The Pros and Cons of Painting Brick Surfaces

Brick is one of the oldest building materials known to man and it is still used to this day in numerous building and construction projects. If you’re working with brick on a DIY project, such as a brick wall, you might be wondering whether you should paint your brick surfaces or simply leave them exposed. In this post, we take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of painting brick surfaces to help you make a more well-informed decision on the matter.

Advantages of Painting Brick Surfaces

There are many advantages to painting brick surfaces, including:

• Aesthetic Appeal: Unpainted and exposed brick surfaces can often have a weathered look to them, which may be ideal if you are going for a rustic vibe. However, for something more modern and fresher, you may want to consider painting your brick surfaces in a colour that matches the rest of your home’s décor.
• Surface Protection: Painting your brick surfaces that are exposed to the elements, a layer of paint can act a protection for the underlying brick. This can help you to avoid weather and environmental damage as well as prevent mould and mildew growth.
• Improve Curb Appeal: Painting brick surfaces can also enhance the exterior appearance of the surface. This might help to create a more positive first impression on viewers of the property and may increase the property’s value, which can be beneficial if you are looking to sell your property.

Disadvantages of Painting Brick Surfaces

However, painting brick surfaces can also have disadvantages that you should probably take into consideration before making your decision. Some of the cons of painting brick include:

• Moisture Trapping: When you paint brick surfaces, you run the risk of trapping moisture in small pockets underneath the paint. This can result in long term damage to the brick and mortar which may also compromise the structural integrity of the brick structure as a whole.
• Higher Initial Costs: Not all types of paint are suitable for brick surfaces and painting brick. You will thus likely need to purchase high-quality paint and painting materials that are suitable for painting brick, and this can lead to higher initial costs.
• Permanence: Once a brick surface has been painted, it is likely to be permanent as it is not easy to remove paint from brick. This gives you limited options when it comes to restoring the original brick appearance.

Get Your Bricks from Fulton Brickyard

If you’re looking to embark on a DIY project requiring brick but aren’t sure where to get it, look no further. Fulton Brickyard is the number one supplier of Boral bricks and brick pavers in Melbourne, and we have been serving the needs of the local community for decades. We offer bricks in countless different styles, including BlackRock, Canterbury, Hawthorn and much more. Contact us today for a free quote and find out how we can help with all of your brick needs.