How to Paint an Outdoor Brick Wall

Brick can be painted any color.

Outdoor brick walls can be painted with a masonry paint formulated for brick. The paint usually contains acrylic resin, which makes it tackier so it will stick to the brick over time. To paint brick, you must start with a clean, dry surface. It is best to paint your brick wall when it is shaded from sunlight and the temperature is between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This will prevent the paint from drying prematurely.

Things You'll Need

• 1,500 to 2,000 psi power washer
• Elastomeric caulk
• Masonry primer
• Paint tray
• Paint roller
• Exterior brick paint
• Paint stirrer
• 2 1/2-inch nylon paint brush

Instructions

1. Spray the exterior brick wall with a power washer set to 1,500 to 2,000 psi. This will remove all the dirt and stains. Let the brick wall air dry.

2. Fill in any cracks in the brick with elastomeric caulking. This will prevent water from seeping under the paint, which could cause peeling.

3. Pour masonry primer into a paint tray. Apply the primer to the brick wall with a roller, using even, overlapping strokes. Let the primer dry according to the package directions. The dry time is usually one to two hours.

4. Stir your exterior brick paint with a paint stirrer. Dip a 2 1/2-inch nylon paint brush into the paint and paint the edges of the brick wall, starting in an upper corner and working around the edge. Make sure the application is smooth, and that paint is not collecting in the joints.

5. Pour the paint into a paint tray. Cover a 1/2- to 1-inch nap roller with the paint.

6. Paint a "w" shape in one of the upper corners of the wall, overlapping the legs of the "w" with the painted edge. Fill in the "w" shape with the paint.

7. Repeat the "w" shapes in 3-by-3-foot sections, overlapping the sections and filling them in as you go. Continue until the entire wall is painted.

8. Go back over the wall with the paintbrush, filling in any spots that the roller missed. These will usually be low areas, such as the mortar joints. Let the paint dry 24 hours.

References

• Behr: How to Paint Exterior Brick
• House Painting Info: Painting Exterior Brick
• Ask the Builder; Whitewashing Brick; Tim Carter