Make a cleaning solution using 4 parts water to 1 part bleach. Combine it all in a bucket. Scrape off any moss or mold with a spatula or a stiff-bristled brush. Apply a generous covering of the bleach mixture directly to the red brick and let it sit overnight.
Changing the color of your brick is possible through various methods such as limewashing, brick painting or staining. Masonry stain is an easy option that involves testing the brick's absorption, cleaning the surface, selecting a color, applying the stain, and sealing the brick.
If vinegar does not work on your hardscape, you can use bleach. To create a powerful mold-killing mixture, you can add one cup of bleach to a gallon of water. However, you should exercise meticulous care and caution since bleach can discolor your brick pavers and thus ruin your precious hardscape.
If you want to change the look of your brick down the line, you will have to white wash it with a different color, or paint over it! You won't be able to bring the brick back to its original state, so it's important to make sure it's the look that you want!
Painting the brick is the most extreme solution for a dark brick exterior, but it brightens the look. It's a good option when you don't like the brick color at all. Neutral paint colors ranging from white to taupe tend to look best.
Brick is able to have the color changed several times with staining. This holds true even if you're going from a dark to a lighter color. Stain penetrates brick surfaces and is not only permanent but also maintenance-free. Brick stain absorbs into the stone and still allows the surface to breathe naturally.
Try a Whitewash
Whitewash is a 50/50 mix of water and latex paint that provides a transparent effect. Whitewashing brick can last decades, just be sure to pick a shade that will look good with your brick color while closely matching your mortar color.
Whitewash preserves the natural texture of the brick while bonding tenaciously to any masonry or coarse wood surface. Some people use paint that they thin out with water to create a similar look but it does not give quite the same result. When applying whitewash, you will need both a paintbrush and an old rag.
Long-Lasting: Unlike paint, which requires frequent maintenance, Whitewash is low maintenance and lasts for years.
PRO: White Brick = Curb Appeal
Something about all that white paint just makes any house look prettier. So, if you want to improve your homes curb appeal, paint your brick house white! Painting a brick house white can make the whole house look BIGGER and improve the CURB APPEAL.
If you don't have the supplies for the ammonia mixture, you can also use bleach or hydrogen peroxide to remove mold, mildew, and stains. Remove dirt and debris using the broom. Put on safety gear. Pour ½ cup of bleach or hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle with 3 cups of water.
Limewash – The Halfway Solution
You may have also heard of limewashing as a possible color transformation option. Limewash is a type of paint made from natural materials like lime and water. It is often used to give brick a weathered, aged appearance, but it can also be used to change the color of the brick.
Pre-wet the surface to be cleaned with water. Apply the bleach and water solution to the surface with a scrub brush. Reapply as needed to keep the surface wet for up to 10 minutes.
On the other hand, you may be concerned that you'll never be able to change the color once the brick is stained. Well, we have good news. Brick is able to have the color changed multiple times with staining – even from darker to lighter.
“Red brick works well with white,” says Wegner. “If your red-brick house has large '60s-style windows, I would keep them and paint them white. If the windows are not that appealing, consider enlarging or replacing them with beautiful white, black or natural timber framed ones to enhance the brickwork.”
A pro of limewash is that it will not peel off like normal paint since it penetrates the brick. This means less maintenance than painted brick. It also lets the brick breathe. And speaking of less maintenance, since limewashed brick creates a worn and weathered look, natural wearing and aging will be less noticeable.
Limewash brick is a great choice for a vintage home look on new bricks. On the other hand, whitewashing bricks is recommended for those searching for a solution that is more permanent. Because whitewashing is mixed with paint, it can be used on previously painted brick.
Whitewashing brick is typically inexpensive, can be done with paint lying around the house, and the wash is typically easy to apply and dries quickly. Cons of whitewashing masonry include: A diminished, natural-looking appearance. Chipping and peeling of paint that was not fully absorbed by the brick.
Whitewashing Brick
Whitewashed brick is a popular trend that gives your home exterior a rustic or vintage look. By applying diluted white paint to the brick, you really let the material's texture show through. Costs for whitewashing a 2,500-square-foot brick house range from $2,225 to $4,000.
Shades of white, cream and even grey all make suitable choices and can accentuate the room's best features. The one you choose needs to look good with the original brick and closely match the mortar's color between the bricks.
While German smear relies on mortar for the brick-brightening effect, whitewash involves paint. “A true whitewash is when you thin out white paint with water and you wash it over the brick,” says Harris.
Apply a Stain
If you simply cannot work with the existing color of your brick, staining can be a good alternative to painting. A stain is applied to the surface of your brick and is absorbed to alter the color like a dye. Staining has less upkeep than painting and keeps the brick's natural variation.
Limit your color options to bluish-gray, earthy taupe, and gray shades with warm violet undertones to emphasize the red brick without clashing with its naturally warm appearance. For a darker aesthetic, consider a matte charcoal gray.
Limewashing your brick will give it a soft, chalky appearance. After painting our home exterior Charleston White, we wanted to soften the appearance of our red brick. It's a great way to update the look of your home without painting over the brick entirely.