Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.

Houzz Contributor. Fresh out of journalism school, I fell into decorating... More »

Comment

Bookmark

473

Embed

Although the thought of painting a brick wall makes some people blanch in horror, there are times when it makes sense. So let's assume you've done your homework, weighed the pros and cons, listened to a barrage of opinions and decided to forge ahead. What's next? Follow these tips for wielding the paint roller to give a brick surface new life.

by Fiorella Design »

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Inspect your mortar. Is it crumbling or otherwise deteriorating, or are there gaps that need to be fixed? If so, address those before you even think about shuffling through paint chips. You can probably seal minor holes yourself with spackle or caulk, but major damage means a call to your local mason.

Scrub, scrub and scrub some more. Paint never adheres perfectly to a dirty surface (and plus, you risk sealing in the odd cobweb, dead bug or piece of lint). Use a stiff-bristled brush and a little dish soap diluted in water to clean the brick thoroughly, then wipe it down with a dry cloth. Let the bricks dry completely before you start painting.

by Leslie Saul & Associates »

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Select the appropriate tools. Brick is heavily textured, so you'll need painting supplies that can handle its pits and crevices. Choose rollers with a long nap and press hard as you roll to push paint into tiny holes, or use a sprayer for the most even results.

You'll probably want a brush to take care of mortar lines and cut in around doorways or windows. Because of brick's rough edges, cutting in isn't as easy as it is on a smooth surface, so use a narrow brush that you can manipulate around bumps and crags.

Prime it right. Use a primer that's designed for masonry and apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions. (You'll almost always need more than one coat.) Let it dry completely between coats.

by Jenn Hannotte / Hannotte Interiors »

Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »

Pick your finish. Brick often looks best painted in a slightly glossy finish, which highlights its detail better than a matte one and makes it easier to wipe clean. Use a 100 percent acrylic paint and roll or spray on one to two coats of your chosen color. Happy painting!

More:
What You Need to Know About Painting Brick

Interior Brick: Paint It or Leave It?

Browse more contemporary home design photos »

Comments

Show 1 more comment

Fine Art & Portraits by Laurel And bricks don't have to be repainted all one tone! I once changed a dark, almost black brick surround, to lighter, antiqued terra cotta of various shades.

10 months ago · Like ·

mrsben Did not know the rule of picking 'a finish' (in this case for brick) , so THANK YOU Lisa.

IMO it is a point that is far too often neglected by Interior Designers and Colour Experts alike when offering advice. ie: countertops be polished or honed, hardwood flooring be satin or semi-gloss finish etc.

10 months ago · Like ·

jhowellfineart I recently painted an ugly brick fireplace white and began with a primer as suggested above. Then I experimented with a wash by diluting the paint that I used for the surrounding walls (Benjamin Moore, Bavarian Creme) until I got a consistency that I liked. I used a brush, rather than a roller. Still not satisfied with the end result, I finished it with a glaze by mixing the paint with the glaze. There was not a real science to the percentages. The bricks are very absorbent even after a primer so you just have to keep experimenting until you get the desired effect. i.e. how much of the brick you really want to cover. I wanted to see some variations and not just have a solid color. The glaze made the difference and gave it a beautiful luster that was not too shiny and gave it a pearl like finish. We were very pleased with the end result, especially since I really had no idea what I was doing.

10 months ago · Like ·

Dogwood Interiors Use a bit of vinegar in the water and the brick and any grit will disappear.

10 months ago · Like ·

merrynunnari Should you use a different primer/type of paint if you are painting a brick fireplace?

10 months ago · Like

Elly Dalmaijer Would Kiltz be a good primer for brick?

10 months ago · Like ·

Sharon Erickson When I paint brick I mix one part dry wall compound with three parts paint and it covers in one coat; no priming.

10 months ago · Like ·

lisaleger Would you paint a brick fireplace if you could see the exterior patio of brick from that room? I've been on the fence about it for two years. I want to paint the red brick FP to match my LR decor but you can see the attached patio from the LR and its three walls of the same brick.

10 months ago · Like ·

itwillcostyou For exterior walls, is pressure washing your brick recommended?

9 months ago · Like ·

arquatus My fireplace surround is covered in a horrid, glossy white white paint. I am wondering if I can repaint it with a better color and nicer finish. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

9 months ago · Like

melissalally I used Brick-Anew and it came out AWESOME! http://www.brick-anew.com/

8 months ago · Like ·