How to Paint Brick

🧰 Tools & Materials

Tools

• Stiff-bristle brush
• Paint scraper
• Shop vac or broom
• Garden hose
• Paintbrush
• Thick-nap paint roller and roller frame
• Extension pole
• Paint tray

Materials

• Masonry cleaner or mild detergent
• Masonry primer
• Exterior masonry paint
• Painter’s tape
• Drop cloths or plastic sheeting
• Mortar repair material, if needed

🔎 Signs It’s Time to Paint Your Brick

• Existing paint is faded or worn
• Previously painted brick is peeling or flaking
• You want to update the exterior appearance
• Repairs have left mismatched areas
• Older painted brick needs a fresh protective coating

📝 Before You Buy

Use primer and paint specifically rated for masonry or brick. Brick is porous, so ordinary interior or exterior wall paint may not perform as well.

Do not use these instructions on firebox brick, the inside of a chimney, or brick that becomes extremely hot. Those surfaces require specialized products and preparation.

Keep in mind that painting previously unpainted brick is a long-term commitment. Once painted, returning it to its original appearance can be difficult.

🛠️ Before You Start

Inspect the brick and mortar carefully. Repair loose or deteriorated mortar and address leaks, drainage problems, or other sources of excess moisture before painting.

Clean the brick thoroughly and allow it to dry completely. Painting damp masonry can trap moisture behind the coating and lead to peeling or other problems later.

Step 1: Clean the Brick

Remove dirt, dust, cobwebs, loose material, and surface buildup with a stiff-bristle brush.

Wash the brick with masonry cleaner or mild detergent as needed, rinse thoroughly, and give the masonry plenty of time to dry.

What You Should See: The brick should be clean, dry, and free from loose debris or chalky residue.

If the brick was previously painted, scrape away loose, peeling, or flaking paint. Brush and sand rough edges where necessary, following the same basic preparation principles used when fixing peeling paint⁠

Step 2: Scrape and Repair the Surface

If the brick was previously painted, scrape away loose, peeling, or flaking paint. Brush and sand rough edges where necessary.

Repair deteriorated mortar or minor masonry damage and allow the repair material to cure according to the manufacturer’s directions.

💡 Pro Tip: Paint won’t fix damaged mortar. Make those repairs first so you’re starting with a solid surface.

Step 3: Protect the Surrounding Areas

Cover nearby windows, doors, trim, fixtures, concrete, landscaping, and other surfaces you don’t want painted. If the siding is also due for a refresh, treat it as a separate project using How to Paint Exterior Siding⁠.

Use painter’s tape around smaller details and drop cloths or plastic sheeting below the work area.

Step 4: Prime the Brick

Apply masonry primer with a thick-nap roller, working it into the textured surface and mortar joints.

Use a brush to reach deep joints, corners, and areas the roller misses.

What You Should See: The primer should cover the brick evenly without leaving obvious bare spots inside the pores or mortar joints.

If Yours Looks Different: Very porous brick may absorb primer quickly and require additional product for consistent coverage.

Step 5: Apply the First Coat of Paint

Once the primer has dried, apply masonry paint with a thick-nap roller. Work in manageable sections and use a brush to fill recessed mortar joints and textured areas.

Avoid applying an excessively heavy coat just to fill every low spot at once.

💡 Pro Tip: Roll in several directions over heavily textured brick to help work the paint into the surface.

Step 6: Apply the Second Coat

Allow the first coat to dry for the manufacturer’s recommended recoat time.

Inspect the wall for thin areas, missed mortar joints, drips, and uneven coverage. Correct any dried imperfections using the methods in How to Fix Paint Drips and Runs⁠, then apply the second coat.

What You Should See: The finished brick should have consistent color and coverage across both the brick faces and mortar joints.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Painting dirty or damp brick
• Ignoring moisture problems
• Painting over loose or deteriorated mortar
• Skipping masonry primer when it’s required
• Using paint that isn’t suitable for masonry
• Applying one excessively heavy coat
• Painting in unsuitable weather
• Assuming paint will hide structural masonry problems

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of paint should I use on brick?
Use a coating specifically designed and rated for masonry. For exterior brick, make sure the product is also approved for exterior use.

Do I need to prime brick before painting?
Primer is commonly recommended for bare brick and repaired areas. Always follow the requirements of the masonry paint system you choose.

Can you paint directly over old painted brick?
Yes, if the existing coating is firmly bonded and compatible with the new paint. Remove peeling or loose paint and properly prepare the surface first.

How many coats of paint does brick need?
Two finish coats are commonly needed for consistent color and coverage, especially because brick has a rough, porous surface.

Can painted brick peel?
Yes. Moisture, poor preparation, incompatible coatings, and painting dirty or damp masonry can all contribute to peeling.

☎️ When to Call a Professional

Consider professional help if the brick has widespread mortar deterioration, significant cracking, persistent moisture problems, extensive peeling coatings, or areas that require working from tall ladders or scaffolding.

🔗 Related DIY Guides

• How to Paint Exterior Siding
• How to Fix Peeling Paint
• How to Fix Paint Drips and Runs
• How to Paint a Garage Door
• How to Paint a Front Door