Painting brick is a controversial move for many home owners, but sometimes a coat of paint is the best solution for the overall look of your home. If your home has mismatched brick, or noticeable stains that cannot be removed, paint could be a good option. Conversely, matched brick that is in good condition should be preserved if at all possible.
Because of the textured surface of the brick, it is important to consider how you will apply the paint. Using a deep nap roller or sponge to apply the paint is an inexpensive option, but there are better available if you are painting a large area. If possible, you should consider renting a sprayer that will allow you get primer into all of the crevices.
Before painting your brick, carefully clean the surface with a wire brush. You should remove as much dirt, dust, and other debris as possible. Skipping this step will result in a grainy texture and a paint job that is most likely to peel.
After the brick is cleaned, it is a good time to examine the mortar joints. Often the brick in a home is sound but the mortar is not. If the mortar is particularly crumbly, get a contractor to look at the masonry before beginning any work. If there is only minimal deterioration of the joints, you may want to seal them with acrylic or silicon caulk. Make sure when using the caulk it is not only recommended for masonry, but will be simple to paint over.
After allowing any caulk to dry thoroughly, wash the bricks with a 3 to 1 mixture of water and bleach. Wait for the area to dry at least 48 hours to ensure that you don’t trap any moisture underneath the primer.
Next, prime the surface with a latex primer specifically used for masonry applications. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions during application; many recommend two thin coats before proceeding with the paint. Let each coat dry thoroughly before the next step.
Finally you can apply your chosen paint color to the prepared surface. Plan on applying several coats and allowing each coat to dry completely before applying another.