Here in New Jersey, brick is a very common exterior feature for homes. While it is extremely durable and it offers a classic charm, brick can also get a little bland. Whether it is the effects of aging, or it is just the fact that it is so common, brick siding is sometimes not the look we would prefer. What can we do about that? Can exterior brick be painted?
Many great products exist for painting exterior brick, so yes, it is very possible to do so. First, we will take a moment to discuss whether you want to paint your brick house, then we will discuss the how.
To Paint or Not to Paint Exterior Bricks
The biggest plus for painting a brick home is that you can change and customize the color to be anything you want. Also, you get to refresh and renew the look of a home if the bricks are showing signs of age. The home becomes more personalized and unique, according to your own tastes, rather than the tastes of the original owners.
There are a couple of downsides that you also need to consider before painting brick, however. The most obvious one is that the change is permanent. Once you have painted your bricks, there is no going back to the previous look. Also, once you paint the bricks, you will need to maintain the paint every 5 to 10 years, just like other exterior painted surfaces.
Another consideration is that paint will not fix deteriorating masonry. If the mortar between your bricks is crumbling, or you have cracks and damage on your brick wall, paint is not going to hold it together or stop the deterioration. You need to talk to a mason to find out the best way to preserve and repair your home if this is the case.
Finally, many chimney experts do not recommend painting the exterior of a brick chimney. This is because if moisture somehow gets into the bricks (which is more likely with chimneys than with siding), the paint will not let it out. As the seasons change, that moisture will expand and contract. This can cause your bricks and mortar to crumble behind the paint. By the time you see this problem, it is already too late to address.
How to Paint Exterior Brick Surfaces
The key to painting bricks is to use a block-filling primer first. This thick coating fills up all the little holes and gaps in the surface of the masonry so that your topcoat has a good surface to cling to. Make sure you pay close attention to all the mortar lines, thoroughly priming every visible surface.
Once you have primed the bricks, you can use regular exterior house paint to coat your brick siding. Use two coats for maximum color coverage and longevity. While you can use a roller for the front-facing surfaces of the bricks, you will need a brush or sprayer for the mortar lines. We would recommend painting the mortar lines first, then using a roller on the bricks themselves.
Cherry Hill Painting – New Jersey and the Philadelphia Area
Do you have a brick home or business in New Jersey or the Philadelphia region? If so, Cherry Hill Painting would be delighted to talk with you about painting the exterior. As a family-owned business, we have been serving this region since 1968, offering premium expertise and quality at an affordable price.
Besides painting brick homes, we also paint wood, vinyl, aluminum, and most other exterior surfaces. In addition, we offer interior painting, carpentry, deck refinishing, cabinet painting, and many other house painting services.