When it comes to home improvement and renovation, painting brick surfaces is often considered a faux paw. Ask your neighbor whether or not they think you should roll paint onto a brick wall and you’ll likely hear them gasp before telling you to never paint brick. While there are certain challenges you can encounter in the process, it is actually a myth that painting brick is always harmful to the surface.
Never Paint THIS Brick
One of our favorite types of projects is historic renovation. When breathing new life into a building that spans generations, extra levels of care and attention to detail are essential for a successful job. Part of that due diligence is understanding how materials have changed throughout history, brick being a prime example of one that is vastly different now than before World War II. Brick made before 1940 was much softer than modern variations, meaning any moisture trapped inside will have a far more detrimental impact on the material. It’s a good rule of thumb to never paint pre-war brick because the paint will contain any moisture that has worked its way into the pores and the facade will likely begin to deteriorate from the inside out. On the other hand modern brick is baked at a higher temperature, making it hard enough to hold up after painting.
When Painting Is Okay
While it’s a myth that you should never do it, if you’re thinking about painting the brick on your home’s interior or exterior there are several things to consider beforehand. Like we discussed above, only paint brick that was produced after 1940 to ensure it won’t degrade from moisture being trapped inside. Before you paint it’s important to understand that doing so is a relatively permanent decision. Because brick is porous, the paint will get absorbed into the material, making it incredibly difficult to strip from the surface and power washing will destroy the facade. Painting brick, especially exterior brick, comes with a commitment to maintaining the surface. While natural brick can go about 60 years without maintenance, painted brick needs to be cleaned and repainted every 10-15 years or so, as the paint will begin to peel away from the masonry. Knowing all of that, if you decide to paint a brick wall, it’s important to do it the right way.
How to Do it Right
The best way to ensure that you’re painting brick correctly is to hire a professional to do it. Pros like our team at Widespread Solutions have years of experience and a deep well of knowledge about paint types, materials and processes. Because there are so many variables with brick, it’s important to have a professional prep the surface for painting, so give us a call and we’ll make sure your wall is beautiful for the long run.
The Takeaway
If your brick wall distracts from the rest of the space, the color isn’t working or you just aren’t a fan of the look, there are ways to paint it that won’t harm the facade and can improve its overall appearance. While people often say that you should never paint brick, the reality is far more nuanced. With knowledge, preparation and proper maintenance, you can paint a brick wall inside or on the exterior of your home without harming the surface. While there is no substitute for hiring a professional, painting a brick wall can be a DIY home improvement project if you take the time to understand the material and how best to approach the job.
Have a brick surface you want us to paint? Our team has decades of experience with a whole array of projects from residential to commercial, historic and modern. Reach out and we’ll be happy to turn your brick wall into a colorful reflection of your personal style.
