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. It can really transform your home.
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. Newer brick stains claim they last the lifetime of the brick.
The stain is just as long-lasting as the brick it is applied to. Painting brick makes a larger environmental impact as more chemicals and toxins are introduced to the structure and surroundings. As painted brick needs more maintenance, every three to five years, more paint is needed to be applied to the brick.
Stain doesn't damage brick unless you use a type with a sealant that traps water vapor in the brick, which might eventually cause brick cracks. Learn how to give your fireplace, exterior wall, interior brickwork, walkway, brick flooring, or other masonry surfaces vitality and a new life with brick stain.
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.
Is staining exterior brick a good idea? One of the best ways to update the look is to stain it. As long as your brick is structurally sound and the surface isn't painted. Look for brick stains that are non-toxic, non-VOC, water repellent, UV resistant, and mold and algae deterrent and therefore sustainable.
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.
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.
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.
Brick staining is a permanent finish made out of mineral-based pigments that seep and bind into the brick (rather than remaining on the surface as paint does), act as a moisture barrier, and allows the brick to breathe. Stain works best on clean, porous, and unpainted brick and won't peel, chip, or flake off.
Staining a brick house costs $1 to $4 per square foot on average, depending on the home size, color, design, number of stories, and prep work. The cost increases to $5 to $8 per square foot for multiple color designs or when each brick must be stained separately.
The Cons of Staining Wood
While some stains can last up to five years, postponing re-staining a wood surface for too long can cause the job to become more complex and labour intensive. Even decks that are stripped and re-stained will still require maintenance every couple of years.
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.
Painting brick traps moisture. Staining lets the brick breathe. As a porous surface, brick must be able to breathe (painting 101 folks).
Clean your brick.
Spray or hose your brick with water and then clean it with mild detergent on a rag. This will help get rid of brick stains or mildew. Rinse with water again and let the brick dry completely. For exterior brick, you might need a pressure wash depending on your bricks' condition.
Add warm water and mild soap to a bucket and mix it well. Use the soapy water to scrub the brick using a nylon-bristle brush, working from the top to the bottom of vertical surfaces to avoid dripping dirty water on sections that have already been cleaned.
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.
Colour pigments are combined with a fixing agent (potassium silicate in the main) and once this saturates the brick, the tint is permanent. How long does brick tinting last? As long as the bricks do.
Staining Brick -The Best Solution
Staining is a great way to change the color of your brick without sacrificing its natural look and feel. Stains are designed to penetrate the pores of the brick, allowing for a long-lasting, fade-resistant color change.
Brick shading can be done by adding a black wash to the brick. This is done by wetting the brick and then applying a black dye or paint. The stain or paint will soak into the brick and create a dark, dramatic look. Brick shading can add depth and interest to an otherwise plain brick surface.
Today's most popular options for giving exterior brick a fresh, new look are masonry paint and limewash. Masonry paint provides a solid, even color.
There are several products of choice for brick and masonry staining. PermaCrete from Dulux and Sherwin Williams Loxon are masonry stain with a solid finish and a slight sheen that has several great qualities including breathability, water repellency and hot tire resistance (applicable to floors).
In some cases, painting a brick home can significantly enhance curb appeal, which certainly adds value. Painting brick white is a classic and safe choice. To save on money, you can opt for whitewashing your brick, which involves diluting the paint with water to let some of the brick's texture show through.