Give your old brick home a facelift with brick stain.
As brick homes age, the exterior walls become discolored or faded by sun, rain and wind. Rather than replace the brickwork, brighten up an old brick home by using a brick stain. A brick stain can restore old brick back to the original color or change the color all together. A brick stain differs from paint in that it penetrates the porous material rather than covering the surface. Brick stain kits are available online through specialty retailers and at any home improvement store.
Instructions
1. Prepare the brick for staining. Use a pressure washer to clean your brick home. Do not hold the stream too close to the brick. The pressure can damage the brick and mortar. Scrub stains with a scrub brush and a mixture of mild soap and warm water. Rinse the residue off with the pressure washer. Let the brick dry completely before moving on to the next step.
2. Tape off and cover anything you do not want stained. Cover doors, windows and fixtures with plastic sheeting taped with painter's tape. Tape off door frames and window sills. Use drop cloths to protect the ground next to the walls you will be staining.
3. Mix the stain ingredients with water in a plastic bucket. Follow the manufacturer's directions for the proper amounts.
4. Test the mixture on an inconspicuous spot. Let it dry and check to make sure the color is what you want. You can lighten the color by adding water. The manufacturer's directions will have tips on adjust the color.
5. Apply the stain to the brick. You can use an airless paint sprayer or a paint roller. Both of these methods will stain the brick and the mortar. If you want to paint just the brick, use a paintbrush no bigger than the width of the brick. Apply a thin coat first. Adding another coat of the stain is easier than removing it.
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