Painting Exposed Brick: How to Prepare, Choose Paint and Apply It

Painting exposed brick has become a popular option for anyone wanting to refresh a space without plastering over the wall or taking on major building work. Done properly, it modernises the look of interior and exterior walls while keeping the brickwork’s relief and texture-provided the surface is prepared well, the right paint is chosen, and a few basic application precautions are followed.

How do you prepare exposed brick for painting?

Preparation starts with a thorough clean to remove dust, soot and leftover mortar. The brickwork needs to be dry, sound and free from loose material to prevent early peeling. If there is grease, wash the area with a mild (neutral) detergent diluted in water, rinse thoroughly, and allow it to dry naturally.

The mortar joints between bricks should be checked and made good where they are hollow or crumbling, allowing the mortar the correct curing time. Once clean, it’s common to apply an acrylic sealer or a stabilising primer on very porous brick. This cuts down paint absorption and helps the finish look more even.

What type of paint is best for exposed brick?

The most suitable choice depends on whether the wall is indoors or outdoors, and how damp the area tends to be. For interiors, matt or silk acrylic paint is widely used because it offers good coverage, dries quickly and is easy to wipe clean. For outside walls, acrylic masonry paint for façades (or exterior acrylic latex) is generally preferred, as it stands up better to sun, rain and temperature changes.

There are also products designed specifically for masonry and exposed brick that keep the texture visible and may only add a light tint, allowing some of the original colour to show through. When the aim is protection with minimal visual change, clear varnishes and colourless water-repellent treatments help maintain a rustic appearance while reducing moisture ingress.

How many coats of paint are recommended on exposed brick?

Typically, two to three coats are applied, depending on the colour, the paint type and how porous the brick is. The first coat is usually absorbed heavily, acting as a base layer and leaving the wall looking patchy. Subsequent coats build an even colour and improve protection, always following the drying time stated by the manufacturer.

If the wall has dark staining or uneven tones, applying a white undercoat before the final colour can be helpful. This improves coverage, uses less coloured paint, and makes the end result more consistent-particularly when renovating older walls or surfaces that have been heavily weathered.

• 1st coat: sealing base that soaks into the brick and reduces absorption;
• 2nd coat: evens out the colour and improves overall coverage;
• 3rd coat (if needed): corrects missed spots and increases durability.

What precautions help the paint last well on brick?

While painting, protect floors and frames with dust sheets/tarpaulins and masking tape, and avoid working in very strong sun, rain or high winds. A medium- to long-pile roller reaches the brick’s uneven surface more effectively, while brushes are useful for corners and gaps. Stirring the paint from time to time also helps keep the colour consistent across the whole wall.

After the paint has cured, applying a water-repellent treatment, acrylic varnish or a water-based resin can extend the life of the finish. Cleaning should be gentle-just water and a mild detergent-avoiding abrasive products. Regular checks make it easier to spot cracks, damp patches and small areas of flaking early, so they can be fixed before larger repairs become necessary.