How to Paint Outside Brick
Painting bricks requires several preparatory steps and the use of dangerous chemicals. If you have a small area to paint, it's possible to do the job yourself. If you have an entire home exterior to paint, consider bringing in professionals. If you want to do a big job yourself, be prepared to do a lot of hard work. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Gloves designed for use with caustic chemicals
- Protective goggles
- Muriatic acid
- Garden hose
- Exterior paint primer
- Exterior paint
Instructions
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1
Clean your bricks. Your bricks must be clean before you start your process. Using a broom or wire brush, remove all debris from your brick. If any paint or chemicals are on your brick, remove them by scraping or using the appropriate thinner or remover.
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2
Perform any necessary repairs on your bricks. Replace broken bricks and fill in any areas missing mortar. Mortar can be purchased premixed and applied with a trowel. Follow the manufacturer's recommended drying time.
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3
Acid wash your brick. Brick will not absorb paint properly unless its surface is treated with an acid wash. Generally, muriatic acid is used. Muriatic acid can be painted on your brick with a brush. When using muriatic acid, read all manufacturer directions carefully and wear gloves and protective eye wear. Muriatic acid is a dangerous caustic chemical.
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4
Wash down your brick again. After the muriatic acid has been applied to the entire surface of your brick, rinse it off with water.
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5
Prime your brick. Paint your brick with an exterior primer. Without primer, your paint will not create a good bond with your brick, causing it to peel. Allow your primer to dry for at least 24 hours. If it's humid outside, allow it to dry for several days.
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Paint your brick. Use a good exterior paint to paint your brick.
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Tips & Warnings
After you have cleaned your bricks, take a moment to inspect your foundation, roof and any woodwork. You may find problems that should be solved before you begin to paint.
When working with muriatic acid, keep pets and children a safe distance away.
