3 Important things to remember before You Paint Decorative Bricks

Installing decorative bricks is one of the easiest solutions to a boring wall or an outdated-looking fireplace. It’s also a great problem solver for property owners, who are apprehensive of the common concerns associated with bricks, such as crumbling, dusting, and, molding. However, just like most construction materials out there, even decorative brick panels will soon worn out or require replacing.

Because budget is an issue, you probably made searches on online forums and was advised to have your bricks painted. It’s a sound advice, but as all repair and maintenance solution goes, there are many factors to consider before you decide what type of home improvement fix will work for your situation. Failing to assess your problem thoroughly before implementing a remodelling advice from strangers will most likely lead to more headaches and frustrations.

If you think painting decorative bricks on your wall is the only solution, consider these factors before you do so.

1. Choose the right colour

Lighter colors will provide a great neutral background for any style or theme; this is particularly important if you plan to sell your property one day. It will save the new owners the hassles of repainting walls that don’t suit their furnishings. Choose warm, natural colors if you want to keep the rustic or industrial vibe in your space.

2. Prepare the surface

Not all decorative bricks can be painted, so make sure to ask around before that brush touches your wall. This is an example of a paintable brick, if you have this type, then you’re good to go. Your bricks may have small holes that trap dirt over time; because of this, the surface must be cleaned first using water with mild detergent and clean cotton rags. Prepare the mixture by adding ¼ cup of detergent to a gallon of warm water. For grout lines and hard to reach areas, a toothbrush will come in handy. The surface must be entirely dry before you start applying paint.

3. Choose a suitable paint finish

There’s a standard finish when you’re painting a surface, but for decorative bricks, you can flip it any way you want. But just to be sure, you can test it on a small area and see how you like it. A tough gloss enamel is a brilliant choice—a durable enamel is essential since the texture of bricks may cause the paint to peel or flake over the years. Satin or eggshell would work as well. If you want the weathered look effect, you can achieve it through whitewashing. Use high-quality bonding primer in white for grout lines, and let them dry before you apply the paint for whitewashing.

As with right type of applicator to use, you can do away with a little creativity or choose the most convenient for you. There are available rollers designed for masonry; they’re very fluffy and padded—perfect for painting rough and uneven surfaces. A cheaper alternative is to use sponge, a handful of DIY enthusiasts swear by it. Use brush for hard to reach crevices.