Painting Brick? Here Is What You Need to Know
Brick can serve various purposes for home interiors. It can light up a room, giving it more character, or bring a traditional flair to the area. However, these effects will diminish with wear and tear, and sometimes it’s refreshing to give the brick a new look.
Luckily, changing the aesthetic impression of brick can be quite effortless. All it requires is a new paint job. There are several details worth considering to do it properly.
Necessary materials and tools
When it comes to the essential materials, the list is straightforward. You’ll need water, soap, a latex primer, and latex or masonry paint. Additionally, some trisodium phosphate (TSP) should be on hand. Please note that for areas near a fireplace, it would be best to use heat-proof paint.
Tools required for painting brick are a scrub brush, painter's tape, some cloths, a paintbrush, and a roller. When you have everything ready, the painting job can start.
Brick must be cleaned beforehand
It's vital to clean the brick's surface thoroughly to ensure the paint adheres to the brick. For this, it's best to use a mixture of soap and water along with a scrub brush. Scrubbing will remove any dirt or deposits from the surface, but if it proves inefficient with stubborn dirt, a mixture of TSP and water should finish the job. Wearing gloves and goggles is essential when handling TSP.
The brick will need to dry completely before proceeding with the painting. It would be good to check for any damage or cracks, paying attention to structural issues. If such problems are apparent, you should seek professional help.
Correct application of paint
The latex primer performs a vital function in painting, so it should be thoroughly applied to the brick, especially if certain parts have suffered mildew damage. It would be recommendable to have more than one coat of primer in those areas.
Once the primer has dried, use the paintbrush or roller to apply the appropriate paint. Alternatively, a sprayer could be a convenient tool for the job, although it's typically only used by professionals. Whatever the tool, the paint should cover the brick thoroughly so that it does not show through.
Other considerations
If the brick's in good condition, staining might be a better alternative as it will refresh the surface while being absorbed into the brick rather than coating the brick.
The painting should be postponed if the brick's damaged, as it could make the matter worse.
Acidic cleaners should be avoided for brick preparation.
For repairs or structural issues, it's best to consult with painting professionals about how best to proceed. The same applies when it comes to any problems with painting.
