Whitewashing bricks is always a cheap and easy way to soften the exterior brick wall while maintaining its natural texture. With this method, you will refresh the overall look. Not only that, but it also a better alternative to painting.
This method has existed since ancient times. Surprisingly it remains a popular style. Exterior brick walls are among the prettiest looking designs your house can have. Whitewashing helps you achieve the perfect Old World feel.
They have the fresh look of a painted white exterior without sacrificing the warmth of red brick. You will give your house a classic appearance while simultaneously giving it a new life.
There are two techniques for whitewashing. One requires a mixture of lime and water, and the other involves paint and water. Typical Whitewash is created by mixing an even amount of white latex paint and water and then applying a thin layer to clean red brick.
Here is How to whitewash brick exterior:
Why Whitewash Brickwall?
It might sound silly to whitewash your exterior brick. It might seem absurd and unnecessary. You can whitewash your brick only for the look of it. You will get a lovely-looking house.
But, what if I told you that that is not the only benefit you will get. By doing this, you will have both decorative and practical advantages. It is cheap to do and isn’t time-consuming at all.
With these tips, you will whitewash your brick exterior in time.
Products needed for this project:
Here is how to whitewash brick exterior using these products:
- Latex or masonry paint – if you’re going for a more traditional whitewashing method, latex paint is enough. If latex paint isn’t available, go for another brick paint. You can find these types of colors in your local home improvement store.
- Water – to achieve a more whitewashed look on your bricks, use water. Dilute the brick paint with water and get that desired look.
- Various paint brushes – Make sure you have the necessary meetings first. Angled brushes are essential for corners and sensitive areas. Rollers and other types of large paint brushes are ideal for large spaces that need to be covered in a short time frame.
- Drop cloths – It is crucial to cover flooring before painting. Put some drapery or any clothing. That way, you will prevent having any mess from the paint itself.
- Painter’s tape – You can tape the drapery or clothing to fix them in one spot. You can also use video to protect neighboring surfaces.
A step-by-step guide to whitewashing brick exterior
Clean the brick wall before whitewashing
Clean bricks always give better results when it comes to whitewashing. Always make sure to clean each brick meticulously. You can use simple soap and water concoctions.
Harsher chemicals can severely damage the brick. If soap and water don’t work, gradually move on to more aggressive chemicals. After you’ve finished, rinse the brick with water to remove any excess.
Prepare surroundings
Whitewashing bricks can cause a lot of mess. Make sure you cover everything with cloths and put plastic covers over objects. You can also tape your window and door frames to protect them from paint and chemicals.
Remove all paint
When you have successfully cleaned the brick, it’s time to move onto the next step. Use a putty knife or scraper to scrape away any leftover paint. If the house you own is quite old, it may contain toxic lead paint. If that’s the case, make sure you hire a professional to remove the overlay.
How to whitewash brick exterior with a whitewash solution
To create the whitewash solution, mix latex paint and water equally. Stir thoroughly. It is essential to test the solution.
Apply a little bit of the concoction to a small, unnoticeable area. If you’re going for a whiter brick, add more paint. If you’re going for a lighter one, dilute the color more in water.
Apply Whitewash to the Brick wall Using paint
How to whitewash brick exterior with paint? Foremost, you have to spritz the brick with water. You can use a spray bottle to do that. Then with a wide paintbrush, apply the Whitewash. As you do that, lightly tap with the bricks with a cloth.
Make sure first to test an area. By doing so, you will see whether you like it or not. You can change the color saturation by adding more paint or water.
Apply the Whitewash in small sections on the brick. Start first with the grout lines and then move to the front of the bricks. You can use a smaller paintbrush or an angular one to paint the edges. You can use these small brushes to paint any unreachable area.
Whitewash fades over time. That is because brick is porous. As t is drying, it soaks into those pores, making the color on the top fade.
In that case, you should apply a bright white paint.
Leave your project to dry overnight. By the next morning, you will have a bright-looking brick wall.
The German Smear Method
How to whitewash brick exterior using the German Smear method? If you’re going for a more distressed look on your stone, think about using the German Smear technique. This method will give you a more customized yet aged look on your brick wall. Entirely, you’re your home is new, but you want to achieve that ideal Eastern European aesthetic.
This technique requires using a thin layer of mortar over the brick. You don’t have to use traditional whitewash paint. And, unlike the previous method, here you completely cover the whole brick. This is an impactful way to tone down red brick while still letting those warm hues peek through.
On the downside, it can be too time-intensive since all of the mortar must be applied by hand.
Things to keep in mind while whitewashing brick
Before starting your project, it is crucial to keep several things in mind.
