Yes! You can paint brick backsplash, all you need is the right primer, the right brick paint and you can choose any color for your brick backsplash. After the paint, you won’t be able to recognize your backsplash!
The plain brick backsplash might not go very well with the aesthetics of your kitchen and many people wonder if they can paint it. Well, the answer is yes!
To fit the aesthetic of your brick backsplash you can paint it any color you’d like so that it complements the rest of the detailing of your kitchen.
You may have several questions in your mind when it comes to painting the brick backsplash. Let’s answer all these questions as we go.
Does Paint Adhere To Bricks?
This is one of the most common questions people ask, the answer is no. Paint will not adhere to the brick unless and until you use a primer. Without the primer, the paint will not stay on the brick. This is why it is very important to first prep the brick, apply the primer and then paint on it.
If the bricks are very new, then it is very important that you do not paint them right away. New bricks do not hold well to the paint as they do not cure well. If you want to paint bricks, it is suggested that you wait at least a month so that the bricks are prepared to receive the paint.
The job of a primer is to cover all the pores and cracks in your bricks. Most bricks have lots of pores that the paint can seep into and cause damage to the bricks. Primers are specially made for bricks as they help cover all the pores and do not let the paint penetrate into the bricks. Other than filling out the pores or cracks, the primer also makes sure that the surface of the brick is strong.
With the help of the primer, you can bind all the loose material and make sure that the bricks do not chip off. These bricks have alkaline materials that can burn under paint. The primer prevents the loose materials from getting burnt.
What Paint Can Be Used For Bricks?
Normal paint will not work well with bricks, this is why it is important that you use brick paint. There are paints that are exclusively used for masonry, stucco, and bricks. These paints contain latex that helps fill out all uneven textures of the brick.
This is why it is best to use paint that is made especially for bricks. More importantly, you must consider paint that is resistant to mildew and moisture so that your backsplash stays in the best condition for the longest of times.
You can use Acrylic Latex for your brick backsplash as it is a great way to ward off any moisture and mildew. These paints are good for the detailing on your backsplash and can leave your walls looking bright. More importantly, these types of paint can help all moisture and water evaporate before the brick takes in.
Other than acrylic latex, elastodynamic latex paint is also a great option. This paint plays well with the bricks quality of being hyperelastic. It is a great paint for all sorts of weather especially high levels of humidity.
What Tools Should You Use To Paint Your Brick Backsplash?
To paint your brick backsplash you must use the right tools to get the best results possible. For instance, you must have a wire scrub brush so that you can completely clean off the bricks before you put on the primer. Other than that, tools like a paint brush and a paint roller are also very important for a good application of the paint. Here is a list of all the things you must include:
- Brush
- Cleaning Solution
- Latex Primer
- Paint Brush
- Paint Roller
- Painter’s Tape
- Brick Paint
- Rags
How to Paint Brick Backsplash?
To paint the brick backsplash you need to make sure that you use the right technique and follow steps that will ensure a clean application. Here is a step by step guide that can help you paint the brick backsplash the right way:
Step 1: Prep the Backsplash
Get all the hardware out of the way when you begin painting your backsplash. There may be switch boards or other things on your backsplash that must be removed before you start painting the backsplash. Take off all the hardware so that you have a clean slate to work with.
Step 2: Clean the Surface
The first and the most important thing to do when painting your backsplash, is cleaning it. You need to start with a clean surface and for that, you use a cleaning solution made out of water and vinegar. Most backsplashes are full of grime and dirt. You cannot paint on such walls; this is why it is important that you clean them thoroughly. Use a brush to scrub off all the dirt and gunk so that the surface is entirely clean.
It is possible that your backsplash is greasy, so you need to ensure that you clean off all the grease. You can use grease-cutting cleaner and remove the entire residue so that it is easier to paint on the walls.
Step 3: Tape Up
The paint can bleed into places you don’t want. Having said that, it is important that you cover all the areas you want to protect such as doorways. A good way to do that is to cover them with painter’s tape. You cover all the surrounding areas with painter’s tape. Do not be too confident about precision as it is very easy to get paint where you don’t want to. You may have your cabinets lined up against the brick backsplash and they may ruin if you get paint on them.
This is why it is best for you to cover them with painter’s tape. If you have your kitchen counter up against the brick backsplash then you can cover the entire counter with a cardboard box that will protect it from getting stained with tape. You can move it along the wall so that you can assure no paint gets on the counter.
Step 4: Prime
The next step is to prime the brick backsplash. Bricks are usually very porous which is why they do not hold on to paint very well. The paint can get into these nooks and crannies and that will harm the bricks. To prevent your bricks from getting burnt by paint and for a smooth application, you must use a primer.
A primer can fill in all the pores and penetrate into the bricks to make them stronger. The primer bonds the bricks and makes them stronger. It is important to choose the right primer for the paint that you are using. For latex paint, you must use a water-based primer and if you are using oil paints you can use an oil-based primer.
Step 5: Paint
Once the primer completely dries you can paint on the brick backsplash. Use the paint roller or the brush to paint the bricks. Make sure that the application is even. If you have paint that is glossy, you mustn’t worry about it showing right away. The sheen will be visible if you make sure to use the primer before you start painting.
Two coats are the best way to go if you want to paint the brick backsplash. Let the paint dry completely before you put back all the fixtures.
Step 6: Finish
As soon as the paint dries, you can put the fixtures back and screw them in place. Remove all the protective measures you took to avoid the paint from getting everywhere.
Bottom Line
Yes, you can paint brick backsplash but you must follow the right protocol to ensure that you get the best application and then the best results.
Sources
www.theinfinitekitchen.com/recipe/quick-answer-how-do-you-paint-a-brick-kitchen-backsplash/
https://www.housebeautiful.com/home-remodeling/renovation/a27424221/how-to-paint-brick/
https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-paint-brick
