Tips For Painting a Brick House

There are times folks are motivated to paint the exterior of a home to cover the brick siding. This is typical because it has become stained or weathered throughout the years. Paying for brick restoration is not an option. Painting a brick house is not generally advisable since this substrate is very absorbent of moisture and quite porous, making painting a challenge.

If your heart is set on it, there are a few things to consider.

First off, you need to realize that painting a brick house is irreversible. You can repaint it to change the color, but you’ll never be capable of returning it to the previous look. Before starting your project, you should consider if an enhanced appearance can be done with sandblasting or pressure washing.

Additionally, you may be surprised at how the cost compares to the choice of exterior painting. Some folks #1 concern is that there will be splattered paint everywhere and believe hiring Rochester painters to cover it up is the best solution.

If You Decide to Paint Your Brick House
If you go forward to painting your house, you need to decide if your bricks have a sealer on them. Some sealers are very invisible to the eye and can be tested only by spraying water on it. If water beads on the surface, then there is a sealer. If there is a sealer or you discover that your bricks are entirely raw, surface preparation should be performed to get a clean, sound surface.

Pressure washing is crucial to eliminate grime and dirt, as well as getting rid of any debris and loose mortar that may have gathered near soffits, in the joints, etc. Letting unsealed brick dry for at least 3-4 days is imperative.  

This leaves the bricks to dry since they can hold moisture for an extended period of time.

If there is any loose masonry or dust, it can be scoured with wire brushes. You don’t want any loose material or debris between the substrate and the paint. Significant gaps in the joint must be accurately filled. Deep holes don’t get painted correctly, letting moisture penetrate inside. This leads to issues down the road.
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