Historical home lovers cringe at the thought of painting or staining original brick, but there is no shame in it! In fact, it is one of the easiest ways to give your home a face-lift. However, deciding to refresh your brick facade or fireplace comes with a question: Should you paint or stain? Painting vs. Staining Brick Painting vs. Staining WHICH DIY METHOD IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
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Painting or staining brick is very similar to painting or staining
wood. Paint will sit on the brick’s surface and transform it with a bold, solid color. Stain will sink
into brick and act more like a tint, adjusting the color to a lesser degree. Brick painting hides flaws like discoloration and crumbling, while staining lets the brick’s original texture show through, imperfections included.
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If you paint your brick, you can choose from a rainbow of colors — everything from neon green to lavender is on the table! Brick stains are more muted but still come in various shades, including light blue, warm yellow, gray, brown, and charcoal. The Application Process With either method, you need to clean your brick first. For indoor areas, spray the brick with a 1:1 mixture of water and vinegar, let it sit, and scrub it clean. Experts recommend power washing outdoor bricks. If you paint, you should prime the surface with masonry primer or use a 2-in-1 paint. Whether you paint or stain, you will need to apply multiple coats to achieve your ideal shade. Some bricks absorb stain more easily than others, and bricks that are sealed or painted will not stain at all. You can test this by spraying water on your bricks. If the water sinks in, they will absorb stain! Whether you plan to paint or stain, a paint sprayer will deliver the fastest, easiest application. If you do not own one, try renting from your local hardware store! Pro tip: Dampness on your bricks can prevent paint from sticking, so let them dry completely before painting. The Maintenance Painted bricks can flake or peel easily, so experts recommend repainting them every 3–5 years. Brick stain, however, does not need regular retouching. While costs of paint and stain vary, this difference in upkeep makes brick staining the more affordable option. Good luck, and happy renovating!
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