I have a large, 30-year-old brick wall that's looking pretty grimy and dull. I'm eager to give it a fresh coat of paint to brighten it up, but I've never painted brick before. I've heard that staining might be a better option due to moisture issues, but I'm unsure about the best approach. Can anyone share their experiences or recommendations for painting or staining brick? What's the ideal process for tackling this project? Thanks!
3 Answers
Honestly, my advice is to skip painting altogether. If you really want a little tint, go for a masonry stain instead of paint, as it's designed for that purpose. Just make sure you pressure wash and clean before applying anything to the surface.
I’ve got to say, painting brick isn’t always the best choice. Moisture can get trapped inside, which could damage the brick later on. Instead, I suggest using a masonry stain after you clean it well. That way, the wall can still breathe. Just remember, start cleaning from the bottom up!
Before you jump into painting, consider pressure washing that wall to clean it up first. It makes a huge difference! You’ll want to use a strong cleaner to prep the surface, so it holds the new color better. Think about using TSP for washing—it’s great for cleaning brick.