Brick surfaces can be incredibly beautiful on their own and many people don’t paint their brick surfaces at all. These brick surfaces can sustain damage over time that will detract from their overall appearance. However, brick surfaces have unique textures that can make them incredibly difficult to paint or change the appearance of. Understanding the right methods for painting a brick surface can go a long way toward providing a beautiful paint job, despite the difficult texture of brick. It is similarly important to follow the appropriate safety procedures when you are painting in order to prevent the possibility of damage and injuries. Here are a few of the top tips for painting a brick surface.
Check the Weather
Though this may come across as somewhat obvious, it is incredibly important to check the weather prior to painting the brick surface. This tends to be most important when you are painting the exterior of your property, but overall temperatures can still impact an interior paint job, as well. Ensure that it will be a clear day and that rain will not damage the paint job before it is allowed to dry thoroughly. It will be far better to wait for a day with good weather and have a great paint job than to paint the house on a day that is less than ideal, which can have lasting consequences on the condition of the paint job.
Make Repairs
It is critical to make all necessary repairs to the brick of your building before you attempt to paint the brick surface. Carefully inspect the brick wall and make repairs made. You should fill in the cracks of the brick with caulk in order to prevent significant issues. The caulk will need adequate time to cure before you are able to paint over its surface, so it is important to do this step as early as possible.
Use the Right Tools
The appropriate tools will make a substantial impact on the outcome of your paint job. Brick surfaces have an uneven surface that can be incredibly difficult to implement an even layer of paint over. It is often best to use a paint sprayer when you attempt to paint a brick surface. This allows the surface to be painted much more easily, which will also help to ensure a more even layer of paint over the brick surface. If you are unable to use a paint sprayer, you should ensure that the roller that you use has a thick nap in order to meet the demands of the texture of a brick surface.
Problems with New Brick
It is problematic to attempt to paint a new brick surface, though it may seem like a great idea. A brand new brick surface is extremely porous and can be relatively chalky, as well. Paint often has difficulty staying on a brick surface over time when the paint was applied to a new brick surface. You should allow the brick to age for at least a month after it was constructed but waiting for at least a year tends to be preferable. This will allow the brick surface to have ample time to weather before you begin the paint job.
Clean Thoroughly
Ensure that you clean the brick thoroughly prior to painting. The appropriate cleaning methods will help to remove cobwebs, mildew, and dirt from the surface. This will help to ensure that the paint is able to adhere more effectively to the surface of the brick. Pressure washing may be the ideal method for cleaning your brick surface, especially when you are working on the exterior of your building. Pressure washing can help to thoroughly clean the surface and cut through layers of grime. This goes a long way toward providing a clean surface to begin the paint job.
Use a Primer
It is extremely important to use a primer when you intend to paint a brick surface. Without the appropriate primer, it is highly likely that the paint will have difficulty staying on the brick’s unique texture. The use of a primer will go a long way toward allowing the paint to adhere firmly to the surface of the brick.
Use Appropriate Paint Type
You need to be careful when choosing the appropriate paint type for your brick surface. This is especially true when it is an exterior surface. Choose a paint type that is resistant to weather to ensure that it remains in good condition for as long as possible. The quality of the paint that you use will make a substantial difference to the overall condition and appearance of your paint job.
Reasons for Painting a Brick Surface
Though brick can certainly provide a great natural appearance, there are still many reasons that an individual may choose to paint a brick surface. This may be done in order to cover up graffiti or the appearance of water stains. It can also be done to modify the overall color or appearance of the brick in order to meet personal preferences. These are just a few of the reasons for painting a brick surface.
Staining Brick
Though painting brick is certainly an option, it isn’t the only option for changing a brick wall’s appearance. Staining brick is an alternative to painting that still allows you to modify the brick’s appearance. This method, unlike painting, serves to emphasize the brick’s natural texture, rather than masking it. It is still important to follow the correct steps when staining brick to optimize its appearance.
When you decide on painting a brick surface, it is crucial to ensure that you follow the appropriate steps to provide a superior paint job. Our experts at Wilson’s Paint and Floor Coverings are dedicated to providing you with the necessary painting services to optimize the appearance of your home. Whether you need a new paint job or to have your building repainted, we offer the best solutions to meet your needs. To learn more about how our painting services can improve the appearance of your home, contact us at Wilson’s Paint and Floor Coverings today!
