Brick is a building material that is often used in the interior (inside) and exterior (outside) of the house. Usually, brick is gray, but you can paint it so that it matches the color scheme of your home. The brick painting process can be divided into 3 simple parts: cleaning, applying primer, and painting.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Cleaning the Brick
Step 1. Remove powdery deposits with masonry
Sometimes bricks that have been exposed to water due to leaking form a white powder that coats the outside. This white powder can be cleaned using a brush and cleaner. Wait until the cleaned area is completely dry before cleaning the wall further.
- You can also mix stone cleaner with water in a balanced ratio (1:1) in a pressure washer and use it to clean the surface of the brick.
- To prevent the return of white powder deposits after painting, locate and repair the leak site before applying primer and paint.
Step 2. Use a putty knife or paint scraper to peel off any paint that is on the brick
Brick is usually gray so if your brick is a different color or is a bit shiny, it's likely that it's been painted before. Remove this old paint with a scraper. Peel off little by little until there is almost no more paint on the surface of the brick.
Don't sweat the tiny bit of paint that's still there after peeling off most of the paint. Usually this small part can be just rubbed with water or painted over without a problem
Step 3. Clean the bricks with a pressure washer or hose and brush
Set the pressure washer machine on a medium setting, about 10,000-14,000 kpa so that the bricks are clean quickly. If you don't have this machine, you can use a regular garden hose to spray the bricks and scrub them clean.
You should not use soap because it will make the old bricks dry and will not be effective in cleaning bricks that have not been coated with anything
Step 4. Wait for 4 hours until the bricks dry
The primer will not stick well if the bricks are still wet. If you work indoors, open a window or turn on a fan to make the brick dry faster.
Be patient. If all the bricks don't dry after 4 hours, wait another hour before applying the primer
Step 5. Patch the crack with polyurethane putty
Purchase a tube of putty at a building materials or hardware store to patch a crack in the brickwork. Cut about 0.5 cm from the end of the putty and push it into the end of the tube using your hands or a putty gun. Then, patch the crack with putty until the joint is completely covered.
- To make it smoother, rub a razor blade on the putty on the bricks to even out and blend it on the surface of the bricks.
- You can also use this method to seal cracks between bricks and protect against water leaks.
Part 2 of 3: Using Primer
Step 1. Select a binder and patch primer
Look for an acrylic latex-based primer at a paint or hardware store. This type of primer is best suited for brick and will fill in pores and cracks and neutralize the pH when you paint.
- If you're painting an area where water is leaking, such as a basement, or if you're painting bricks that are outside, look for a waterproof primer.
- Bonding and patching primers are suitable for use on smooth and split face bricks.
- Make sure you measure the height and length of each wall, and add up the area of each wall to find out the total area to be painted before going to the paint shop. Then, ask the shop staff for suggestions on the amount to buy based on the surface area to be painted.
Step 2. Apply a coat of primer using a roller
Apply the primer long and evenly. Depending on the roughness of the painted block, use a 1 cm roller on a rough surface or a 0.5 cm toll on a smooth surface.
One coat of primer is sufficient if you are going to paint a different color. If you're only going to use a primer, apply a second coat so the paint sticks and lasts over time
Step 3. Allow the primer to dry for 24 hours before applying the next coat
Check the block after 24 hours. The primer should be dry to the touch and not transfer to your fingers or gloves.
Part 3 of 3: Painting the Brick
Step 1. Purchase a high quality acrylic latex paint
Brick requires a strong paint so that it is durable and does not wear out. Latex paint with acrylic will be the best option for smooth and split-face bricks.
- To determine how much paint to buy, use the area used to buy the primer. Ask for a recommendation on the amount of paint needed from the paint shop staff based on the surface area to be painted because each brand has a different dosage.
- Purchase an extra 2 liters of paint at a paint or hardware store in case you need to fix the paint on the brickwork in the future.
- If the paint is on the exterior brick, choose a paint that also protects it from various weather and elements.
Step 2. Apply an even coat of paint using a 1 cm roller
You'll need to work slowly and with a small amount of paint at a time to make sure the finish is even and doesn't ooze, which will be clearly visible on the bricks. Work the vertical sections, and cover as much as possible using the roller lengthwise.
- Try not to overlap your strokes because it will take longer for the paint to dry and the first coat will look uneven.
- If you have small areas that need painting, use a nylon polyester brush.
Step 3. Wait for the first coat for 12 hours to dry
Make sure your workspace is airy, and install a fan if you work indoors. After 12 hours have passed, check the paint to make sure it is completely dry. Touch the paint with a washcloth or glove. The paint is dry if nothing has transferred to the cloth or gloves.
If you live in a more humid area, it's best to wait 18 hours for the paint to dry
Step 4. Apply the second layer using a 1 cm roller
As with the first coat, try to apply as evenly as possible. Work slowly, and apply paint a little at a time in long, fine strokes.
Use a brush to reach hard-to-reach areas. However, brush strokes can be seen on smooth bricks
Step 5. Wait for 24 hours for the paint to dry
Turn on the fan if you are working indoors so that the flow is smooth. To test the paint, touch it with a rag or glove on an inconspicuous area. The paint is dry if it doesn't transfer to the cloth or gloves.
If the second coat is uneven or the appearance is not satisfactory, apply a third coat. However, wait at least 12 hours before working on the third coat
Warning
- Always work in a well-ventilated area, and wear old clothing that fully covers the skin.
- Use a tarp or backing cloth to protect the floor from drips, splashes, or paint spills. This is important, whether outdoors or indoors, to protect the floor and the environment!
