WANT YOUR OLD BRICK TO LOOK NEW AGAIN? PAINT IT OR STAIN IT.

Brick was a popular building material in the Chicagoland area – especially after the Great Chicago Fire. It is a good, solid material that resists fire and the ravages of time. Brick is also porous, which means it can breathe - and unfortunately effloresce. Efflorescence is a crystalline deposit on the surface that discolors the brick or makes it appear white.  Fortunately, if you want to change up the look of your home or business, painting or staining the brick is a great way to achieve that makeover.

Every project begins with cleaning. If there is efflorescence, it has to be scrubbed away, along with the dirt and grime that accumulated over the years. If mold or mildew is present, it has to be properly treated and scrubbed away. Then, after the brick has had a chance to thoroughly dry, paint or stain can be applied.

If the brick is to be painted, a quality primer must first be applied. It can then be painted using one of the many options available for interior or exterior brick. The paint fills in some of the smaller nooks and crannies, presenting a uniform surface. To keep it looking its best, brick requires maintenance every 3 – 5 years like any other painted surface.

If the brick is in good condition, another option is staining. Staining is more tedious than painting and costs a little more for material and labor.  It allows you to virtually change the color making it appear as if the structure received new brick.. Since stains highlight, rather than hide the original texture of brick, the result is a more natural appearance. Stains also allow the brick to breathe, since it doesn’t fill in the pores. There are many colors and whitewashing techniques to choose from, suiting almost every taste and color palette.