Essential Guide to Paint Brick Exterior: Step-by-Step
Painting brick is a simple yet impact way to refresh the look of your home’s exterior. While natural red brick can be stunning in certain settings, painting it can improve your home’s curb appeal. However, painting brick isn’t as simple as applying a fresh coat of paint. Without the expertise, you might end up with peeling paint, an uneven finish, or even issues like alkali burn. To help you, we have discussed a step-by-step guide on how to paint a brick exterior successfully.
Step 1: Prepare the Brick for Painting
- Before applying primer, it’s crucial to ensure the brick surface is completely free of debris, dust, or grease. Skipping the cleaning step means you’re essentially painting over sand and dust, which won’t adhere properly.
For exterior brick, a gentle power wash usually does the job. A wire scrub brush can help smooth rough spots or remove loose mortar pieces. Allow the brick to dry thoroughly, ideally for one to two days, before taping off areas you want to keep paint-free.
Step 2: Apply Concrete and Masonry Primer
- Once the brick surface is thoroughly dry and all necessary preparations are in place for areas that won’t be painted, it’s time to apply the primer. Professionals use high-quality primers and sealers because they are exceptional at priming and sealing the entire surface. The masonry sealer creates a strong waterproof barrier, fills in pores, and evens out surface texture, preventing moisture absorption and ensuring uniformity.
It provides a strong foundation for the final paint coat to adhere to effectively. Additionally, depending on your chosen brick wall color, professional painters tint the primer to match closely, facilitating coverage with a single coat of paint due to its thickness. Allow proper drying before proceeding with painting the brick exterior.
Step 3: Apply Your Paint
- With the prep work done, it’s time to paint your brick in your chosen color. Thanks to the primer, any paint sheen or formula can work. Many people in Atkinson prefer higher-sheen finishes for brick since they resist marring and staining, but eggshell or flat finishes are also great for achieving a softer look.
Latex paint is quick-drying and easy to clean up, while oil-based paint provides a harder, more durable finish. If the brick is outdoors, opt for a weather-resistant exterior paint to ensure longevity. Sealing isn’t typically necessary for painted brick.
Step 4: Clean Up and Inspect
- After applying the final coat of exterior paint, focus on cleaning up and thoroughly inspecting the surface for any missed spots or imperfections. This phase is ideal for reapplying waterproof caulk at window seals, ensuring proper waterproofing where the roof meets the brick, and addressing any additional trim painting that may be necessary. It’s a crucial step to ensure the overall quality and longevity of the finished paint job.
How to Paint Brick Exterior: Conclusion
- Painting brick can give your home a fresh, modern feel. By following the right steps, you can achieve a stunning result that lasts. While knowing how to paint brick exterior can enhance the look and durability of your home, especially in climates like Atkinson, the process can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar with prepping or selecting the right materials.
For the best and most durable results, consider hiring professional painters. They have the expertise and tools to ensure the job is done efficiently and beautifully, saving you time and hassle.
Give your home the professional treatment it deserves with our exterior painting services. Experience Neat, Efficient, and Professional service with Miles Makarowski Painting! Call us today at (603) 489-8802 for a complimentary estimate. We are located in Atkinson, NH.