How to Paint a Brick Home in Indianapolis

There are few things more quintessentially American than a red brick home. After all, a home has, for centuries, stood as one of the bedrocks of the American Dream. Home ownership and the independence it represents pops up as a main theme in everything from the works of Edith Wharton and John Steinbeck to the stereotypical American ideal. For millions across the nation, that dream has not waned in the slightest.

With that being said, while there are many advantages to using brick as a building material, it can be a bit tricky to work with as well. For example, grit and grime can easily get caught within the crevices that make up a single brick, and then there’s the matter of painting brick. If you’re looking to paint your brick home, this guide can help get you started.

Clean the Surface

First and foremost, before you actually get to painting those bricks, you’re going to want to wash them first. Of course, cleaning the surface you’re about to paint is a good idea whenever you’re looking to paint a home, regardless of its structural material. With that being said, this is especially true of brick. As stated, mud and other particles can easily get lodged within the nooks and crannies of a single brick, and you don’t want that fouling up your paint job.

Treat Flaws

What’s more, not only is it important to clean your bricks, you’ll also want to inspect and, if necessary, treat any flaws you may see in them. Do you notice any cracks in the bricks? Are there any signs of rot or mildew? Do you see any sign of ant or other bug infestations? Now is the time to treat all that. You definitely don’t want to go through all of the trouble to paint your home, only to notice a flaw and then have to repeat the process all over again.

Choose a Paint

Now that you’ve cleaned your bricks and ensured that they’re in top shape, it’s finally time to get painting! That means choosing a type of paint and means of application – that is, a brush, a roller, a spray gun, or some combination of the three. Each has its advantages – brushes allow for finer detail, while rollers and spray guns are naturally much faster.

Then there’s the question of the paint itself. You don’t want to choose a cheap paint that’s going to chip easily, so be sure that whatever paint you choose is made to withstand weathering forces. What’s more, you’ll want to select a color that isn’t so bright as to be loud and easily faded, yet not so dark as to make your home appear somber.

You’ll also want to naturally cover the area around your home before you actually start painting – no one likes having to clean paint off the driveway!

Apply Finish

Finally, you might also want to consider adding some glazing or other finish on top of the paint itself. These substances can help provide an extra layer of protection against the elements, which can be especially helpful if your home is located in a particularly windy or rainy climate.