Brick painting is done for a variety of reasons: to match the repaired part with the rest of the wall, to complement the decor, or simply to change the overall color. Unlike ordinary paint, brick stain absorbs into and binds to the brick, resulting in a permanent discoloration and allowing the brick to "breathe".
Step
Part 1 of 2: Getting Started
Step 1. Make sure the bricks absorb water
Splash a cup of water on the brick. If the water condenses and flows, the brick cannot be colored. Brick may be coated with a sealant, or it may be a non-absorbent type. See the following steps for more information.
Step 2. Remove the sealant if necessary
If the brick surface no absorbs water, you may need to remove the sealant. This process is not always effective, and can change the color of the walls. Try the following methods:
- Apply lacquer thinner on a small area and let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Wipe and test the water again. If absorbed, use lacquer thinner all over the area.
- If the water doesn't absorb, try again with a commercial brick or concrete sealant scraper.
- If a commercial scraper doesn't work, the brick cannot be colored. Better to use ordinary paint.
Step 3. Clean the bricks
Wet the bricks with water first so they don't absorb the cleaning liquid. Scrub with a light, watery detergent from top to bottom to remove mold, stains, and dirt. Rinse completely from top to bottom, then dry completely.
- Highly discolored bricks may require a chemical brick cleaner, but these products can damage bricks and mortar, or block stains. Look for a milder option, and avoid unbuffered muriatic/chloric acid in general.
- If you are handling large surfaces, we recommend that you use the services of a trained operator to clean the surface with a pressure wash machine. If not handled professionally, bricks can be permanently damaged. Make sure you mix the cleaner with the water before using the pressure wash.
Step 4. Choose a brick stain product
If possible, find a hardware store that will allow you to sample the stain before buying. If you bought one online, find a kit that includes a variety of colors so you can mix them up to experiment with getting the right shade. Choose from the following types:
- Water based brick stains are recommended for a variety of brick coloring projects. This product is easy to use and allows the brick to “breathe” and prevents water from settling.
- Brick stain that has been mixed with sealant will create a waterproof layer for the brick. This product can actually exacerbate water damage in many situations. Use this product only for small areas with extreme water exposure, or for highly porous and damaged bricks.
Step 5. Protect yourself and the area from splashes
Wear gloves, an old cloth, and safety glasses. Use masking tape to seal in areas you don't want stained, such as window sills, door frames, etc.
- You don't need to seal the mortar lines between the bricks, as long as the coloring is done carefully.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby so you can rinse the spill right away. If spilled on skin, rinse thoroughly with soapy water. In case of contact with eyes, rinse with clean water for 10 minutes.
Step 6. Check the weather conditions
The brick surface should be completely dry and clean. Exterior brick surfaces should not be stained during windy weather to prevent drips and uneven drying. Some stains should not be used in hot or cold weather, according to label directions.
Temperature usually only needs to be watched in extreme heat or cold. Depending on the product, the minimum temperature can be in the range of -4 to +4º C. The maximum temperature is usually around 43º C
Step 7. Mix the stain
Read the instructions for using the stain on the container carefully. Usually the stain is mixed with water before use. Measure the amount of water carefully to get a consistent color. Stir until evenly distributed in a figure eight pattern.
- Use a disposable container where the paint brush fits perfectly.
- When in doubt, reduce the amount of stain mixed with the water. Adding concentrated color is then easier than lightening an already applied stain.
- If you're mixing several colors, note the exact amount of each color mixed so you can repeat the recipe in the next job.
Part 2 of 2: Using Stains
Step 1. Test the stain on a small surface area
Try coloring wall corners or leftover brick. Let it dry completely so you can see how the mixture looks. Read the steps below to find out how to use the product.
Repeat this step each time you try a new mixture. The stain will be permanent so take some time to find the color you want. If you have trouble, ask the shop staff for help
Step 2. Dip and drain the brush
Use a regular paint brush, the width of which is equal to the width of one brick. Dip the brush into the stain, then press it against the lip of the container to remove excess stain. Don't use the side of your lip that's opposite you so the splash doesn't hit the wall.
- If you're worried that the stain will drip on the brick, use plain water. Water-based stains have a similar consistency.
- For very large surfaces, use a roller or sprayer. This method is not as controlled as a brush, and will also color the mortar.
Step 3. Apply stain
For brick and mortar structures, gently run the brush along one brick. For pavement bricks or other brick surfaces with no material in between, apply several overlapping strokes, covering each surface twice. In both cases, immediately repair the small gap with the corner of the brush.
Drag the brush in the direction of the hand you are using (left to right for right-handed people)
Step 4. Stir each time you dip the brush
Dip and drain the brush after every third or fourth stroke, or when it seems that the coating is visibly diminishing. Stir each time to keep the color even. Don't dip the brush if it's only partially gone through a brick unless absolutely necessary.
Step 5. Wipe in a spread pattern
If you color a row of bricks, they may be darker or lighter at the ends, when you reach the bottom of the stain holder. Make sure these small differences appear natural by coloring the bricks in a diffused pattern.
Step 6. Clean the drip immediately
Droplets can leave dark streaks that are difficult to remove once they have settled. Wipe immediately with a damp cloth. Drain the brush over the lip of the container to prevent further dripping.
If you accidentally colored the mortar and couldn't wipe it all off, scrape it off gently with an old screwdriver or other metal tool
Step 7. Color the mortar (optional)
If you're going to color the mortar, use a thin brush that fits snugly against the mortar line. We recommend using a variety of colors to make it look beautiful.
Step 8. Clean the fixture
Wash all painting tools so that the remaining stain does not dry out. Dispose of container and residual stain according to the safety label on the package.
Step 9. Wait for the stain to dry
Drying time depends on temperature, humidity level and product used. A smooth flow of air over the brick surface will speed up drying.
Tips
- Brick stains usually do not pose a health or safety hazard. We recommend that you read the safety information on the product label just in case.
- Wipe off excess stain when using latex-based stains so they don't thicken on the surface instead of absorbing.
- Use a sponge or towel for an old-fashioned look.
- Unlike paint, stain absorbs into the brick and adds color, instead of completely covering it. The color that will be obtained is a mixture of brick color and the color of the stain used.
Warning
The color of the stain will be permanent on the brick. Color cannot be returned to the old color
Things You Need
- Gloves, safety glasses and second hand clothes
- Brick stain
- Disposable container
- Paint brush (recommended), or deep nap roller, or powder spray
- Cover tape and base cloth
- Measuring cup and measuring spoon
- Brick-wide brush
- Duster
- Water
