Painting the exterior brick makes the exterior surface of your wall look more appealing than before. It is not that much a simple task. If not done properly, you may end up with flaking paint on the bricks. Make sure you do the painting during the summer periods for the best results. This is because, during the rainy periods, the paint will be ruined thus making the brickwork look old. The paint requires adequate time to dry up.
Table of Contents
Here is an overview of some of the factors to consider
Porosity
The manufacturing process of the bricks makes them vary in porosity and absorption. The porosity provides the adhesion for paint coating. The higher the porosity, the more paint you would require when painting. You will be required to thin the first application of the paint following the manufactures’ guidelines.
Efflorescence
Due to efflorescence, a crystalline deposit that is whitish is formed on the surface of the brick. This is formed after the salts and minerals within the bricks leach out in form of moisture. It is always advisable to wait for the efflorescence to stop before applying the paint on the bricks. After it has ceased, remove the residual using a broom or a brush. You can now spray or pour salt on the affected area to get rid of the efflorescence. This is a cleaning method to ensure the brickwork is ready for painting. Painting external brickwork is not a simple task because it requires consideration of certain factors. Let the brickwork dry for some time before applying the paint.
The level of moisture content
Brickwork can easily absorb water, especially from the rain. A high level of moisture content will interfere with the adhesion of a wide variety of paints. It can also lead to blistering and flaking hence encouraging the growth of mold and algae on the brickwork surface. When the moisture content level is high, it will become difficult to apply the paint effectively. You can easily check the moisture content on your brickwork using an electronic moisture meter. The electronic device allows easy readings across the brickwork at a fast rate. Applying the paint to optimum moisture content is the ideal thing to do to avoid getting poor results.
The level of alkalinity
Alkalinity can cause extremely negative results on paints. Alkalinity in brickwork is caused by the cement used in the manufacturing process. It makes the solvent-based paints liquefy hence making it impossible for the surface to retain the paint. It fades away easily. You can easily remove the alkalinity using alkali-resistant premier before applying the paint.
Before applying the paint you should clean the brickwork surface with soap and water. Allow the surface to dry. You can also patch up any missing motors or cracks if any.
Final words
In conclusion, there are innumerable factors to consider before applying painting exterior brick. The above article clearly illustrates some of the factors you should put in mind before starting the entire process. If you find it difficult to do on your own, you can go the extra mile to seek expert help. Go for the most reputable and positively reviewed one to get the best solution.
