How to Paint Brick Surfaces

 

Brick surfaces are capable of providing a beautiful, natural appearance all on their own. However, there are still many reasons that people decide to paint a brick surface. Brick can be a somewhat difficult material to paint, because they have a bumpy, uneven texture. This can make it difficult to provide an even layer of paint over the surface, as well as ensure that the paint will stick securely to the surface. Here are a few of the things that you need to know about how to paint brick surfaces.

Repair the Brick

Ensure that you carefully inspect your brick surface prior to painting. Make any repairs that are necessary before you begin the painting process. When you use caulk to fill in cracks, it is important to give the caulk enough time to set properly before you paint over it. These steps can go a long way toward protecting both the appearance and condition of your brick wall. While it may seem like paint is sufficient at covering the appearance of the cracks, a layer of paint will do nothing to prevent the damage from escalating.

Prepare the Brick Surface

You need to ensure that you carefully prepare the brick surface before you begin to paint. This helps to remove harmful particles from the brick in order to ensure a surface that is more capable of holding the paint. The first step is to carefully clean the surface of the brick. This helps to remove mildew, dirt, and cobwebs that can otherwise accumulate on the surface of the brick. Pressure washing can be a valuable method for preparing the brick surface before you paint it. This is particularly beneficial for exterior surfaces, as it will help to cut through the grime that will accumulate on the surface of your building.

Allow Brick to Age

New brick is not the beautiful blank canvas that it would appear to be. New brick is an extremely porous surface and it won’t hold paint very well, which will result in a less than ideal paint job. If possible, you should let the brick age for approximately a year to ensure that it has sufficient time to weather before painting. However, at a minimum you should wait at least a month before painting a new brick surface.

Use Primer

It can be tempting to skip the layer of primer before you paint your brick surface, especially because you will have to wait for the primer to dry. However, primer is incredibly important when you intend to paint your brick surface. The primer you use will help to ensure that the paint will be able to stick to the surface of the brick. Never skip the primer layer when you intend to paint a brick surface, because the primer helps to ensure that the paint adheres to the surface of the brick.

Check the Weather

It is crucial to ensure that you stay up-to-date regarding the weather before you begin the paint job. When the weather interrupts your paint job, it will cause a lower quality of paint job. When you are painting the exterior of your building, you need to ensure that the weather will remain good until the paint job will have dried completely. The last thing you want is for inclement weather to mitigate the effort that you put into your new paint job. The right season can also help to ensure the best possible paint job.

Choose the Right Paint

Whether you are painting the interior or exterior of your property, it is important to choose the right paint when you are painting brick. When you don’t do so, it is likely that you will implement low-quality paint that will result in a low-quality paint job. Choose a paint that is resistant to UV rays in order to prevent fading from exposure to the sun. You will also want a paint that is capable of handling exposure to the elements when it is outdoors. The right paint will ensure a much more beautiful paint job that will last for much longer.

Use the Appropriate Tools

Brick can be difficult to paint because it has a rough, uneven surface. When you use the appropriate tools, you will simplify the process of painting a brick surface. In most situations, a paint sprayer will be the ideal option for painting brick, because it will help to provide an even layer of paint that is able to penetrate the nooks and crannies of a brick surface. If you are unable to use a paint sprayer for whatever reason, you should use a roller with a thick nap. This will help to provide a better paint job on a brick surface than those with a thinner nap. You will also need to use the right safety equipment to ensure a safe painting process, such as ladders to paint hard to reach locations.

Options for Changing Brick

Painting brick can certainly be a rather difficult process. However, it isn’t the only option for altering the appearance of a brick surface. Staining the brick is another potential option to change this appearance. Brick staining helps to emphasize the natural texture of the brick, rather than masking that texture.

Reasons to Paint Brick Surfaces

Though brick surfaces often look fine all on their own, there are still several reasons to paint brick surfaces. A new paint job can be used to help change the appearance or color of the brick surface in order to match an individual’s preferences. A paint job can also be used to help cover up water stains or graffiti.

When you paint a brick surface, it is important to ensure that you follow the appropriate steps to ensure a good paint job. This can go a long way toward preventing substantial issues from occurring and ensuring the best possible appearance for your brick surface. Hiring a professional painting service can go a long way toward providing the best possible outcome for the paint job. At Brush Brothers Painting, we are able to provide excellent painting services for your brick surfaces.