Do you need special paint for brick?

Do you need special paint for brick?

A latex paint will be more quick-drying and be easier to clean up, whereas an oil-based paint will dry to a harder finish. And that's it! Painted brick shouldn't require a sealer—just make sure to choose a wear-resistant exterior paint if the brick will be exposed to the elements.

Should I paint my interior brick wall?

Because brick is porous, it's susceptible to shifts in temperature and levels of moisture, so it'll eventually start to break down. If this is the case in your home, painting over the bricks can hide small flaws and give you a clean, fresh canvas on which to begin your own design story.

What is the best paint for brick?

There are a variety of paints available for brick: Behr offers its Masonry, Stucco & Brick Paint. The high-quality satin-finish, acrylic-latex paint self-primes, repels water, and resists mildew when applied on properly prepped brick. Benjamin Moore recommends its Aura Waterborne Exterior Paint for brick surfaces.

Is painting brick a bad idea?

Think carefully before painting interior or exterior brick. Brick that's chipping, deteriorating, molding or in overall poor condition is always a bad candidate for paint. Paint blocks the natural pores in the brick's surface, which can cause existing problems to become exaggerated over time.

Do you need to seal brick before painting?

Brick and cement are porous and absorb water. Therefore, before painting, a layer or two of masonry sealer should be applied. "Once the sealer is dry," Watson notes, "Use a masonry primer to cover the entire area, readying the surface for the coat of paint. It may take more than just one coat to truly cover the brick."

What is best paint for brick?

There are a variety of paints available for brick: Behr offers its Masonry, Stucco & Brick Paint. The high-quality satin-finish, acrylic-latex paint self-primes, repels water, and resists mildew when applied on properly prepped brick. Benjamin Moore recommends its Aura Waterborne Exterior Paint for brick surfaces.

Does painted brick look good?

Painting exterior brick can certainly be beneficial, but it's also a task that comes with some important considerations. Painted brick is permanent. The good news is that you can change the paint color as often as you'd like, so you don't have to be married to one hue forever. Moisture can cause paint to chip.

How do you prepare a brick wall for painting?

It's important to thoroughly clean the brick before you paint it. Use a wire brush and soapy water to scrub the brick and remove any efflorescence (those streaky white deposits) or dirt. If you're having trouble getting the surface clean, you can apply a mixture of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water.

How do you seal bricks before painting?

Ease of maintenance: A painted surface is easier to clean and maintain than an unpainted one. This is also valid for brick walls. Properly painted and sealed brick walls are easier to clean than raw brick, which is very porous and holds in dirt and debris.

What is the best primer for brick?

Seal Krete Original is actually a great primer for brick. Especially old brick if the mortar is a little crumbly. I've been using Loxon masonry primer on big brick jobs lately though. Works great.

Can regular paint be used as a primer?

Paint shouldn't be used as a primer. Primers are specifically made for adhesion and sealing. Self priming and paint & primer in one is a load of crap. Years ago we called adding primer to paint for colors that didn't cover a "split coat" which served as our first coat but it does nothing for priming.