Yes, painting an outside brick wall is a popular and effective way to update your home's exterior, provided you follow the correct preparation and application steps. Transforming the look of your brick facade can enhance curb appeal and offer a fresh aesthetic.
Why Paint Your Brick Wall?
Painting brick offers several benefits, making it an attractive option for many homeowners looking to refresh their property:
- Aesthetic Upgrade: Completely changes the look of your home, offering a modern or updated appearance. You can achieve a wide range of styles, from contemporary to classic, with different color choices.
- Conceal Imperfections: Hides stains, discoloration, or minor repairs that might be unsightly on natural brick, creating a more uniform surface.
- Increased Curb Appeal: A fresh coat of paint can significantly boost your home's visual appeal and potentially its market value.
- Protection (with proper sealing): High-quality exterior paints can offer an additional layer of protection against the elements, although brick is naturally durable.
Is Painting Brick Right for You? (Considerations)
While painting brick can be transformative, it's a significant commitment. Consider these factors before starting your project:
- Long-Term Commitment: Once painted, removing the paint from brick is extremely difficult and often impossible without damaging the brick. This is generally considered a permanent change.
- Maintenance: Painted brick requires repainting every 5-10 years, depending on paint quality, weather exposure, and proper initial application, similar to other painted exterior surfaces.
- Moisture Management: Brick needs to "breathe" to release trapped moisture. Using the wrong type of paint can seal the surface too tightly, potentially leading to moisture issues, efflorescence (white powdery deposits), and eventual paint failure.
- Preparation is Key: The success and longevity of your painted brick depend almost entirely on meticulous preparation of the surface before any paint is applied.
Essential Steps Before You Paint
Proper preparation is paramount for a successful and long-lasting paint job on an exterior brick wall. Skipping these steps can lead to peeling, blistering, and an overall poor finish.
1. Cleaning the Brick
Thorough cleaning removes dirt, grime, mildew, and efflorescence that can prevent paint from adhering properly.
- Soft Washing: For general dirt and grime, a simple garden hose with a scrub brush and mild detergent often suffices.
- Pressure Washing: Use with caution and at a lower PSI (pounds per square inch) to avoid damaging the mortar or brick surface. Hold the nozzle at a safe distance and never aim directly into mortar joints at high pressure.
- Mold and Mildew Removal: A solution of one part bleach to three parts water can be effective. Apply, let sit for 15-20 minutes, then scrub and rinse thoroughly. For eco-friendly options, there are also specialized mold and mildew removers available.
- Efflorescence Treatment: For efflorescence, specialized masonry cleaners containing phosphoric acid might be necessary. Always follow manufacturer instructions and wear appropriate safety gear.
2. Repairing Damage
Inspect your brick wall for any damage and address it before painting. Painting over damaged areas will not hide them effectively and can lead to future issues.
- Mortar Repair: Re-point any crumbling or missing mortar joints. Use a high-quality masonry caulk or mortar repair compound that matches your existing mortar's characteristics.
- Crack Filling: Fill any cracks in the brick or mortar with appropriate masonry filler or caulk designed for exterior use. Ensure the fillers are compatible with paint.
- Allow Curing Time: Give all repairs ample time to cure completely according to product instructions, often several days to a week, before proceeding.
3. Ensuring Dryness
Brick is porous and retains moisture. It's crucial that the wall is completely dry before painting. Any trapped moisture under the paint can lead to blistering, peeling, and mildew growth.
- Minimum Drying Time: After cleaning or repairs, allow the brick to dry for at least 24-72 hours, or even longer in humid conditions or after heavy rain.
- Moisture Test: A simple test involves taping a 1-foot square piece of plastic sheeting to the wall for 24 hours. If condensation forms underneath, the wall is still too wet to paint.
Choosing the Right Materials
Selecting the correct primer and paint is critical for a durable, long-lasting finish on your exterior brick wall.
Primer – The Crucial First Layer
For bare surfaces like brick, applying a primer is a non-negotiable step. This foundational layer acts as an adhesive, creating a strong bond that allows your paint to stick easily and effectively to the porous brick. Primer typically has a thin, milky consistency and can be applied with ease using a paintbrush or roller, ensuring an even base for your topcoat. Choose a high-quality, 100% acrylic or masonry-specific primer designed for exterior use on porous surfaces. This will significantly improve paint adhesion and durability.
Selecting Exterior Paint
After priming, you'll need a topcoat specifically formulated for exterior masonry. These paints are designed to be durable, breathable, and weather-resistant.
- 100% Acrylic Latex Paint: This is the most common and recommended type for brick. It's breathable, flexible, and resistant to fading, cracking, and mildew, allowing the brick to release moisture without compromising the paint film.
- Elastomeric Paint: This thicker paint offers superior flexibility and waterproofing properties, making it excellent for brick walls with minor hairline cracks or in areas prone to heavy moisture. It can bridge small cracks and prevent water intrusion.
- Breathability: Always ensure the chosen paint allows the brick to "breathe" (vapor permeability) to prevent moisture issues, which can lead to damage.
| Paint Type | Key Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 100% Acrylic Latex | Breathable, flexible, durable, mildew-resistant | General exterior brick painting, good all-around performance on sound brick |
| Elastomeric Paint | High flexibility, bridges hairline cracks, waterproof | Older brick with minor cracks, areas with high moisture exposure, added protection |
How to Paint Your Brick Wall (Step-by-Step Guide)
Once your wall is prepped and you have your materials, follow these steps for effective application:
- Mask and Protect: Use painter's tape to protect trim, windows, doors, and any other areas you don't want painted. Lay down drop cloths or plastic sheeting on the ground to catch drips and protect landscaping.
- Apply Primer: Using a high-quality exterior roller with a thick nap (3/4 inch or 1 inch for rough brick) or a sprayer, apply an even coat of your chosen masonry primer. For mortar joints and hard-to-reach areas, use a good quality exterior paintbrush. Ensure full coverage. Allow the primer to dry completely according to manufacturer instructions, which is typically several hours.
- Apply First Coat of Paint: Once the primer is dry, apply your first coat of 100% acrylic latex or elastomeric paint. Work in manageable sections, applying paint evenly. Again, use a thick-nap roller for broad areas and a brush for detailing. Avoid applying paint too thickly, which can hinder breathability.
- Allow Drying Time: Let the first coat dry thoroughly, usually 4-8 hours, or as specified by the paint manufacturer, before applying another coat.
- Apply Second Coat (and Third if Needed): Apply a second coat of paint. For darker colors, if covering a significantly different base color, or if the brick is particularly porous, a third coat might be necessary to achieve full, even coverage and consistent color.
- Remove Tape: Carefully remove painter's tape and drop cloths before the paint fully cures to prevent peeling or tearing the paint edge.
Maintenance Tips for Painted Brick
To keep your painted brick looking fresh and extend its lifespan, incorporate these maintenance practices:
- Regular Cleaning: Periodically wash the painted surface with a soft brush, a garden hose, and a mild soap solution (like dish soap and water) to remove dirt, cobwebs, and grime. Avoid harsh chemicals or high-pressure washing that could damage the paint.
- Inspect Annually: Check for any chips, cracks, or peeling paint, especially after harsh weather conditions. Address any minor damage promptly with touch-up paint to prevent further deterioration.
- Address Moisture: Ensure gutters are clean and downspouts direct water away from the foundation to prevent moisture accumulation on the brick surface. Proper drainage around your home is crucial.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully paint your outside brick wall and enjoy a beautiful, refreshed exterior for years to come.