If you’re doing this project by yourself, think about the areas that you can’t reach.
If your house has several stories, consider whether you can get them by yourself. There might be some lift rental in your town which you can hire. However, these types of rentals can be costly.
Frequently Asked Questions while whitewashing the interior brick wall.
Can you Tint Whitewash?
By using dry pigments, you can tint almost any Whitewash. You can tint it in different colors, or you can leave it as it is. Whitewash becomes bright white when it dries. It’s the purest form of white.
However, if you’re going for tints, use brick mortar tints. These tints are powdered pigments used for almost any type of paint. You can blend these pigments with hydrated lime and apply them over your Whitewash.
How Do You Maintain Whitewash?
You can’t maintain Whitewash. Whitewash is simply a thin coat of rock. You can wash the Whitewash off, though. Use a concoction made of bleach and dishwashing soap to remove any paint. Use gloves when working with bleach.
Can you whitewash sealed bricks?
Sealed stone gives a flat cover for implementing Whitewash. Though, you may require to scuff it up with a wire brush before utilizing the Whitewash.
If your brickwork requires to be renewed, preserved, or merely restyled for a provincial look, whitening the brick surface will give the aesthetic and practical benefits you need. Moreover, any holes in the brickwork can serve as a haven for insects.
That means they can enter and infest your home. Fortunately, Whitewash can protect your brick exterior from both weather and insects. Fortunately, this article will help you How to whitewash brick exterior on your own.
FAQs about how to whitewash brick exterior
1. What materials and tools are needed for whitewashing a brick exterior?
A stiff-bristled brush, a power washer or hose, a bucket, painter’s tape, a paintbrush or roller, and a whitewashing solution are required to whitewash a brick exterior. The whitewash solution can be made by combining hydrated lime, salt, and water. As an alternative, prepackaged whitewashing treatments are available from home improvement retailers.
2. How do I prepare the brick surface for whitewashing?
You must clean the surface to get rid of any grime, mold, or other contaminants before whitewashing your brick exterior. To completely clean the bricks, you can use a hose or power washer. Use painter’s tape to cover any places you don’t want to paint, like window frames or door handles, once the surface is clean and dry.
3. What type of paint or solution should I use for whitewashing?
Historically, whitewashing has been accomplished using a solution of hydrated lime, salt, and water. With this approach, the brick is given a permeable, natural coating that prevents moisture buildup. However, you can instead use white latex paint diluted with water for a more contemporary appearance.
4. Should I dilute the paint or solution before applying it to the bricks?
The paint or whitewash solution must be diluted before being applied to the bricks. Depending on the type of solution you’re using and the desired look, you should adjust the paint-to-water ratio. A basic guideline is to combine water and paint or whitewash solution in an equal ratio.
5. How many coats of whitewash are necessary for a good finish?
On a brick exterior, one or two coats of whitewash are typically enough to give a decent finish. The color, texture, and desired appearance of your bricks will all affect how many coatings you need to apply. Before committing to the entire project, test a tiny portion.
6. How long should I wait before applying a second coat of whitewash?
A second coat of whitewash should not be applied for at least 24 hours. This will allow the first coat to adequately adhere to the brick surface and dry.
7. What is the best technique for applying the whitewash to the bricks?
Using a paintbrush, roller, or sprayer, you can apply the whitewash to the bricks. Apply the whitewash in a series of thin, even applications, starting at the top of the wall and working your way down. Apply the whitewash in a circular motion with a stiff-bristled brush for a textured appearance.
8. Will the whitewash fade or peel over time, and how often will I need to reapply it?
Over time, whitewash will inevitably fade and deteriorate, especially in regions with harsh weather. However, a fresh coat of whitewash can be easily used to touch up the finish as necessary. Every five to ten years, you might need to reapply the whitewash, depending on the local environment and weather.
9. Can I still see the texture and details of the brick after whitewashing?
Yes, whitewashing leaves some of the brick’s texture and characteristics visible. Instead, it produces a semi-transparent surface that lets the brick’s original texture shine through. The whitewash will highlight the mortar seams and give the house a lovely, old appearance.
10. What are the benefits of whitewashing brick exteriors over other types of exterior finishes?
Because it’s an inexpensive and low-maintenance approach to alter the exterior of your home, whitewashing brick exteriors is a popular option. A permeable coating like whitewash won’t keep moisture in the brick, which over time could harm and cause corrosion. Additionally, it is a flexible finish that can be tailored to create a variety of designs and styles, from a classic, vintage look to a more contemporary and streamlined finish. Additionally, whitewashing can be used to hide unattractive stains or damage and harmonize the appearance of bricks that don’t match.
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