Brick can bring a homey charm or an industrial modern feel to any room in your home. But what if your exposed brick wall doesn’t fit your interior design? There’s a simple solution; a few coats of paint. Whether it’s an entire wall or just the fireplace, painted brick can enhance a room or blend in by showcasing the material’s natural texture in a colorful, new way. Read Gordon James’ blog to learn how to paint brick, what tools you need, and how to prepare your project for success.
Tools and Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools and materials on hand:
- Paint roller
- Masonry or latex paint
- Latex primer
- Drop cloths
- Painter’s tape
- Wire scrub brush
- Soap
- Water
- Paintbrush
Prepare the Brick
Before you paint the brick wall, make sure it’s thoroughly cleaned; scrub the wall with soapy water and a wire brush to remove any dirt or efflorescence (streaky white deposits). Once your brick is cleaned, let it dry completely before painting. Check for cracks or structural problems that might require professional attention, and tape any areas you aren’t going to paint.
Paint the Brick
First, apply a latex primer to the brick. If there are multiple areas of the brick affected by efflorescence or mildew, make sure to apply multiple coats and let the primer dry. After applying the primer, take your roller or brush and apply a masonry or latex paint to the brick. If you’re painting a fireplace, make sure you’re using a heat-proof paint! Many painting professionals use paint sprayers, but rollers and brushes that are made for textured surfaces also work well.
Bring on the Paint Buckets!
Whether you’re going for a fearless and fun dark hue or a crisp and clean white paint, look for inspiration that suits your style and home. The beauty of brick is the quality of its architectural building material; it brings history into your interior and will never go out of style. Use Gordon James’ tips, and your brick wall will bring a fresh, new look to your home.
Partner with the professionals at Gordon James in Minnesota to renovate your interior and transform it into your dream home. For more information, contact us at info@gordon-james.com or call us at 763-479-3117 today.