The Best Ways to Seal & Color an Exterior Masonry Wall

Preparation

• Properly cleaning and preparing masonry before sealing and painting is critical. Dust and debris can cause peeling paint. In addition, cracks allow water to seep behind any paint or sealer, causing bubbling. Wash masonry with a pressure washer at between 1500 and 2000 psi. Remove all dirt and debris. Scrub off old paint and consider sanding brick surfaces with 60- or 80-grit sandpaper. Caulk all cracks larger than 1/16 inch.

Sealants

• Sealants are used as waterproofing agents, but they can also protect against chemicals, weather and even salt spray from roads. Water-based sealants are safest for the environment. They also "breathe," allowing moisture absorbed by masonry to escape, preventing cracks. Some sealants are tinted, saving homeowners the trouble of sealing, priming and painting. Others combine sealant and primer in one product. Read product labels carefully to ensure the product you buy is rated for use on masonry and is paintable if you intend to paint.

Paints

• Any exterior 100 percent acrylic latex paint is suitable for sealed and primed masonry. If you use a sprayer for painting, touch up thick or thin spots with a paintbrush. Follow up a roller with a paintbrush as well to ensure paint covers all the nooks, crevices and mortar joints. The more thorough the paint coverage, the longer it will last.

Elastomeric Paint

• Elastomeric paints, also known as elastomeric wall coatings, are made from acrylic resins designed to flex with expanding and contracting masonry. Ideal for use on poured concrete, brick, cinder block and stucco, elastomeric paints offer excellent waterproofing and color retention. They are also easy to clean, requiring only an occasional pressure washing. Elastomeric paints are readily available and can be tinted in almost any color.