Painting Brick House White: Tips, Tricks, and Things to Know

Are you tired of your brick house looking dull and outdated? Well, you’re in luck because painting brick house white is a great way to give your home a fresh new look. However, before you start slapping on the paint, there are a few things you need to know. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of painting brick house white and explore the tips, tricks, and things to know before you start your project.

Preparing Your Brick House for Painting

Before you start painting brick house white, you need to make sure your house is ready for the job. Here are a few things you need to do to prepare your brick house for painting:

Clean the brick: You’ll need to give your brick house a good cleaning to remove any dirt, grime, or mildew that may be lurking on the surface. You can use a pressure washer to clean the brick, but make sure to use a wide fan tip and keep the nozzle at least 12 inches away from the surface.
Repair any cracks: If you have any cracks in your brick, you’ll need to repair them before you start painting. You can use a patching compound to fill in the cracks, and then let it dry completely before sanding it down to a smooth finish.
Remove any efflorescence: Efflorescence is a white, powdery substance that can form on the surface of the brick. You’ll need to remove it before you start painting, as it can prevent the paint from adhering properly to the surface.

Choosing the Right Paint for Your Brick House

When it comes to painting brick house white, you’ll need to choose the right paint for the job. Here are a few things to consider when selecting a paint for your brick house:

Elastomeric paint: This type of paint is specifically designed for use on brick, concrete, and other masonry surfaces. It’s flexible and can stretch and contract with the surface as it expands and contracts due to temperature changes.
100% acrylic paint: This type of paint is also a good choice for use on brick houses. It’s water-based, breathable, and can help to prevent moisture from becoming trapped behind the paint.
Masonry-specific primer: If you’re planning to use a standard exterior paint on your brick house, you’ll need to use a masonry-specific primer first. This type of primer is designed to help the paint adhere properly to the surface, and can help to prevent peeling and flaking.

Applying the Paint

Once you’ve prepared your brick house and chosen the right paint, it’s time to start applying the paint. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Start at the bottom: When painting a brick house, it’s best to start at the bottom and work your way up. This will help to prevent drips and runs from ruining the paint job.
Use a roller: A roller is a great tool to use when painting brick house white, as it can help to cover large areas quickly and evenly. Just be sure to use a roller with a nap length of at least 1 inch to ensure that you get good coverage.
Use a brush for trim: When it comes to painting the trim and other areas where a roller won’t fit, it’s best to use a brush. A high-quality brush with synthetic bristles will help to create a smooth, even finish.

Painting Brick House White: Top Tips and Tricks

Here are some top tips and tricks to keep in mind when painting brick house white:

Test the paint: Before you start painting, it’s a good idea to test the paint on a small, inconspicuous area. This will help to ensure that the paint won’t affect the color or texture of the brick.
Apply a second coat: If you’re using a semi-transparent or transparent paint, you may need to apply a second coat to achieve the desired color. Just be sure to let the first coat dry completely before applying the second coat.
Use a paint with a high LRV: The LRV (Light Reflectance Value) of a paint refers to its ability to reflect light. When painting brick house white, it’s a good idea to choose a paint with a high LRV to help reflect heat and keep your house cool.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Painting Brick House White

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when painting brick house white:

Not preparing the surface properly: If you don’t clean and repair the surface of the brick before painting, the paint may not adhere properly, leading to peeling and flaking.
Using the wrong type of paint: If you use a paint that’s not specifically designed for use on brick, it may not adhere properly or may peel and flake over time.
Not applying a second coat: If you’re using a semi-transparent or transparent paint, you may need to apply a second coat to achieve the desired color. Not doing so can result in a paint job that looks uneven or patchy.

Conclusion

Painting brick house white can be a great way to give your home a fresh new look, but it’s not a project to be taken lightly. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this article, you can ensure a successful paint job that will last for years to come. Just remember to prepare the surface properly, choose the right paint for the job, and apply the paint carefully and evenly. Happy painting!