Clean your bricks with a cleaning solution, or by using undiluted white vinegar. Once you've prepared the surface of the bricks, you can apply a coat of concrete stain. You can adjust it according to the original color of your bricks. You can choose from a wide variety of water-based stains and acid-based ones.
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 done correctly, brick staining can protect your property from the weather and retain the integrity of the brick while also making the exterior look brand new. I love it and recommend this option if you are looking to give the exterior of your home a refresh.
Once brick is painted, it loses its ability to release moisture and dry out because all those tiny cracks and openings have been painted over and sealed up. In colder climates, the level of deterioration is much higher due to the trapped moisture under the painted brick.
But what many homeowners don't realize is that painting brick is a temporary solution if you're using traditional paint. According to the brick industry association, if you're painting brick, you should plan on repainting it every three to five years.
You need to scrub the dirty bricks with a mixture of table salt and dish soap. The spreadable paste will work well if you are using a bristle brush. Once you have removed the paste with a washcloth, go on and use a sealant to keep the bricks in tip-top condition.
Make a thin paste by mixing 3 tablespoons of dish soap to 1/2 cup baking soda. Spread it on brick, let sit for 10 minutes and then scrub off with a brush. Rinse with warm water.
Scrubbing With Bleach
If you have stubborn stains on your brick but don't have a power washer, you can try scrubbing. Simply mix a 10% solution of chlorine bleach to water in a bucket. Scrub the area with a stiff-bristle brush. Once you remove the stains, rinse the brick thoroughly with clean water.
The main advantage of using stains lies in the maintenance. Since it sinks into the brick to change its appearance, it's not prone to chip away or peel like paint. This keeps the color from fading and significantly extends the time between touchups.
While the value may increase because of curb appeal, painting brick can cause issues. Paint can trap moisture and damage the brick in the long-term. It also can appear dirty and need to be power-washed, unlike unpainted brick.
Pros of painting a brick house
Huge visual impact — Painting brick gives your house a whole new look and can even add to your home's value by upping your curb appeal.
Staining is more cost-effective than painting
While staining may have a slightly higher upfront cost, the long-term cost savings are well worth it. Stained brick requires less maintenance and lasts much longer than painted brick, which makes it a more cost-effective option over time.
Water-based stain is the best choice for brickwork
Water-based stains are the best option when it comes to maintaining your brick wall. This kind of stain infuses the material with critical moisture that will continue to allow it to shine in your interior space.
Mortar Plaster
They have lower costs, come in various colours, and offer multiple finishes, making them ideal for homes built using brick walls. Furthermore, mortar plaster is also effective in hiding the cracks in the walls.
Paint the Brick
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.
The paint that has been specially designed to be applied to exterior walled surfaces such as concrete, stone & brick is masonry paint, which offers weather resistance and the ability to adhere to these mineral surfaces.