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.
Limewash – The Halfway Solution
It is often used to give brick a weathered, aged appearance, but it can also be used to change the color of the brick. Limewash is a great option for those who want a softer, more subtle color change that still preserves the natural look and texture of the brick.
It is possible to stain brick a new color, even if it's already stained. With the right service professional and product, you can change the color of your stained brick as often as you like.
A professional sealer application can help rejuvenate old brickwork and restore its bright red color. Professional-grade pneumatic spray equipment can ensure efficient and expedient sealing work. Some brick sealants will require multiple coats, while others will protect brickwork with only one layer.
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.
Brick Staining, if done right, can not only make your home's exterior look brand new, it can also preserve the integrity of the brick and protect it from the elements. When you paint your brick, it eliminates the brick's natural porous surface. This prevents it from being able to breathe and traps moisture.
Bleach (For Mold, Mildew, and Moss): A bleach mixture is ideal for removing mold, mildew, and moss from exterior brick walls. Combine a tablespoon of bleach with a gallon of warm water in a bucket, then apply the bleach with a sponge to the brick. Use a scrub to tackle hard-to-reach areas or difficult stains.
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.
Water-based stain is the best choice for brickwork
Similarly, a water-based stain is easy to remove from the surface and can therefore be cleared away from the wall's face in an effort to apply a new coating. This is important because you may want to change the look of your brick wall from time to time.
Expect to pay an average of $1 per square foot to stain brick, including labor and materials. Typically, prices range from $0.70 to $1.90 per square foot, depending on the stain quality, brick condition, and exterior accessibility.
On the contrary, stain is more challenging to apply, often requiring several coats to achieve the color and effect desired. This is because brick is porous and will soak up the stain as it's applied. For that reason, it's best to apply a stain with a paint sprayer, though it is possible to do with a roller and brush.
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.
The Lifespan of the Average Brick Paint Job
Generally speaking, though, it's wise to repaint your brick exterior surfaces about every 5 years (which is standard for many types of siding). Staying the course every half-decade this way will ensure that your painted brick retains both its appearance and integrity.
Unlike paint which coats the surface, brick tints are absorbed and chemically bonded to the masonry. This preserves the original texture and character of the brick, resulting in a natural-looking change of colour that's permanent and doesn't require any ongoing maintenance.
Brick Stain
If you want to change the color of your brick without painting it, staining is an option. Brick stain penetrates the pores of the brick and changes the color from the inside out. This means that any imperfections in the surface of the brick will still be visible after staining.
How Long Can You Expect Stain to Last? The conservative estimate for the lifespan of brick stain is about 20 years. That's a long time and underscores the importance of getting the stain done correctly. It's going to be on there for a long time, so make sure you get it right.
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.
Luckily, you can restore most brick damage using everyday tools. For dirty and stained bricks, surface cleaning and applying a sealant may be enough. If your brick is cracked or loose, however, you may need to repair the damage with mortar. With time and a little elbow grease, your brick will look as good as new!
Warm water alone is typically sufficient in cleaning exposed brick but if the wall is particularly dirty, then the dish detergent and table salt mixture can cut through grease and stains. Apply it to the brick and let it sit for about 10 minutes before using the brush to scrub away the dirt.
staining brick, cost-effectiveness is a big plus for staining, right from the start. While painting requires one primer coat and two finish coats, staining brick only requires two coats total. That means the cost to paint the exterior of your home is often 50% more than staining.
Cost-effective
Exterior brick staining is initially 10-20% higher than exterior brick painting in terms of material and prep costs. But in the long run, it far outweighs the initial cost. Because once you've stained your bricks, you won't have to repaint them for decades!
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. It sets it apart from your neighbors' homes and looks unique with a more uniform effect than unpainted brick. Painted brick, done well, looks very sophisticated and modern.