A color wash on brick uses the same general theory as a color wash on walls; the idea is to narrow the paint so the base color shows through. On brick, the method is often referred to as “whitewash,” normally involving paint and water. Brick can also be painted or stained with a non-diluted base coat and then accented with a sponging technique. Always be sure to clean out the brick before adding color. The formula differs for outside brick, as this kind of brick is designed to last for decades.
Whitewash Paint
Among the most appealing aspects of whitewashing interior brick is the simplicity of the procedure. The materials are cheap, and with the assistance of a spouse, you can transform an entire brick fireplace in just a few hours. If you can, remove the mantel or cap it with taped plastic. Mix equal parts white latex paint and water, and apply the paint to the brick and grout using a paintbrush. As you perform, have a companion come together to you and wipe the excess paint off with a rag. If you’re working alone, do a section at a time, wiping off the excess paint before it dries. Examine your whitewash formula on an inconspicuous area of the brick first. You may want to try out a few distinct shades of white or light gray or try unique phases of paint to water.
Sponge Paint
To present your brick fireplace the appearance of natural stone, then use both a brush and a paint roller to apply a base coat of light gray paint. When the base coat is dry, then cut a large cellulose sponge exactly the same size as the bricks. Dampen the sponge in water to allow it to be elastic, wringing out the excess water. Starting at the top of the paint tray, pour a small amount of dark grey paint over the ribbed part of the tray. Lightly set the sponge on the paint, absorbing just a little; then blot off the excess on newspaper or cardboard. Press the sponge against a brick very lightly, but use more pressure if the color is too light. Wipe away errors with a moist rag. The purpose is to change the appearance on every brick.
Exterior Brick
A easy whitewash formula for outside brick uses hydrated lime and table at a 5-to-1 ratio, or 50 pounds of lime to ten pounds of salt. Mix these ingredients with water until you receive the consistency of pancake batter. Apply the whitewash with a brush or paint roller. Don’t remove any of the whitewash until several hours have passed, or even do so the next day. For additional holding power, mix a small amount of Portland cement into the whitewash. Powdered pigments can be used to mix the whitewash with colornonetheless, the color appears different when dry, so check your color mixtures on cement board and allow them to dry for a week. Keep an eye on your ratios and samples so that you can reproduce the color later.
Staining Method
As with all techniques, practice staining brick before applying the technique on a brick fireplace or wall. Latex stain, oil-based stain and concrete stain can all be employed to color brick; the porous surface of brick enables the color to soak. It is possible to dilute latex stain with water, but oil-based stain needs to be diluted with paint thinner or turpentine. Paint striped or bows stain on the brick and then wipe it off. When using semi-transparent concrete stain, then just use the stain and allow it to dry. The semi-transparency makes it possible for some of the base color to show through. Two factors when using stain: You’ll likely be darkening the brick rather than making it lighter, and the more coats you apply, the less it absorbs. Applying a number of coats of stain is likely to provide you a blissful finish in lieu of a matte finish.