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EXTERIOR BRICK HOUSE PAINTING TECHNIQUES

You want to give the exterior brick walls of your house a brand new look. Where do you start? Have you any idea what needs to be done? Painting the exterior of a home is an extremely important home renovation step. You need to consider a lot of things before you head out to the paint store. You have to visualize the entire procedure step by step and prepare well, to get excellent results.

Points To Consider Before Painting Brick
Painting the exterior brick walls of your home can give it a new look and feel. If your exterior brick walls are damaged and have areas which are stained or discolored you could do with brand new paint.

Efflorescence is white staining which occurs in brick as a result of salt deposits. These needs to be removed before you start painting the exterior brick walls. Some acids can be used to remove the stains.

After removing the stains you will need to remove the dust and widen the cracks that pre exist. You can then seal the cracks with acrylic caulking. This may require to be repeated to be effective. If there is mildew on your brick it can be removed with bleach.

Using a pressure washer is good to get the dust, dirt and loose paint out. Even dissolved laundry detergent and a scrub brush can help as you need to have a very clean surface to apply the primer.

Next priming may be needed to be done which should suit masonry surfaces. After the primer is completely dry you can apply the top coat of the color of your choice. It would be a good idea to apply two layers or coats so that you get the best looking color and best sealing for the brick.

An important point not to be overlooked is even if your painting is a
do-it-yourself job, it would help to consult professional masons and painters as you have to learn to handle the materials right and get the best results. Some of the items you use may be dangerous and you need to wear gloves before you handle them. You need advice about what colors are suitable as well.

Painting

Most people choose light colored paint for brick walls and it gives a very fresh and new look. You also need to choose a color that blends well with the neighborhood, unless your home is deep on a wooded lot or on a large plot of land. It should not clash with the colors of the houses nearby. The color should match the basic design of your home as well.

Brick is porous so though it appears dry on the outside it can hold moisture inside so it needs to dry out completely, so you need to ensure enough time. When completely dry you can go ahead and apply the primer coat. Special primer paints designed for bricks is available.

Using top quality paints, products and materials will result in lower maintenance costs and less repair work in the future. Surface preparation is very important for brick walls. Removing the previous stain is important. If the brick is new you need to let it age for at least a year before you start painting. If you don’t wait the ore in the paint will leak out and discolor the painting. Choosing the best brick paint is very important and elastomeric paint is considered very effective and can do wonders for your brick walls.

When you consider painting the exterior brick walls of your home it would be a good idea to hire a professional contractor who gives you the best and most cost effective service. They have the required experience and will plan and do your work for you in the least possible time instead of you struggling with inexperience. It can prove to be an easier way, of giving a terrific new look to your home.