How to Paint Indoor Brick

Exposed brick can add so much character to a home and can even serve as a focal point in a room. If your brick wall or fireplace is making your home feel dated and you’re looking for a cost-effective upgrade, painting your indoor brick may help add a new dimension to your space.

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Brick Stain vs Paint

Did you know you can also stain brick like you would your concrete patio? Staining brick can give your space a different feel while still allowing the brick’s character—imperfections and all—to shine. If you’d rather give your brick a completely new look painting may be your best option. Keep in mind that paint won’t allow the brick to breathe and could pose moisture issues so it’s best to use a paint that’s mold and mildew resistant.

Tip: Be careful not to paint your indoor brick too soon. If you’ve recently had brick installed into your home, you’ll need to wait until it’s at least a year old. Newer brick is typically still moist and needs time to acclimate to its new environment. Doing this will keep your paint job from cracking, leading to more frequent touch ups in the future.

STEP 1

Clean & Prep Brick

Prep is a crucial part of painting brick since any dust, dirt or debris can affect how well your paint adheres to the masonry. Using a stiff, natural bristle brush, gently wipe away any cobwebs before wiping down the brick. To clean indoor brick, you can use a soap and warm water or vinegar-water solution to wipe down the brick. Allow 24-48 hours for the brick to dry completely.

Tip: If you need a stronger solution to remove burnt material or mold and mildew, you can use a trisodium phosphate solution. Just remember to properly ventilate your area and wear a mask and gloves.

STEP 2

Apply Primer

Primer will improve color adhesion when it’s time to paint your brick and thoroughly cover any staining you want to hide. The best way to paint brick is to use a roller brush to quickly apply primer to the masonry. Next, use a paint brush to go over the mortar and any small crevices.

Tip: Now that you have a coat of primer down, it’s easier to see what imperfections you want to address before painting. Use an acrylic caulk to smooth out any large gouges to ensure the paint goes down smooth.

STEP 3

Paint

Like the priming step, start with a thick nap roller brush to quickly cover your project before going in with a brush to paint the mortar and any other crevices. For the best results, you’ll need to put down two coats of paint so avoid applying too much paint when filling any cracks the first time around.

Tip: If you’re painting your fireplace, you might be wondering how to paint the inside. While you can’t use the same paint you used to paint the exterior, there are high heat paints you can use that will still give your finished project a unified feel.