How to Prepare Brick Siding for Painting

Exterior Cleaning

Painting brick siding can completely change the appearance of a home, but the quality of the finished result depends heavily on what happens before the first coat of paint is applied. Brick that looks reasonably clean from a distance may still contain dust, algae, mildew-like growth, efflorescence, loose material, and other contaminants that can interfere with paint adhesion.

For Houston homeowners, preparing brick siding for painting also means considering humidity and moisture. Brick needs to be properly cleaned, inspected, repaired, and allowed to dry before coating. Rushing the preparation process can contribute to peeling, bubbling, uneven coverage, and premature coating failure.

Inspect the Brick Before Cleaning

Start with a close inspection of the brick and mortar.

Painting should not be used to hide underlying masonry problems. If the wall has significant deterioration, repairs may need to be completed before cleaning and painting begin.

Look for Problems Such As

Cracked mortar
Loose bricks
Spalling
Crumbling mortar joints
Water stains
Efflorescence
Green organic growth
Peeling previous coatings
Persistent damp areas

Serious masonry or moisture problems should be evaluated by an appropriate professional before painting.

Identify the Source of Moisture Problems

Brick should not be painted while an unresolved moisture problem is repeatedly affecting the wall.

Inspect areas around gutters, downspouts, windows, rooflines, irrigation systems, and landscaping.

Common Sources of Excess Moisture Include

Gutter overflow
Damaged downspouts
Sprinkler overspray
Plumbing or roof leaks
Poor drainage
Dense vegetation
Persistent water runoff

Painting over a moisture-related problem does not eliminate the source.

Remove Dirt and Surface Contamination

Exterior brick accumulates considerably more contamination than many homeowners realize.

Dust, pollen, soil, pollution, cobwebs, and organic debris can settle into the brick’s textured surface and mortar joints.

If these contaminants remain when paint is applied, they can interfere with proper surface preparation.

Cleaning therefore becomes an important early step.

Address Green Algae and Organic Growth

Houston’s humidity can contribute to green or dark organic buildup, particularly on shaded brick walls.

Simply painting over visible growth is not good preparation.

An appropriate cleaning treatment may be needed to address organic contamination before the wall is rinsed.

Pay Particular Attention to

Shaded walls
Areas beneath trees
Lower sections of siding
Brick behind shrubs
Walls exposed to irrigation
Damp areas around gutters

Correcting the conditions encouraging recurring growth can also help maintain the exterior after painting.

Understand Efflorescence Before Painting

White powdery or crystalline deposits on brick may be efflorescence.

Efflorescence develops when moisture moves soluble salts through masonry and deposits them on the surface as the water evaporates. This is not the same as ordinary dirt. Before painting, the deposits should be properly addressed, and persistent efflorescence may justify investigating an underlying moisture source.

Painting over an active moisture issue can create problems with the finished coating.

Can You Pressure Wash Brick Before Painting?

Pressure washing can be useful for cleaning some sound exterior brick, but maximum pressure should never be the objective.

Brick and mortar can vary considerably in condition.

Aggressive pressure may damage deteriorated mortar, affect weakened brick, or force unnecessary moisture into vulnerable areas.

Professional Cleaning Should Consider

Age of the brick
Mortar condition
Existing coatings
Type of contamination
Surface deterioration
Nearby windows and trim

Using an appropriate cleaning treatment before controlled washing can reduce the need for excessive mechanical force.

Don’t Paint Immediately After Pressure Washing

This is one of the most important steps in brick preparation.

Brick is porous and can retain moisture after washing. Even when the surface appears dry, moisture may still be present within the masonry.

Painting too soon can potentially trap moisture beneath the coating and contribute to adhesion or coating problems.

Allow Adequate Drying Time

The appropriate drying period depends on several factors, including:

Weather
Humidity
Temperature
Shade
Brick porosity
Amount of water used during cleaning
Coating manufacturer’s requirements

Rather than relying on a universal number of hours, follow the paint manufacturer’s moisture and surface-preparation requirements.

Houston’s humidity may slow the drying process.

Repair Brick and Mortar After Cleaning

Cleaning can make defects easier to identify.

Once accumulated dirt and organic buildup have been removed, inspect the masonry again.

Damaged mortar, cracks, and other defects should be properly repaired before painting when required.

Allow repairs to cure according to the repair material manufacturer’s specifications before applying coatings.

Remove Loose or Failing Material

Paint needs a stable surface. Loose previous coatings, deteriorated material, dust, and remaining surface residue can interfere with adhesion. If the brick has previously been painted, additional preparation may be necessary to address peeling or failing sections. The preparation process should be matched to both the existing coating and the new coating system being used.

Protect Surrounding Areas

Before cleaning or painting begins, protect nearby surfaces and property features.

These may include:

Windows
Doors
Light fixtures
Landscaping
Outdoor furniture
Electrical components
Decorative trim

Cleaning solutions and paint should be kept away from surfaces for which they are not intended.

Choose a Coating Designed for Masonry

After cleaning, drying, and completing repairs, use a coating system appropriate for exterior masonry.

Brick behaves differently from materials such as wood or metal, particularly when it comes to moisture movement. Follow the coating manufacturer’s instructions regarding primers, application conditions, surface moisture, temperature, and preparation. If the brick has unusual characteristics or previous coatings, professional painting advice may be appropriate.

Why Professional Cleaning Helps Before Painting

A freshly painted brick exterior is only as good as the surface beneath it. Professional exterior cleaning can help remove contaminants that might otherwise become trapped beneath the new coating.

It also gives homeowners and painters a clearer view of the masonry’s actual condition before additional preparation begins. However, pressure washing is only one part of the preparation process. Cleaning does not replace masonry repairs, moisture correction, priming, or other requirements specified by the coating manufacturer.

About Simpler Cleaning

Simpler Cleaning helps Houston homeowners prepare brick and other exterior surfaces by removing accumulated dirt, algae, pollen, and environmental grime before painting and other exterior improvement projects. The cleaning approach can be adjusted according to the age and condition of the brick and mortar.

Planning to paint your brick exterior? Simpler Cleaning’s professional pressure washing services can help clean and prepare suitable brick surfaces before painting while avoiding unnecessarily aggressive pressure. Request Professional Cleaning for Your Houston Home Exterior Today Online.

Professional exterior cleaning can also include driveways, pathways, patios, gutters, exterior windows, soffits, and other surfaces homeowners may want refreshed as part of a larger exterior renovation.