Painting brick can transform your home, breathing new life to everything from fireplaces and accent walls to exterior facades. While brick is beautiful untouched, its natural tones don’t constantly line up with every design style, which is where the ideal paint strategy can make all the distinction.
To assist you get it right, we gathered suggestions from the professionals on the very best methods to paint brick. Whether you’re painting a room in your Boston, MA home or remodeling the interior of your Lincoln, NE home, this article will give practical recommendations to assist you attain a beautiful, long-lasting finish.
Start with the ideal preparation for enduring outcomes
No matter which method you select, painting brick starts with thoughtful preparation for enduring outcomes. Here are a couple of vital pointers to set yourself up for success:
- Clean the brick completely: Remove dust, dirt, grease, and any loose particles before you start to guarantee appropriate adhesion and prevent uneven protection.
- Utilize a primer particularly for masonry surfaces: A quality masonry guide seals porous brick, producing a smooth base, which is specifically key for a strong painted finish.
- Safeguard the surroundings: Use ground cloth and painter’s tape to cover doors, windows, moldings, and sidewalks.
Introduction
To assist you compare your alternatives at a glance, here’s a breakdown of the most popular brick painting approaches and how they vary in surface, breathability, and toughness.
| Method | Breathability | Complete | Toughness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paint | Low | Smooth and nontransparent | Moderate (can peel) |
| Limewash | High | Chalky and matte | High (fades gracefully) |
| Stain | High | Natural | Outstanding (permanent) |
| German smear | High | Textured and rough | Outstanding |
1. The standard technique
The standard technique is a popular method to paint brick, specifically when you’re aiming to dramatically lighten up a fireplace, interior wall, or exterior facade. “It’s is ideal for achieving a tidy, contemporary aesthetic. It offers a more uniform surface and bold improvement than other methods,” shares the team at 21st Century Painting & Roofing in Austin, TX
When it pertains to application, proper materials and technique are crucial. Jennifer Maune, chef and tastemaker behind the digital way of life brand, Living Life Beautifully suggests, “Use a breathable, premium masonry paint to prevent trapping moisture inside the brick, which can result in peeling with time. Apply with a combination of a roller and angled brush to reach mortar lines and texture, and surface with a weather-resistant sealer for lasting results.”
“We carried this very same technique into a painted brick fireplace makeover, applying it to flagstone to change heavy, dark surface areas into intense, inviting centerpieces,” Jennifer discusses. “By lightening the stone, we attained a true fireplace transformation that shows more natural light while maintaining its texture and character.”
2. Limewash
If you’re drawn to a lighter, lived-in appearance, limewashing is a fantastic alternative to traditional paint. Unlike basic masonry paint, limewash soaks into the brick rather than sitting on top of it, developing a more natural surface.
“This is a preferred option for homeowners who want a softer, more natural appearance. It provides a classic appearance and can be tailored with either a single coat or numerous coats depending upon the wanted level of coverage and texture,” the 21st Century Painting & Roof group discusses.
For Amanda of Amanda Katherine Interiors, limewash is a personal favorite for updating older brick while preserving its character. “I love brick and the texture it provides, however frequently the color requires some updating if you bought an older home. If you have a dated brick and you wish to lighten it up, try limewash. It’s one of my preferred items to ‘paint’ brick. It’s a natural item that enables the brick to breathe and is easier to work with.” Amanda limewashed her own brick fireplace and still enjoys the results years later.
3. Brick staining
If you’re disputing painting brick without completely covering its texture, staining is a subtler, character-rich option. Rather of producing a solid, opaque layer, staining boosts the natural variation in the brick, enabling its depth and measurement to peek through.
As Ryan Briggs, owner of Apotheosis Painting in Charleston, SC, describes, the first step is picking the overall appearance you’re after. “A strategy like ‘brick staining’ or a diluted paint wash lets the texture and variation of the brick show through while still upgrading the color.”
As a finest practice, Ryan advises doing a fast test initially. “Constantly evaluate your approach on a little, concealed area first, since brick takes in finishes differently. Taking this additional step helps you call in the exact look before dedicating to the whole surface.”
4. German smear
German smear is one method to paint brick that provides a textured, European-inspired look. Rather of paint or wash, this method utilizes a layer of damp mortar that’s used over the surface area and then partly cleaned away to create a soft, irregular finish.
The outcome is a much heavier, more dimensional appearance than limewash or paint, with a noticeably rustic appearance. In some locations, the initial brick glimpses through, while heavier finishes cover others, giving the surface area a timeworn feel.
German smear works specifically well on fireplaces and outside brick, where included texture can make a design declaration.
Picking the right method for painting brick
While you’re pondering the best way to paint your brick, it deserves believing beyond the surface itself. Consider how each method will use in time, maintenance, and how the final appearance will complement the rest of your home’s design. All things thought about, the objective is to pick an option that continues to feel ideal for your home with time.