Painting exterior brick is a controversial subject, especially among brick home aficionados. But what if the brick on your home is in less than perfect condition or possibly was already painted by the previous owner? Maybe you simply don’t like the look of brick. You can paint brick and make it look great but it does take a certain amount of know-how. Here are some tips that might help you determine if you want to paint your brick siding.
Before painting exterior brick, it is important to clean the surface properly. One of the best cleaners for outdoor surfaces is a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water. TSP is a very strong chemical, so it’s important to cover plants and painted surfaces around the area you want to clean. Regular household bleach can be added to TSP to treat mildew and remove black stains. Just be sure to read the manufacturers instructions and pay attention to any precautions listed. You might want to look into renting a power washer to make the job go faster.
A primer is necessary when painting exterior brick because it acts as a sealant to protect the brick and helps provide good adhesion for the actual paint. The other advantage of using primer is that it allows you to use less paint. The paint won’t soak into the brick as it would without a primer coat. Plus if you have your primer tinted with a little of your paint color, you’ll get truer color and may find you only need one coat of paint which will save you time and money.
Use a thick napped roller. Remember that brick has a course, porous surface and are held together with equally course mortar. So the nap on the roller needs to be long enough to reach all the nooks and crannies. If you still find that there are some spaces that the roller isn’t covering, try using a kitchen sponge to press the paint into these areas. Brick and mortar will not be paint tool friendly so be prepared to buy extra brushes and rollers.
Finally, know when to call a professional. If your brick is deteriorating, has numerous cracks or the mortar needs work, consider calling in the pros. If your brick home has multi levels that will require working on a ladder or scaffolding, know your physical limitations. You don’t want to start a job only to find that it’s beyond your capabilities.
Painting exterior brick may mean a little more work than painting regular siding, but when done properly can preserve the exterior of your home and give it a great new look.