If you’re looking to revamp the look of your home, painting exterior brick can be a great way to do it. This is not just about slapping on some paint and how to paint exterior brick calling it a day though; there’s an art and a science to this process that demands careful consideration. I’ve spent many days working with different types of exterior surfaces, and let me tell you, brick is one of the most challenging yet rewarding materials to work with.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details of how to paint exterior brick, let’s first understand why this task requires special attention. Brick is porous by nature which means it absorbs water — and consequently, paint — differently than other surfaces like wood or metal. Furthermore, brick expands and contracts according to temperature how to paint exterior brick fluctuations which can lead to cracking or peeling if not painted correctly.
So yes, while painting your exterior brick may seem like a daunting task at first glance, don’t worry! With my guidance and advice based on years of experience in this field, you’ll soon be ready to tackle this project with confidence. Let’s embark on this DIY journey together!
How to Paint Exterior Brick
When it comes to painting exterior brick, the first step is picking out the right paint. It’s not as simple as just choosing a color that catches your eye. There are certain factors to consider when selecting paint for exterior brick.
First off, you’ll want to choose a paint that’s specifically designed for masonry or brick. These paints are formulated to handle the unique characteristics of these surfaces, which include porosity and rough texture. Masonry paints also offer enhanced durability, standing up well against weather conditions like rain, wind, snow and even UV light from the sun.
Now let’s talk about sheen levels. You’ve got options how to paint exterior brick ranging from flat/matte finishes to high-gloss ones. While personal preference plays a role here, remember this: higher gloss levels tend to highlight surface imperfections more than their matte counterparts do.
Color choice is obviously crucial too. Lighter colors reflect sunlight and can help keep your home cooler in hot climates. Darker hues absorb heat but might fade quicker under harsh sun exposure.
Lastly, don’t forget about primer! A good quality masonry primer will ensure better adhesion of the paint onto your brick surface and promote an evenly colored finish.
Remember these points while making your decision and you’ll be on track towards achieving an amazing transformation for your home’s exterior with painted bricks!
Preparing the Surface
Before I dive into the actual painting process, let’s talk about one of the most critical steps: preparing the surface. If you’re like me, you might be tempted to skip this step and go straight to applying your favorite shade of paint. But trust me on this, preparation is key to getting a smooth, lasting finish.
First things first, we’ll need to clean the brick thoroughly. Over time, bricks accumulate dust, grime and sometimes mold or mildew – all of which can prevent paint from adhering properly. There are several ways you could go about doing this. You may choose to use a wire brush for smaller areas or rent a pressure washer for how to paint exterior brick larger exteriors. Just remember to let it dry completely before moving onto the next step.
Now that our bricks are squeaky clean, it’s time to take care of any repairs needed. Look out for any damaged mortar or loose bricks that need fixing up – failing to address these issues can result in an uneven finish later on. Depending on how severe these problems are, you might have to call in a professional mason.
Once our repair work is done and dusted (literally), we will seal off areas we don’t intend to paint using painter’s tape – windows, doors and trim should all be protected from potential paint splatters.
Lastly comes priming – a crucial step if you want your paint job to last longer and look better! Use an acrylic latex primer designed specifically for exterior brick surfaces; not only will it enhance adhesion but also help conceal any stains or discolorations.
