How to paint bricks
Bricks are a porous surface. The correct prep and tools will ensure the longevity of the paint on your bricks (this is what we all want!). What you might not know is new brickwork is treated differently to existing brickwork as the cement mortar needs a minimum of 28 days before painting. So, let’s not see you painting before the 28 days are up!
We’ve rounded up a bunch of frequently asked questions about how to paint brick below.
What prep should I do before I start painting?
- Use a stiff bristly brush to remove all loose material including dirt, cobwebs, dust and debris.
- If you locate any loose sand or cement, fill holes with grouting cement and allow to dry.
- Use a suitable masking tape for exteriors on surfaces and edges you don’t want to paint.
What sort of roller do I need to paint brick?
Using a roller with a nap of 18mm or higher is recommended. The nap refers to the length of the fabric fibers. The longer or thicker the roller, the more paint it picks up and releases as you roll it onto the surface. 18mm-22mm are longer nap rollers, making them perfect for rough surfaces such as cement and brick. We like the Dulux Professional 22mm nap roller cover.
Does it matter what brush I use?
You want to use a brush with a bit of body, given the nature of the surface you’re painting. This is where knowing the difference between your brushes helps you out, and if you don’t, that’s what we are here for! Most brushes good for your interior cutting in are slimmer in nature to help with precision on a smooth surface. A wall brush or standard paint brush is thicker in nature, it has some body to it, helping you pick up more paint and release it easier into all the nooks and crannies of a rough, textured surface such as brick.
Do I need to prime brick?
Short answer, youbetcha. It’s essential to use a quality primer on new brickwork. This will enhance the bond between the brick and the paint, ultimately leading to a strong, durable paint system. That’s paint jargon to say, it helps your paint stick and last. So if you want that, don’t skip the primer.
What sort of paint should you use on exterior brick?
Definitely not an interior one! Products like Dulux Weathershield are specifically designed for the outside elements and can be used on both weatherboards and brickwork. Make sure you use two coats of your topcoat to ensure adequate coverage and a fab finish.
Visit your local Inspirations Paint store everything you need for your next project.