All You Need To Know About Brick Painting for Your Home

There’s a timeless allure to the rustic charm of exposed brick. The texture, character, and warmth it adds to any space is unparalleled. However, as home design trends evolve, we find ourselves in an era where brick walls are a canvas for transformation. Enter the art of brick painting — a trend that’s sweeping the world of home renovation and design.

In this comprehensive guide, we’re here to unravel the essentials of brick painting and equip you with all you need to know to make informed decisions about enhancing your home’s facade. Whether you’re considering a stunning makeover for your home, looking to boost its curb appeal, or simply seeking a cost-effective way to protect your bricks, you’ve come to the right place.

Brick painting is not just about aesthetics; it’s a wise investment in your home’s future. It can add value, prolong the life of your brick surfaces, and even make your home more energy-efficient. The resurgence of this age-old practice is backed by data, anecdotes, and the testimonials of homeowners who have witnessed their properties undergo stunning transformations.

So, fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a journey into the world of brick painting. In the following sections, we’ll explore what you need to consider before you embark on this trend. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be armed with the knowledge needed to turn your brick exterior into a work of art.

Let’s explore the fascinating world of brick painting and discover how it can breathe new life into your home’s facade.

What To Consider Before Painting a Brick House

Before embarking on the project of painting a brick house, there are several crucial factors to consider. Brick painting can have a transformative effect on the appearance of your home, but it’s a decision that should not be taken lightly. Here’s what you need to think about before picking up the paintbrush:

• Longevity and maintenance: Painted brick can have a lasting impact when done correctly. It can enhance the look of your home and provide an additional layer of protection against harsh weather conditions. This can extend the lifespan of the brick and reduce maintenance requirements. However, it’s important to remember that once you paint brick, it can be challenging and costly to reverse the process. Removing paint from brick often involves using paint removers, sandblasting, and extensive cleaning. Even after these efforts, the original appearance of the brick may not be fully restored.
• Design versatility: Painting your home’s brick opens up exciting design possibilities. As the years go by, changes like adding or removing windows, front stairs, or outdoor elements can make matching existing bricks a challenge. Painting the brick allows you to choose a color that seamlessly blends with your home’s overall color palette. This flexibility can help you maintain a cohesive and updated look for your property.
• Enhanced curb appeal: If your home’s brick is showing signs of wear and tear, painting it can be a quick way to enhance your property’s curb appeal. You can select a color that complements your design style and makes your home stand out in your neighborhood. A fresh coat of paint can instantly update your home’s appearance.

Potential Drawbacks

While there are several advantages to painting brick, it’s essential to be aware of potential drawbacks:

• Difficulty of undoing: Once you decide to paint brick, removing the paint may be challenging and expensive. The process can involve paint removers, sandblasting, and thorough cleaning. Even with these efforts, the original brick’s appearance may not be fully restored.
• Peeling and chipping: Painted brick can be relatively easy to maintain, but peeling or chipping may occur, especially if the paint is not applied correctly or the brick surface was adequately prepared. This can result from the brick’s natural expansion and contraction with changes in temperature and moisture.
• Multiple coats: Painting brick is not a one-and-done task. The porous nature of brick often requires multiple layers of paint to achieve the desired look. It’s essential to be prepared for this process and invest the time necessary for a quality finish.
• Loss of natural texture: While painting brick can enhance your home’s appearance, it does come at a cost. It covers the natural texture and character of the brick, which may be a downside for some homeowners who appreciate the raw beauty of exposed brick.
• Increased cleaning frequency: While painted brick is easier to clean compared to natural brick, it is more prone to showing dirt and mildew. This means you may need to clean your house exterior more frequently. Professional power washing, an affordable service that typically costs a few hundred dollars, can help maintain your brick exterior’s crisp and clean appearance.

Before beginning the painting process, it would be wise to weigh the design possibilities and enhanced curb appeal against the difficulty of undoing the paint, the risk of peeling, the need for multiple coats, and the loss of natural texture. Careful consideration and proper preparation are essential to ensure a successful and lasting transformation of your home’s appearance.

