Fresh Face: 5 Steps to Paint Interior Bricks Like a Pro

If painting's the way you've chosen to go, these tips will ensure you give bricks a lasting and lovely finish

Lisa Frederick 27 June 2014

Houzz Contributor. After journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately discovered a new passion. An Atlanta native, I spent several years as an editor for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine before making the leap to national publications and websites such as Houzz, Better Homes and Gardens and Southern Accents. I live in Birmingham, Alabama, with my husband and son, who’ve gotten used to coming home and finding the furniture rearranged. When I'm not dragging case goods across the floor, I enjoy good food and wine, college football, music of all kinds, and traveling.

Houzz Contributor. After journalism school, I fell into decorating media and immediately... More

Comment19

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Although the thought of painting a brick wall makes some people blanch in horror, there are times when it makes sense. So let’s assume you’ve done your homework, weighed up the pros and cons, listened to a barrage of opinions and decided to forge ahead. What’s next? Follow these steps for wielding the paint roller to give a brick surface new life.

Fiorella Design, LLC

STEP 1: Inspect your mortar
Is it crumbling or otherwise deteriorating, or are there gaps that need to be fixed? If so, address those before you even think about shuffling through paint chips. You can probably seal minor holes yourself with spackle or caulk, but major damage means a call to your local mason.

STEP 2: Scrub, scrub and scrub some more
Paint never adheres perfectly to a dirty surface (and plus, you risk sealing in the odd cobweb, dead bug or piece of lint). Use a stiff-bristled brush and a little dish soap diluted in water to clean the brick thoroughly, then wipe it down with a dry cloth. Let the bricks dry completely before you start painting.

Leslie Saul & Associates

STEP 3: Select the appropriate tools
Brick is heavily textured, so you’ll need painting supplies that can handle its pits and crevices. Choose rollers with a long nap and press hard as you roll to push the paint into tiny holes, or use a sprayer for the most even results.

You’ll probably want a brush to take care of mortar lines and cut in around doorways or windows. Because of brick’s rough edges, cutting in isn’t as easy as it is on a smooth surface, so use a narrow brush that you can manipulate around bumps and crags.

STEP 4: Prime it right
Use a primer that’s designed for masonry and apply it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. (You’ll almost always need more than one coat.) Let it dry completely between coats.

Jenn Hannotte / Hannotte Interiors

STEP 5: Pick your finish
Brick often looks best painted in a slightly glossy finish, which highlights its detail better than a matte one and makes it easier to wipe clean. Use a 100 per cent acrylic paint and roll or spray on one to two coats of your chosen colour. Happy painting!

MORE
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To Paint or Not to Paint: Exposed Brick Interiors
Brush Up on Paint: Know Your Matts From Your Glosses

Comment19

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PRO

ROMABIO / Interior & Exterior Mineral Based Paints

Another option that is easy to use and more durable is mineral based paints for brick. Check out romabio.com/masonry to learn more.

3 Likes 24 August 2016 at 4:11am

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Robin

Itwillcostyou, look at romabio.com/masonry to learn more. Chalk look product.

Like 2 November 2017 at 9:11am

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Robin

I love painted brick when done correctly. Looks like a textile. I’ve seen two gray painted fireplace surrounds on Houzz that I LOVE. it’s better than no solution.

Like 2 November 2017 at 9:13am