Brick is usually painted in older homes when repair work has been done or when the homeowner dislikes the existing color. Painting brick is also a good idea because it’s hard to replace old bricks seamlessly, and painting them can mask that problem and renew the façade.
As with any surface, you must clean your brick surface thoroughly before painting. Since it is very porous, you can give it a good clean with just water if you use a pressure washer. Then let it dry for a good day or more—but don’t wait too long for it to get dirty again!
Benjamin Moore’s Aura exterior paint is self-priming on most surfaces, so it can save you time and cost. Apply the paint with a good fluffy, high-nap roller. Just one coat of Aura will cover well, unless the brick has extremely deep mortar. In that case, two coats will give the optimal finish. (If you have any questions about your surface, speak with Sam in our Benjamin Moore Signature Store.)