Brick homes have a timeless appeal. No matter what home trends have taken hold, brick exteriors and interiors will always be in demand. This durable material is naturally appealing and doesn’t need much more than a good cleaning every year or so. However, some homeowners might want to add some color to their brick surfaces to brighten them up or make them stand out. But should you paint over brick? Maybe. If you do, however, here are some important considerations that professional painters might tell you.
Clean Carefully
Like any other surface, brick should be thoroughly cleaned and let to dry before painting. However, brick is more difficult to clean than most of these other materials. For one thing, brick is porous, meaning moisture can easily enter the material and lead to problems down the road. The most vulnerable spots are between the bricks themselves, though, as the mortar holding the bricks together is even more porous.
Additionally, power washing brick surfaces is dangerous as the heat and pressure can tear away the mortar and severely damage the surface. Instead, low-level pressure washing (no heating element) at a safe distance is advised for cleaning brick exteriors. For brick interiors, the safest way to clean is by hand with a wire brush. In either case, soapy water should be used, not an acidic cleaning solution. The latter can further damage the brick and mortar.
Pick the Right Paint
When it’s finally time to paint your brick surfaces, you’ll want to make sure you’re using the right type of paint. For both interior and exterior painting, you’ll want to use a material that won’t trap moisture between it and the brick surface. The best paint for the job is semi-permeable latex paint since water vapor can easily move through it. This gives the brick some necessary breathing room.
A New Coat Will Be Needed…Eventually
Home painters will tell you that all painted surfaces will need a new coat after a while. Brick is no exception. In fact, brick surfaces usually need a new paint job more frequently than, say, vinyl siding or drywall. Experts advise that a new coat is added every 3-5 years. Remember to keep this in mind when thinking about hiring painting services to go over your brick features.
It’s Ultimately About Preference
In the end, only you have the answer to the question of whether or not to paint over brick. It’s your home, and there’s no wrong answer. However, painting over brick comes with some caveats that can be costly and cumbersome. You might not mind the extra effort that comes with such maintenance, but others will surely avoid it at all costs.
Painted brick exteriors and interiors can look gorgeous and really set a home apart from all the rest. If it’s time to invest in some residential painting, contact All American Painting Plus. Our team can clean and paint any surface, as well as take care of repairs and other home improvements. To learn more about all that we do, give us a call at (703)-620-5563!