Contact us here if you would like to find the best painting contractor for your residential or commercial painting needs.

How a Professional Exterior Brick Painter Would Paint Your Brick Home

Should you choose to go ahead with the brick painting, then it would be advisable to opt for an expert. A professional exterior brick painter is well-versed in the nuances of masonry paint and its applications. When hired to paint your brick home, they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to ensure a flawless finish and long-lasting protection. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how a professional would proceed with painting a brick house:

1. Understanding Masonry Paint

First and foremost, a professional exterior brick painter comprehends the unique qualities of masonry paint. They know that masonry paint is specially formulated for exterior walls, making it an ideal choice for brickwork, concrete, stone, lime, plaster, pebble dash, and cement render. 

Masonry paint not only imparts a desired color but also acts as a shield against the elements. It provides protection against adverse weather conditions, rain, mold, general wear and tear, and even pollution. What sets masonry paint apart is its ability to seal exterior walls while allowing moisture to escape, preserving the breathability of the wall.

Professionals are well-versed in the different types of masonry paint available and understand the nuances of each:

• Water-based acrylic masonry paint: This is the most commonly used paint. It’s water-based and contains an acrylic binder, offering excellent protection against water and weather. If your home already has a layer of masonry paint, it’s likely acrylic. Professionals recommend acrylic for refreshing existing coatings, as it allows the brickwork to breathe while providing robust protection.
• Mineral or silicate-based paint: Mineral masonry paints, known for their durability and breathability, are a favorite among professionals. Instead of forming a new layer on the surface, they get absorbed into the masonry, becoming an integral part of the wall. This characteristic makes them exceptionally breathable. Although they can be more challenging to acquire and costlier than acrylic, their extended lifespan justifies the expense.
• Limewash: Professionals recognize limewash as a traditional method of protecting the exterior of a building. While it’s highly breathable, it needs periodic reapplication, unlike modern alternatives with longer guarantees. Limewash is an authentic choice for older properties, especially if they’re listed buildings. For non-listed properties, professionals often recommend mineral-based or acrylic masonry paints.
• Oil-based masonry paint: Oil-based masonry paints have their place, particularly in specific circumstances. They offer quick drying, are suitable for colder conditions, and provide superior stain-blocking properties. However, professionals acknowledge their downsides, such as higher costs, environmental concerns, and difficulty in cleaning. Most people opt for water-based paints due to their ease of use.

2. Preparation for painting

Professional exterior brick painters understand that proper preparation is the foundation of a successful painting job. They meticulously follow these steps:

• Prep-work: This includes addressing issues like water ingress, moisture content, efflorescence, and heat loss. Equally important is assessing the moisture content of the brick to ensure it falls within the suitable range for painting. 

• Removing flaking paint: They remove any flaking or unstable paint using a wire brush, ensuring a solid surface for the new coat to adhere to.
• Filling cracks: Any visible cracks or holes are carefully filled using high-quality masonry filler. Professionals know that filler tends to shrink as it dries, so they may reapply it if necessary.
• Sanding: To achieve a smooth surface, professionals may sand the filler and the existing paint, especially in areas with minor cracks that don’t require filling. A smooth surface ensures an excellent finish.
• Cleaning: It’s essential to clean the masonry to remove any mold, dust, or grime. Otherwise, the paint may not adhere properly. After cleaning, the surface should be allowed to dry thoroughly before painting.
• Masking: One of the most crucial steps in the preparation process is masking everything that shouldn’t be painted. This includes windows, doors, and any wooden surfaces. Depending on the painting technique, professionals may also cover nearby plants, bushes, and outdoor furniture to prevent overspray.

