How to Paint Bricks to Stop Efflorescence

Efflorescence is the movement of mineral salts from inside brickwork to the surface of the brick. It is a natural result of water soluble salts being present in brickwork at the same time as water is passing through the bricks. The water dissolves the salts and carries them to the surface, where they are deposited when the water evaporates. Painting bricks with a water-repellant paint will stop efflorescence by preventing water ingress into the brickwork in the first place.

Sand blaster
Pressure washer
Towel
Paintbrush
Clear water-repellant paint
Masonry sealer

Instructions

- 1
  Dry blast the brickwork to remove any efflorescence that is present. Pressure wash the surface of the bricks to remove any other dirt and debris covering the bricks to prevent loose materials from getting in the way of the watertight barrier you will be painting on. Dry the brickwork as best you can with a towel. Leave the bricks to dry thoroughly for 24 hours.
- 2
  Paint the bricks with a clear water repellent paint using a paintbrush. Coat each brick and the mortar between each brick using the paintbrush and be sure to work the paint into any nooks and pits in the brickwork. Let the paint dry. Coat the bricks and mortar with masonry sealer using a paintbrush.
- 3
  Dig out any earth or other materials behind the wall. This is especially important for retaining walls, as water will seep into the brickwork from the soil. Clean the brickwork to remove any stuck-on debris. Paint the bricks and mortar with water-repellant paint. Allow the paint to dry. Paint the bricks and mortar with masonry sealer. When the sealer is dry, back-fill the hole.

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