Can you paint brick cladding?

Advantages of painting the brick cladding

Through painting your internal or external wall, you can quickly change and update the look of your house or an apartment. You can select light and warm colours such as white, beige, grey, or eggshell, which will add some style and elegance. Or you can choose really bold hues and create a memorable design. With a wall painted black, blue, yellow, or red, you will surely attract some attention. And if you want to make something more artistic and personal, you can paint your own design, which will make the wall one of a kind. What is more, painting brick cladding is a much more affordable solution than removing it all and installing something else. 

When can you paint brick cladding?

Now that we know all the advantages, it’s time to ask a real question - when can you paint brick cladding and when is it better to leave it alone? As we all know, there are different types of brick claddings - some are made from pieces of real brick, and some are not. If the cladding is from a traditional brick and you can see a porous texture, then it may be a little bit tricky to paint right. Why? Because bricks absorb moisture - from humid air, precipitation and even wet soil - and then they expel it. Coating such bricks in layers of paint will block the moisture inside and cause the product to peel and chip away. Such action can also affect the mortar itself.

How can you paint brick cladding?

We are aware of potential risks involving painting the brick cladding, but there are certain steps that will minimize it and allow us to complete the project. Of course, before the painting, we should adequately prepare the area. First, we need to sweep the cladding with a brush or a broom, so there is no dirt or dust on the surface. Next step is cleaning the bricks with a mild detergent. If we are working on the wall, which is outside then essential is making sure that there’s no moss or mould on it and using some fungicidal wash so it won’t grow back. Before putting on any paint, we need to prime the area and let it dry, so there’s no moisture. The key element is, of course, choosing the right type of paint. We should look for something “breathable”, which will allow the moisture to travel freely. The best option is mineral paint, which works by absorbing into the brick substrate.

Look for some more info in one of our previous articles: How to paint exterior brick walls?