How to Paint Brick Like a Pro
Got a bland or beat-up brick wall? Treat it to a fresh face with paint in any color you choose
Although the thought of painting a brick wall makes some people blanch in horror, there are times when it makes sense. So let's assume you've done your homework, weighed the pros and cons, listened to a barrage of opinions and decided to forge ahead. What's next? Follow these tips for wielding the paint roller to give a brick surface new life.
Select the appropriate tools. Brick is heavily textured, so you'll need painting supplies that can handle its pits and crevices. Choose rollers with a long nap and press hard as you roll to push paint into tiny holes, or use a sprayer for the most even results.
You'll probably want a brush to take care of mortar lines and cut in around doorways or windows. Because of brick's rough edges, cutting in isn't as easy as it is on a smooth surface, so use a narrow brush that you can manipulate around bumps and crags.
Prime it right. Use a primer that's designed for masonry and apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions. (You'll almost always need more than one coat.) Let it dry completely between coats.
You'll probably want a brush to take care of mortar lines and cut in around doorways or windows. Because of brick's rough edges, cutting in isn't as easy as it is on a smooth surface, so use a narrow brush that you can manipulate around bumps and crags.
Prime it right. Use a primer that's designed for masonry and apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions. (You'll almost always need more than one coat.) Let it dry completely between coats.
Pick your finish. Brick often looks best painted in a slightly glossy finish, which highlights its detail better than a matte one and makes it easier to wipe clean. Use a 100 percent acrylic paint and roll or spray on one to two coats of your chosen color. Happy painting!
More:
What You Need to Know About Painting Brick
Interior Brick: Paint It or Leave It?
More:
What You Need to Know About Painting Brick
Interior Brick: Paint It or Leave It?
Scrub, scrub and scrub some more. Paint never adheres perfectly to a dirty surface (and plus, you risk sealing in the odd cobweb, dead bug or piece of lint). Use a stiff-bristled brush and a little dish soap diluted in water to clean the brick thoroughly, then wipe it down with a dry cloth. Let the bricks dry completely before you start painting.