Masonry is a powerful building material that can withstand the test of time – but the aesthetic appeal of your brick’s color might not last quite as long.
Thankfully, you aren’t locked into your masonry’s color or range of colors forever. There are many options available to you that can help you achieve the brick home of your dreams!
However – it’s not as simple as a paint bucket and a brush. Masonry is a unique building material, and part of what it lasts as long as it does has a lot to do with how the material is formed. Ignoring the natural property of brick and reaching for that paint brush can cause some serious headaches down the road.
So, are you tired of your brick’s color and want your home looking beautiful for decades to come? Here’s what you need to know to fix it.
Why You Should NEVER Use Paint to Change Your Brick’s Color
Painting brick might seem like an easy and inexpensive solution, but it’s actually one of the worst things you can do.
Brick is a porous material that allows moisture and air to pass through. When you paint over brick, you seal off these natural pathways, trapping moisture inside the bricks. This can lead to serious problems like spalling, cracking, and efflorescence over time as the trapped moisture tries to escape.
Additionally, paint will eventually start to peel, blister, and flake off brick as the underlying moisture pushes it away from the surface.
You’ll be left with an unsightly, damaged surface that requires extensive repair work.
Removing stubborn paint from brick is very difficult and can further damage the surface. It’s best to avoid painting altogether and find a different route to change your brick’s color.
Limewashing – Great, But Limited
Limewashing is another option that tends to come up when discussing your brick’s color options.
Unlike paint, this age-old technique can change the color of brick while still allowing it to breathe. A limewash coating is made from limestone that goes on as a thin, flat opaque coating that can provide new color.
However, limewashing has limited color options – usually just variations of whites, tans, and earth tones. It also requires periodic reapplication as the coating will eventually wear away. While limewashing can achieve a beautiful look, it doesn’t offer the full spectrum of color possibilities.
Brick Staining – How It Works
For the widest range of full, rich color options, brick staining is the solution. Unlike paint that coats the surface, stains actually permeate into the pores of the brick itself. This allows the brick to maintain its natural permeability and moisture resistance.
Brick stains come in every color imaginable, and there are multiple options within brick stains that adjust the glossiness, transparency, shimmer, and pearlescence of the final look.
The staining process chemically alters the brick color for long-lasting results, and if that sounds intimidating, that’s not an unfair reaction. Professional brick staining requires proper cleaning, application techniques, and experience for best results. Many DIYers attempt brick staining without success, but there’s a better solution out there.
Calling in The Experts
While brick staining offers the ideal-colored masonry finish, it requires professional knowledge and skills. Attempting DIY staining often leads to subpar results like uneven color, visible lap lines, and limited coverage.
For a truly luxurious and consistent colored brick finish, it’s best to call in experienced brick staining experts. They have the equipment, products, and techniques to properly prepare and stain your brick for stunning, long-lasting color.
Don’t settle for a quick paint job that will only cause problems down the road. Invest in professional brick staining for a customized look you’ll love for decades.
So stop settling for outdates finishes or peeling paint jobs. Your brick’s color can be whatever you want it to be – so what will you create?