Exposed brick on the interior of your home can look beautiful… sometimes. Other times, it can be a distraction from the ambiance of your room. Before you whip out the paint brush, read these tips to determine how you should handle your brick dilemma:

• Condition. Brick that is chipping or deteriorating in any way should not be painted. Paint can exaggerate the issues, making the brick look even worse.
• Moisture. Water can enter brick through pores, mortar joints, and other gaps. Make sure your brick is completely dry before applying paint. Moisture can also result in efflorescence, which is an unattractive residue of salt buildup. Remove this with water and a stiff brush. If it comes back after a week, do not paint your brick. Call a professional.
• Age. Brand new brick should not be painted for at least one year, as it needs that time to dry, weather, and leach.

Once you’ve considered these issues and you’ve determined your brick is a good candidate for painting, here’s how to paint like a pro:

• Clean it. Clean your brick with a simple soap and water solution, and wait 24 hours for it to dry completely. Using an acid-based cleaning solution can result in paint chipping.
• Seal it. If you have any cracks in your mortar, you should repoint them or hire a professional. Repointing is the process of chiseling brick joints clean and refilling the joints. Done improperly, repointing can result in damaged brick.
• Choose the right paint products. To properly paint interior brick, you’ll need a conditioner, a primer, and a latex or acrylic paint. You could also stain the brick instead of painting it.

For professional help painting your brick, contact CertaPro Painters of Gloucester County today.