The brick wall adds character, charm, and give a traditional look to space. But the brick wall, if not painted with lighter shades makes the room look darker.
Painting a brick wall is a great way of upgrading and transforming the old wall into a new one. But it is not as easy as how we paint drywall. If it is done incorrectly, you may end up with flaking paint or with an alkali-burned top coat. Listed below are some tips and tricks on painting a brick wall with ease
Never Paint Brand New Brick
Brand-new brick and mortar exude a powdery substance that will result in the chalky result and will not hold the paint properly. It is best to leave the newly built brick for a while for the dust to be removed.
Clean the brick before painting
Clean the debris and greasy stains from the brick thoroughly before you start to apply the paint on the bricks. Sand and dust the bricks, and then a light power wash the exterior brick wall.
For interiors, prepare the soap water mixture and use a wire brush to clean any dirt. But ensure to dry the brick completely before you start painting. A mixture of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water can be used to remove tough dirt. And then close any cracks, repointing and patch up any holes on the wall for a neat finish.
Use the primer
The primer should be used on both interior and exterior brick walls. The primer should be done on both new and old walls. Primer helps in wrapping around the pores and get into all the nooks and crannies. Moreover, the primer helps the paint to adhere thoroughly on the surface.
It is best to use the primer that is specially made for brick and masonry purposes, which is a little thinner than others. It helps in penetrating the pores of the brick and binds the chalky and loose materials on the bricks. A water-based primer is best for if you plan to use latex paint and oil-based primer for oil paints.
Tips on tools to use
Brick walls are rough and porous. So the brush you use for painting the wall should stand up to the wear and tear. A synthetic bristled brush is the best one to choose from. If a larger area is to be painted, a roller with a high nap should be used. It will ensure that the primer gets into all the crevices of the brick wall. Also, remember to use a damp roller to complete the finish if the airless paint sprayer is used to paint the brick.
Use heat-proof paint when you are painting the walls such as that of the interior of a fireplace. Ensure to push the paint into the tiny cracks and crevices, if any. Apply a second coat as needed.The preparation of the brick wall is the key when you have decided to paint a brick wall. Any polish paint can be used to do the topcoat. You may choose any color to paint the brick wall. A higher sheen formula is generally preferred to be used on the brick wall as it is more resistant to staining. Latex paint is easier to dry and easier to clean. Eggshell or flat finish can also be used. Wear and tear-resistant exterior paint can be used in the brick wall. And it is not necessary to use a sealer on a painted brick wall. Let us know what your thoughts are.