Painting Brickwork

Over a number of years, the aesthetics of brickwork can suffer due to natural wear and tear and the elements. Painting brickwork can be a great way to refresh your brickwork and restore its appearance. Here are a few tips for painting brickwork and the preparation that you will need to do before you tackle the job:

Preparation

This is the most important stage of painting brickwork. Without correct preparation, you are unlikely to get the end result that you require.

General
Most importantly, check that the brickwork is suitable for painting - some newer bricks may not be optimal for the task as painting restricts the bricks from 'breathing' - consult an expert before you start.

It's a common mistake to plan the painting of brickwork during time off work, or on the weekend, without thinking about the weather. Always check the weather forecast for the day in question - a fine day is ideal, but rain, frost and fog can all have a detrimental effect on your paintwork finish. Additionally, never paint brickwork when it is wet, this can result in a patchy and uneven finish, and the new paint may flake.

Plan ahead
make sure that you will have adequate time to finish the entire wall - the painting of brickwork is a lengthy task and care must be taken for the best result. Also consider the height of your wall - will you need scaffolding or a tower to complete the job? Both of these items can be hired from local firms and can be a better solution than balancing on tall ladders. If you have any external fixings i.e. security lights or satellite dishes on the wall you wish to paint, remove them or cover them to avoid contact with paint. Also cover any driveways or paths that are likely to come into contact with the paint.

Calculate the amount of paint that you are likely to need (if you are unsure, ask an expert for advice). Do not mix paints from different manufacturers - the result cannot be assured, also ensure that you purchase enough paint to completely finish the job.

Wall Preparation
If your brickwork has been painted before, wash the area down with a detergent to remove any dust and debris. Wait until the wall dries before you commence with any painting. Fill in any small cracks with a filler or sealer and treat any areas with mould using a fungicidal product. New brickwork should be sealed with a masonry paint primer - this allows the walls to breathe. Exceptionally powdery surfaces may need a stabilising primer.

Painting

Once you have completed the necessary preparations, it's time to start painting the brickwork. Always ensure that you paint from the top of the wall, to the bottom, as drips will naturally occur as you work along. Ensure that you cover each area thoroughly before moving on to the next and try to be consistent as you move along the wall to avoid a patchy effect when the wall dries.