Bricks on the exterior of a house commonly have a flat texture that does not shine. There is a way to bring a wet look or shine to masonry and concrete products. If you are planning on applying a wet look finish to the exterior of your brick home, then you should know about the tools and materials available for success.
Materials
Purchase gloss concrete and masonry sealer from your local hardware store to get that wet or glossy look on bricks. The sealer comes in 1 or 5 gallon containers and can be purchased in water- or oil-based mixtures. The oil-based mixture will dry quicker, but the smell is strong, and the cleanup of this product must be done with paint thinner. On the other hand, the water-based mixtures take longer to dry, but they don't smell, and clean up with soap and water. Regardless of the mixture that you choose, remember to purchase an exterior grade mixture that will stand up against the weather; you local paint store clerk will help you choose the correct product. You will also need to purchase a cleaning solution for cleaning the bricks before you apply the sealer. Use TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) mixed with water.
Tools
You can apply the sealer with a pump up garden sprayer or an electric paint sprayer. The electric sprayer will only hold about one quart at a time, but it will allow you to apply the sealer with little effort. You will need a 100 foot electrical cord to operate the sprayer, but it may be well worth the effort. The pump up garden sprayer is the simplest method of application. Purchased in either 1 or 2 gallon tanks, they can be filled with more sealer and don't have any excess cords attached. You will need an acid brush and a 5 gallon bucket for cleaning the bricks on your house, as well.
Related posts
The Tuscan style is reminiscent of old Italian-style family homes. Telling features include Mediterranean colors and the use of old rustic decor made with metal or straw. When decorating the exter...
Victorian homes make ample use of stunning color and intricate accents.The Victorian era was characterized by a distinct sense of optimism and opulence. Times were good, and those with wealth and...
Make your mobile home look more like a house.Because of the way that mobile homes are constructed, there are often telltale differences between a mobile and traditional home. By remodeling these d...
Make bricks look older by applying basic hardware supplies.Brick walls are durable and efficient, but they may not add to the vintage decorative style or look you are trying to achieve. Make your...
Add pops of color with the door and the shutters.The color you pair with the stone accents on your home will largely depend on personal taste. Whether you choose a bold vibrant color or a muted ne...
