What Paint Do I Use on a Brick Wall?

Paint

• To paint a brick wall, the primer and paint should be suitable for use on masonry. A latex primer will produce good results. If you are using a dark paint color, have the paint store add some color to the primer to help with coverage. Wall paint is available in either acrylic/latex or oil-based varieties. For indoor painting, latex paint is generally preferred since it is the easiest to use, has low fumes and cleans up with soap and water. The paint finish you choose is up to your personal taste. A flat finish gives a matte appearance that is suitable for most interior walls. A satin finish gives a slight gloss and semi-gloss gives a bit more shine. Both are suitable choices for a brick wall. The gloss of these finishes is helpful in high traffic areas, kitchens and kids’ playrooms. You will need more primer and paint for a brick wall than for a normal wall due to the porous nature of brick.

Supplies

• Choosing the proper supplies for painting a brick wall will make your job easier. A good paintbrush and roller are the basic tools that you need. A polyester or nylon/polyester blend paintbrush is recommended for latex paints. A synthetic roller with a thick pile depth is suitable for latex paint and is thick enough to get into the nooks and crannies of bricks and masonry.

Wall Preparation

• As with any painting job, wall preparation is important for the best possible end result. Your brick wall needs to be vacuumed or brushed to remove all dust and debris. If the wall surrounds a fireplace, check for soot. A light accumulation can be covered with your primer. For heavier soot or grease stains, the surface should be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution or with a tri-sodium phosphate cleaner. There are natural imperfections in a brick wall, but many small cracks and breaks in the mortar can be covered by paint. You can fill small holes and chinks in the mortar with spackling compound or caulk.

Procedures

• After preparing your brick wall, you are ready to prime and paint. Use your paintbrush to prime around woodwork, edges and corners. Roll the primer over the wall, getting into as many of the depressions of the brickwork as possible. Wash out the paintbrush and roller with soap and water and dry them thoroughly. Use the same procedures for applying paint to the wall. Work on small sections at a time, rolling and following with the paintbrush to get into nooks and crannies and to control drips. You will most likely need two coats of paint to get good coverage on a brick wall.