Is Brick the Most Challenging Exterior Surface to Paint?

Kaspars Melderis • January 12, 2025

 Brick is absolutely a challenging exterior surface to paint. Why? Brick is a surface that was not normally intended to be painted. A brick surface is frequently riddled with defects and the bricks and surrounding mortar are distinctly different materials in how they react to being painted. But if your brick is tired and worn, a fresh coat of paint will make your house look a lot cleaner and newer.

Brick and Mortar on Your Chicago Home Exterior

Both brick and mortar are porous. If your brick exterior walls are is more than a few years old, there may be portions of the brick and mortar that have begun to deteriorate and become even more porous. As brick ages, it gets a salt buildup on the surface. As mortar ages, its pH may change and make it harder for paint to adhere properly.Blue brick home in Chicago covered with Rhino Shield exterior paint coating.

Prepping Your Chicagoland Brick Home for Painting

A brick home may require an acid wash first to remove these problems. It takes a true professional painting contractor to masterfully cover brick. The contractor will be able to ascertain exactly what pre-paint preparation may be required on your home.

Without a good primer to seal the brick and mortar, they will absorb paint like a sponge, causing an uneven, blotchy appearance. This ability to absorb also means that brick absorbs a fair amount of moisture. It is important to be certain that your home’s brick is completely dry before painting.

Permanent Bliss

One final challenge that comes with painting brick is that once paint is applied, it’s almost impossible to reverse the process and have your brick look good again.

Rhino Shield Offers the Best Brick Paint Coating

At Rhino Shield we know that brick can be fickle. As the expert in brick coatings, we can determine what preparation will need to be done before we start the coating process. We also put down a primer vapor barrier coating before applying the final durable ceramic color coat.

Whether you envision a stunning white brick home or sleek gray exteriors straight out of a design magazine, Rhino Shield delivers unmatched beauty and performance. Enhance your brick with exceptional durability, vibrant color, and superior weather resistance. With Rhino Shield’s advanced coating, your brick will look amazing for decades to come. Contact us today for a free estimate. 

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