How to Distress Painted Brick

Brick can add a stylish look to your home. Whether around a fireplace or on an entire wall, brick has been used for centuries to enhance the look of an area. If you have painted brick whose look you want to change, try distressing. When you distress painted brick you will be removing the paint from some areas and adding darker paint to other areas to make the brick look worn and rustic.

Vacuum with a brush attachment
Chemical-resistant gloves
Paint stripper
Rag
Wire brush
Dark colored water-based paint
Mixing container
Stir stick

Instructions

- 1
  Vacuum the painted brick to remove built-up dust, dirt or debris using the vacuum's brush attachment.
- 2
  Put on a pair of chemical-resistant gloves. Dampen a rag with paint stripper. Hold the dampened rug over the brick for a few minutes. The longer you hold the rag on the bricks, the more paint will come off.
- 3
  Wipe away the paint stripper with a rag dampened with water.
- 4
  Use a wire brush to scrape away a small amount of paint in other areas.
- 5
  Mix 50 percent paint and 50 percent water in a mixing container. Stir with a stir stick until thoroughly combined. Chose a dark paint to simulate dirt and grime from years of use.
- 6
  Dip a clean rag into the paint and rub the paint along the edges of some bricks. Wipe away the excess paint with a clean rag.

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