Things You'll Need
Breathing mask
Goggles
Sheets of plastic or tarps
Blue painter's tape
Bucket or power washer
Trisodium phosphate
Scrub brush
Premixed acrylic mortar patch or mortar
Brick stain or an oil-based primer and paint
Paintbrush, paint roller or sprayer
The bright color of brick can fade over time, making them look old. If you want to update the look of a brick without exterior replacing it, change the color. Bricks can be either stained or painted. Paint often peels or chips and it lasts only a few years before you have to repaint the bricks. Stain is a longer-lasting solution to changing the color of the bricks.
Step 1
Cover the vegetation or other areas that you don't want harmed with sheets of plastic or tarps. You'll want to protect these things during the cleaning and staining process. Use blue painter's tape to attach the plastic around windows and doorways.
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Step 2
Clean the bricks to remove dirt, dust, loose paint, insects and other debris. Mix in a bucket or power washer a solution of trisodium phosphate and water according to label directions. Scrub the bricks with a scrub brush or use the power washer according to manufacturer's directions. Use the proper setting for the power washer to avoid doing damage.
Step 3
Rinse off the bricks with clean water.
Step 4
Allow the bricks to dry thoroughly.
Step 5
Repair or replace loose mortar with a premixed acrylic mortar patch or mortar that you mix yourself. Allow the mortar to dry thoroughly before proceeding to the next step.
Step 6
Choose the color for the brick stain or paint. Both are sold in home improvement stores or found online. If using paint, get an oil-based primer to apply to the bricks first.
Step 7
Mix the components of the brick stain according to the manufacturer's directions. Each brand is different. If using primer and paint, stir the contents in the can.
Step 8
Insert the tip of a paintbrush into the stain. Use the correct size paintbrush for the job. For large areas, use a paint roller or sprayer. If you are unsure what to buy, seek advice from a home improvement salesperson.
Step 9
Apply a thin coating of brick stain or primer over the bricks.
Step 10
Allow the brick stain or primer to dry thoroughly. If using primer, repeat Steps 7 through 9 and paint the surface of the bricks. Remove the plastic or tarps when finished.
Tip
Wear a breathing mask and goggles to protect your lungs and eyes as you wash the bricks and apply the brick stain.
Promptly remove any drips or excess from the brick by wiping away or using paint thinner. The label has directions on the best way to remove spills and drips.
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