Can I Stain a Painting on a Brick Wall?

Creating the Painting

• The process of painting on the brick begins with cleaning of the brick. TSP or tri-sodium phosphate is a safe cleaner sold at hardware stores. The cleaner removes dirt, debris and stains from the brick. Once you rinse the brick with fresh water, wait at least 24 hours until the brick dries completely. Sketch the image of the painting on the brick with a utility knife or a sharp blade that just barely pierces the brick. You can also use masking tape to create the lines and differentiate between the different parts of the painting.

Staining the Brick

• Choose one stain color and work with one color at a time. Apply the brick stain to the wall with a paintbrush and let the brick absorb the color. For larger areas of brick, consider using a paint sprayer or a similar machine, which covers a large surface area. Keep applying the stain to the brick until it reaches the desired color, letting each coat dry before applying more. Work your way around the brick wall, coloring in each area of the brick for your painting.

Considerations

• The color of the brick changes over time, as rain, snow and wind break down the surface. The brick chips away and develops a dark patina. If you want some form of protection for an exterior wall, apply a coat of clear sealant. The clear sealant bonds with the brick, creating a slightly glossy sheen. The coating protects the brick from environmental factors and saves your painting. When the brick becomes dirty, simply wipe down the surface with a damp cloth.

Grout Considerations

• When staining the brick, the stain seeps into the grout or mortar surrounding each brick. You have two options regarding the grout. You can leave the grout as-is and let it pick up the color from the stain, which lets the grout blend into the artwork. If you want the original color of the mortar, then cover the areas with small pieces of masking tape. Once the stain dries, remove the tape.