To paint a brick house properly, you clean the walls, repair the mortar and any cracks, treat mould and efflorescence, apply a masonry primer and finish with a breathable exterior paint. It’s a big job, and the order matters. Skipping a step is the usual reason painted brick peels.
Decide if you want to paint it
Painting brick is hard to reverse. Once it’s painted, going back to bare brick is very difficult and expensive. Think about the look you want, and check heritage requirements or by-laws if they apply. If in doubt, try a small inconspicuous area first.
1. Check the condition
Look for cracked bricks, crumbling mortar, damp patches and white powdery salts. These point to moisture problems that must be solved before any paint goes on. Our article on water damage, mould and efflorescence explains what to look for.
2. Clean the walls
Wash away dirt, mould, moss and loose material. Low-pressure washing suits older brick, because high pressure can damage soft brick and mortar. Let the wall dry completely afterwards. Our power washing service can handle it safely.
3. Repair mortar and cracks
Repoint crumbling mortar and fill cracks with a suitable product. Replace badly damaged bricks. Paint doesn’t fix structural problems, it just covers them.
4. Prime with a masonry primer
Brick is porous and alkaline, so it needs a masonry primer made for it. That seals the surface and gives the topcoat something to grip. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for drying times and conditions.
5. Apply breathable topcoats
Use a quality exterior masonry paint, typically two coats. Breathable paints let moisture vapour escape, which helps prevent blistering. Choose a colour that suits the roof, trims and street, and consider testing samples on the wall.
6. Finish the details
Paint trims, eaves, downpipes and gutters to match the new scheme. Our guide to painting gutters and fascias covers those areas.
Safety and access
A two-storey brick home means working at height, and that’s a job for a professional with the right equipment. For a fuller look at what the professional route involves, read our guide to brick house painting in Brisbane.
Prep decides the result
See our brick house painting service or request a quote.
McAuliffe Painting. Eagle Farm, Brisbane QLD 4009. QBCC Lic 15183972.
