How to Paint Brick Like a Pro

Got a bland or beat-up brick wall? Treat it to a fresh face with paint in any color you choose

Lisa FrederickJul 31, 2012

Houzz Contributor. After 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.

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.

Fiorella Design

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.

Leslie Saul & Associates

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.

Jenn Hannotte / Hannotte Interiors

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?