owners don’t know how often they should repaint their brick house if the previous paint is worn off. As we mentioned before, it actually depends on a few things. A good paint job on brick can last about 15 to 20 years in the proper condition.

If you notice that the bricks are in proper shape and don’t affect the look of your house, you don’t need to repaint it. But, if the bricks are chipped, getting worse, or in other deterioration, we’ll suggest repainting it with a professional one.

Is painting brick difficult?

Paint Can Damage the Brick – Brick is notoriously difficult to paint, so if you apply paintbrush to brick, you may end up doing shoddy work. Beyond aesthetics, however, a shoddy paint job can damage your brick surfaces. Clay and shale make brick porous, which means brick walls will naturally expel moisture from your home during wet weather.

• It’s a great material that actually adjusts to the weather to protect your home.
• When you slap paint over those porous materials, the brick stops breathing.
• It begins to hold onto the dampness, and your bricks end up deteriorating and crumbling.
• This can, alarmingly, cause structural damage to your home.

The only way around this is to use high-quality, vapor-permeable masonry paint and to be meticulous about how you apply the paint.

Can you paint brick or does it need to breathe?

Brick Needs to Breathe – The problem with painting brick is that it will trap moisture between the brick and paint, which essentially causes the brick to “die” in a sense as it doesn’t breathe. Brick actually adjusts itself yearly for the different elements of rain, sleet, snow, and heat.

How many coats does it take to paint brick?

3. Apply More Than One Coat of Paint – The best way to paint the brick of your house is to prime the surface with one coat of masonry primer, and then follow that with two coats of premium latex paint. Some painting contractors will try and get away with one thick coat.

What is the difference between brick paint and regular paint?

An Overview – Before we get into defining the benefits of brick painting, here’s a brief overview of what brick painting entails. The brick painting method involves layering a water-based coating—which will have binders, pigments, and additives mixed in to give it color—over the brick surface.

Does brick need to be pressure washed before painting?

Exterior – Exterior brick may be more intensive to clean, and it is crucial that the brick is clean and bone dry before adding any type of paint. Consider hiring a professional to power wash your brick and allow 24-48 hours to dry before adding your primer.

You can also rent a power washer and do it yourself, just make sure to observe ladder and pressure safety before starting your project. Before you prime and paint, be sure to also seal any cracks or gaps in your brick with acrylic caulk. This makes sure no leaks occur as well as protecting against future damage.

While you can use microfiber paint rollers, we recommend using a paint sprayer for large surfaces for a more even coating. This method will save you hours in time and will get into most of your bricks’ pores. For more precise sections like corners, you can use the rollers or handheld paintbrushes.

If you do use a paint sprayer, be sure to be diligent about covering any trim, windows, doors, and concrete that you don’t want paint getting on. Painting your brick surfaces can refresh your home and give a modern, sleek look with popping colors. However, it can be an expensive and time-consuming project on your own.

Hiring professionals like the Painting Company can help save you money and a headache. Contact the experts today for a ! : How To Paint Your Home’s Brick – The Painting Company

Do you have to use primer on brick before painting?

Next, it’s Time to Prime. – No matter whether the brick you’re painting is old or new, interior or exterior, you absolutely must use a primer. “You want a primer that will ‘bite’ into the brick; the better it can wrap around those pores and get into all the nooks and crannies, the better the paint will adhere,” says Villar.

1. Primers made for brick and masonry are your best bet.
2. They’re usually a little thinner, which helps the primer penetrate into brick’s porous surface and bind any chalky or loose materials, and they have more alkaline resistance, which keeps the top coat of paint from getting alkali burn,” he explains.

Choose a water-based primer if you’re planning to use latex paint, or opt for an oil-based primer for oil paints.

Can you put masonry paint straight onto brick?

What Is Masonry Paint? – Masonry paint is any paint that you can use on a brick, stucco, or other surface. That being said, experts will tell you that there are some special qualities that make masonry paint different from other kinds of paint that you’ll find in stores:

Masonry paint will be able to stay in a nice, thick coat on brick much more easily than other types of paint.

It can also provide a measure of insulation on an area of your home that might usually struggle to retain heat. This is perfect for anyone looking to save energy and reduce their heating or air conditioning costs.

The paint is also allows your masonry to breathe. This insulates to keep moisture out of your home. The paint will also allow any moisture in the brick already to filter out into the air.

Do I need to seal brick before painting?

Tip #4 Apply Masonry Sealer and Primer – Brick and cement are porous and absorb water. Therefore, before painting, a layer or two of masonry sealer should be applied. A roller can be used for this task, and it will typically take from four to 12 hours for the surface to dry.