3. Painting techniques

The best Wichita, KS exterior brick painters are well-versed in various painting techniques and choose the one that best suits the project:

• Spraying masonry paint: When using a paint sprayer, professionals select the right paint sprayer and appropriate paint type. They follow correct masking procedures, covering windows, doors, and other surfaces. Proper preparation and practice ensure a smooth finish. Spraying masonry paint may sound challenging, but it’s all about preparation and mastering the correct techniques.
• Using brushes and rollers: Painting masonry with brushes and rollers is a straightforward process when done correctly. Professionals emphasize the importance of preparation and masking. They start from the top of the wall and work their way down to easily correct any drips. Cutting in with a paintbrush for precision areas is typically done first, followed by using a roller for larger surfaces.
• Achieving professional results: Professional exterior brick painters bring their expertise to each project, ensuring that every step is executed precisely. Their goal is to provide a flawless finish that not only enhances the visual appeal of your home but also offers long-term protection against the elements. By understanding the nuances of masonry paint and employing the right techniques, they ensure that your brick home is painted to perfection, ready to withstand the test of time. Hiring a professional guarantees that the investment in your home’s exterior will yield exceptional results.
• Drying and finishing: Professionals are aware of the importance of allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. This patience ensures a smooth and even finish. After the final coat has dried, the masking tape can be removed, revealing a beautifully painted brick exterior.

4. Using Super-Hydrophobic Technology

This technology creates a surface that repels water and moisture effectively. It also prevents water absorption into the brick while allowing moisture already present in the wall to evaporate out. Its high breathability and water-repellent properties ensure a long-lasting, waterproof finish that is resistant to weather extremes.

A professional exterior brick painter brings a wealth of expertise to the job, from selecting the best paint for brick exterior to addressing potential issues with the brick surface. With their meticulous preparation, cutting-edge technology, and attention to detail in the painting process, professionals can deliver a stunning, durable finish that transforms your brick home while protecting it from the elements and saving you from costly mistakes.

Why You Should Choose Koehn for Your Residential Brick Painting Needs

When it comes to addressing your residential brick painting needs, there are several compelling reasons why Koehn Painting stands out as the top choice for Wichita, Kansas, residents. 

With a commitment to excellence and over 30 years of industry experience, our team of brick house painters is dedicated to delivering outstanding results that will transform the exterior of your home. Here’s why you should choose Koehn for your residential brick painting needs:

• Expertise in brick house painting: Koehn Painting has garnered a reputation as one of the best companies in the business, backed by more than three decades of experience. Our seasoned professionals possess the knowledge and skills required to handle the intricacies of brick painting with precision and finesse. This wealth of experience ensures that your home will receive top-quality service and impeccable results.
• Focus on customer satisfaction: At Koehn Painting, we prioritize customer satisfaction above all else. We understand that your home is a significant investment, and we are dedicated to enhancing its value and curb appeal. Our commitment to delivering exceptional customer service means we listen to your needs, offer free estimates, and work flexibly to accommodate your preferences, ensuring your experience with us is smooth and hassle-free.
• Comprehensive preparation: Our thorough approach to brick house painting begins with meticulous preparation. We recognize the importance of addressing underlying issues before painting, such as fixing crumbling mortar and cracked bricks. We take the time to clean the surface, remove any efflorescence, and use power washing to eliminate debris. Only when the bricks are completely dry do we proceed with the painting process, ensuring a lasting and high-quality finish.
• Regular maintenance considerations: We acknowledge that even the best brick house painting job will require periodic attention. Paint can fade, change colors, chip, crack, peel, and flake over time. By choosing Koehn Painting, you can count on us to guide you on the appropriate repainting schedule, helping you protect your home from the elements and maintain its pristine appearance.
• Protection from the elements: Our residential brick painting services go beyond aesthetics. A fresh layer of paint not only enhances your home’s visual appeal, but also acts as a shield against moisture and the elements. It safeguards your building materials, promoting their longevity and preserving the structural integrity of your home.

When you entrust your residential brick painting needs to Koehn Painting, you are choosing an experienced and customer-focused team dedicated to delivering the highest quality results. We understand the unique challenges of brick house painting, and we are well-equipped to address them with expertise and care. 

If you want to learn more about Koehn and our painting services, feel free to get a quote from us.