Painting brick is a controversial topic with strong opinions on either side. Some believe that stone should be left alone to show off its natural color for all eternity. But let’s be honest, sometimes the natural color of brick makes a room feel dated and heavy. If you walk into your living room and your fireplace makes you sigh, we say paint it.
Painting brick sounds a lot harder than it really is and, for fireplaces, applying a fresh coat of paint will be a simple weekend project. With these painting tips and some basic painting tools you can cover your ugly brick and transform your Philadelphia, PA home’s brick from an eyesore to a gem.
Painting Tools Needed
Soapy water
Scrubbing brush
Primer
Paint brush
High nap roller
Paint tray
Drop cloths
Latex paint (glossy or semi-gloss recommended)
- Clean It– As with any paint job, you want to start with a clean surface; this is extremely important when painting brick as it tends to trap cobwebs and dust. Take warm, soapy water and a brush and scrub the surface of your brick, removing all dirt and soot marks. After you are finished, wait 24 hours to paint to ensure no water is trapped in your brick.
- Prime It- Before you get started, use drop cloths and painter’s tape to ensure your floor and mantle are protected from stray paint drops. Then, using latex primer and a brush, prime your surface using either a brush or a high nap roller. Be sure to work your primer into the grooves of the mortar for best coverage.
- Paint It- Now, using your selected paint color, go over your brick again, taking your time to ensure full coverage. Apply a second coat as needed.
- Enjoy it!– If your fireplace has been bringing you down, take a moment to sit back and admire your handiwork and the new look and feel of your lighter, brighter living room. You now have a fireplace you will actually want to cozy up to on those chilly Cherry Hill, NJ evenings.
Remember, these steps can also be used with an exterior latex paint to increase the curb appeal of your home by transforming your home’s exterior. This is obviously a much bigger paint job and takes commitment but can drastically increase your home’s curb appeal and even resale value.
Now, go out and use these painting tips to lighten up your dated brick. If you are not feeling up to the task or would like a professional painter to take a look, give us a call! We would love to work with you on changing the look of your home’s brick, either interior or exterior, and we specialize in updating older homes while allowing their original character to shine through.