How to Paint Bricks with Mineral Paint - Best Practices
It is EXTREMELY important when painting brick to use a breathable paint. Like us, bricks need to breath to remain healthy! BEECK has a number of products ideal for painting or staining bricks. Mineral silicate paint is highly breathable, will never peel or fade and will offer decades of durability. BEECK mineral silicate paints chemically bond to the bricks, becoming an integral part of the masonry, and do not form a film. All BEECK mineral silicate products have extremely low to zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) content and, as a pure mineral paint made from natural raw materials, are completely sustainable and eco-friendly. Free from solvents, plasticizers and biocides, they enable a healthy living environment.
So why is it so important to use a breathable paint on brick? According to the Brick Industry Association, [when using non-breathable / film forming paints] water can be trapped in the wall and cause problems. Damp conditions in the wall will cause internal degradation and eventually lead to serious structural issues in the wall system. Mineral silicate based paints are different from the typical acrylic or latex-based paints as they do not form a film on the surface of the wall - they chemically bond to the wall. BEECK mineral silicate paints have ultra high vapor permeability (75-85 perms), which enables any moisture vapor in the wall to breath through the coating, keeping the wall dry, allowing the structure to breath as intended. This keeps the building healthy and happy.
Which BEECK silicate paint to use:
For MOST HOMEOWNERS we recommend using BEECK Renosil when painting bricks. Renosil is the easiest to use, thinnable with water up to 10% (no special dilution required) and is most universally applicable. Renosil can be applied over most firmly adhering old paints as well as unpainted / uncoated brick.
If the bricks are new or have never been previously painted or sealed, BEECK Beeckosil is an option. Beeckosil is a traditional silicate paint and is the most economical silicate paint we offer, however it requires a raw surface that has never been previously coated. If you are unsure whether or not your bricks have been previously coated, it is best to go with BEECK Renosil.
If you desire a “glaze” or “lasur” appearance, there is BEECK Concrete/Stone Glaze which can be thinned to any desired level of translucency with a mixture of BEECK Base-V and water. Concrete/Stone Glaze should only be used on raw uncoated masonry. As the application is more involved than most paints, Concrete/Stone Glaze is typically recommended only for more skilled or artistically inclined persons.
We also have a traditional limewash, BEECK Calcidan, which can be used when a historical coating is preferred or required. The main difference between the silicate paints and a limewash is the durability. Mineral silicate paints typically last 4-6 times longer than a traditional limewash. Calcidan requires an absorbent raw surface without any previous coatings to properly bond.
How much paint do I need (calculating product requirements):
Various properties influence consumption, but the most important are the absorbency and texture of the brick as well as the depth of the mortar joints. The more absorbent or textured the brick and the deeper the mortar joints, the more paint you will need. On average, most projects will see between 200-300 sq.ft. per gallon per coat, although extreme conditions can drastically increase product consumption. We recommend a minimum 2-coat application, although additional coats may optionally be applied for extended weather resistance and durability.
Colors:
BEECK mineral silicate paints and stains are available in white as well as all 200 standard colors. Custom colors and color matching is available upon request. BEECK Calcidan limewash is available in lime white as well as lime color concentrates for on-site tinting.
Please contact us with questions or for more information and pricing.
Above: Cape Hatteras Principal Lighthouse Keeper’s House
Below: Close up of the finished brick surface, painted with BEECK Renosil
Application tips:
While all the paints can be brushed, rolled or sprayed, whenever possible we strongly encourage application by brush for brick homes. Brush applications give a unique "old world" appearance that spraying or rolling simply can't replicate. We have brushes available in a variety of sizes, shapes and bristle blends. For smaller projects, the Tradesman Brush is wonderful. When you’re painting large facades, the Standard Mineral Facade Brush is ideal. Faux Finishes and staining have never been easier than with a Large Lasur Brush. To see a complete selection of the mineral paint brushes available, CLICK HERE.
Surface prep may be different for each project based upon the unique circumstances present. Generally, you want the brick clean and dry before painting. If you have questions about your project, feel free to contact us by email or phone for further assistance and project specific recommendations.
Where can I buy your paint?
You order from us directly. We have each product in white available online through our webstore. If you would like to order a color, you can contact us, fill out an order form or give us a call at (704) 940-3603.
Tutorial: Whitewash Application on Brick with Mineral Silicate Paint and Glaze
