Is an unsightly brick wall or fireplace making your home feel dark and dated? The patina of timeworn brick can add architectural beauty and interest to a home, but not all brick is beautiful. Some newer bricks can be downright unattractive or fight against your design aesthetic. If you are unhappy with this feature in your home paint can be a great option. You might even find that it transforms your least favorite part of your home into one that you like best!
Getting Brick Ready for Paint
Because unpainted brick is a porous material it has different preparation requirements than drywall.
- Begin by inspecting your brick carefully. Look for large crack or signs of efflorescence, a white residue left behind from evaporated water.
- Wash your bricks with soapy water and a stiff bristle brush then wait for it to dry completely before applying paint (usually 24 hours).
- Sometimes soap and water isn’t enough to get your bricks clean. Use a mixture of TSP to remove stubborn dirt. Mix a half cup of TSP with a gallon of water and wash your brick.
- Fill in any cracks with acrylic caulk, and allow the caulk to dry completely.
Painting Interior Brick
A brush, roller, or sprayer are all acceptable ways to apply paint to brick, but a sprayer will get the job done the fastest. Always tape off the surrounding area and lay down drop cloths to protect your floor. Apply a coat of latex primer, and allow it to dry completely. Proper surface preparation is always important, but it is especially important to prime unpainted brick prior to painting. Unprimed brick will soak up paint like a sponge, leading to wasted time and money!
Use either an elastodynamic paint or a regular acrylic-latex blend for your paint color. Elastodynamic paints are especially well-suited for brick because they have a high elasticity that fills in cracks. Brick can be difficult to clean. Selecting a paint in a semi- or high-gloss finish will make it easiest to clean and highlight the texture of your brick.
