Painting of Brownstone Houses

Mix 2 tbsp. of dishwashing soap and water in a large bucket. Dip a sponge into the bucket and clean the brownstone thoroughly. Rinse the brownstone with clean water. Do not use a high-pressure setting on your hose nozzle. Climb a ladder and let the water run down the side of the wall to rinse.

Cover the windows, doors and plants with low-tack painter's tape and plastic sheeting.

Mix brownstone patching compound according to the package directions. Follow the instructions carefully. Scoop the compound onto a small putty knife. Scrape the putty off the knife and into the hole. Let the putty dry overnight.

Apply masonry primer to the mortar between the brownstone with a paintbrush. Choose an oil-based primer for previously painted surfaces and latex for new paint jobs. Using a good primer will reduce the total amount of paint needed. Roll a texture roller through the primer and roll onto the walls. Let the primer coat dry completely.

Apply the mortar oil-based or latex paint depending on whether the brownstone has been previously painted. Work in small, 6-by-6-foot sections so the mortar paint won't dry before you paint the face of the brownstone. Paint the front of the stones with a ¼-inch nap roller. Let the first coat dry. Apply an additional coat as needed.