How To Whitewash Exterior Brick With Grey Paint

Whitewashing your exterior brick with grey paint can be a great way to update your home's look. Whitewashing is a technique of applying watered-down paint to brick, resulting in a translucent coat that allows the texture of the brick to show through while covering most of its red colour. This method can be used to brighten and lighten surfaces, muting the dark tones of red brick walls or fireplaces.

To achieve a grey tone, you can use a mixture of lime and water, also known as limewashing. This method has been used for centuries and creates an antiqued finish similar to styles seen in historic Europe. Limewashing is environmentally friendly, and the dissolved limestone actually calcifies onto brick surfaces, creating a durable finish. You can also create your own grey-tinted whitewash paint by mixing grey latex paint with water.

Before beginning the whitewashing process, ensure that your brick is clean and free of any old paint or soot. Protect the surrounding areas to avoid accidental whitewashing, and then apply your chosen grey whitewash mixture with a brush or rag. You can adjust the thickness of the whitewash to control how much of the original brick colour remains visible.

Whitewashing your exterior brick with grey paint can be an easy and cost-effective way to transform the look of your home.

Whitewashing vs painting

Whitewashing and painting are two different techniques for altering the appearance of brick walls or fireplaces. Whitewashing is a technique that involves applying a diluted paint mixture to brick, resulting in a translucent white coat that allows the texture of the brick to show through. On the other hand, painting involves applying 100% latex paint, which covers the brick completely in an opaque colour.

Whitewashing vs. Painting: Preparation

When whitewashing, it is important to clean the brick gently and thoroughly to ensure that the whitewash adheres properly. This can be done using mild dish soap and water, or a stronger solution of boric acid and water. It is also crucial to protect the surrounding area by covering furniture and floors with drop cloths and using painter's tape to prevent accidental whitewashing. When painting, the preparation process is similar, but there is a greater focus on repairing cracks and defects in the mortar before beginning.

Whitewashing vs. Painting: Mixing and Application

To create a whitewash solution, equal parts water and white latex paint are combined, although the ratio can be adjusted to achieve the desired level of opacity. The whitewash is then applied to the brick using a brush or a rag, working in small sections to control the application. Painting, on the other hand, typically involves the use of rollers or brushes to apply the paint evenly to the brick surface, often requiring multiple coats for full coverage.

Whitewashing vs. Painting: Benefits and Drawbacks

Whitewashing is a great option for those who want to brighten up a space while still allowing the natural variations and texture of the brick to show through. It is also a relatively easy and inexpensive process, making it a popular choice for DIY projects. However, whitewashing may not provide the same level of coverage as painting, and the colour may fade over time as the brick absorbs the wash. Painting, on the other hand, offers a more permanent and uniform finish but can be more time-consuming and costly.

Both whitewashing and painting can transform the look of brick surfaces, but they offer different aesthetic results. Whitewashing is ideal for those who want a bright and airy space while still retaining some of the natural brick character. Painting, on the other hand, provides a more modern and uniform finish but requires more time and effort. Ultimately, the decision between whitewashing and painting depends on the desired aesthetic and the level of coverage required.

Choosing the right paint colour

Consider the Purpose of the Room

The paint colour you choose should align with the purpose of the room. For example, select calm colours for a bedroom to create a relaxing atmosphere, energising colours for a workspace to boost productivity, and funky shades for an entertainment room to match the playful mood.

Lighting is Key

The amount of natural light a room receives will influence your paint choice. Lighter paint colours reflect light and make a room appear more spacious and lively, so they are ideal for rooms with ample natural light. Conversely, darker colours can make a room with limited natural light feel cosier and more intimate. Additionally, consider the direction your house faces. North-facing rooms receive cooler light, so darker colours can offset this, while south-facing rooms receive warmer light, so cooler and lighter colours can balance the space.

Match Your Furniture

The paint colour should complement your furniture and décor. If your furniture is light-coloured, such as cream or white, opt for similar shades on your walls. Conversely, if your furniture is darker, you can choose livelier colours to create contrast and make the space pop.

Find Inspiration

Draw inspiration from items you love, such as a favourite rug, piece of art, or fabric in your home. These objects often feature colours you are drawn to and can serve as a guide for your wall colours. You can also use a colour wheel to help you choose a harmonious colour scheme.

Create a Consistent Flow

While each space can have its unique colour, ensure there is a consistent colour flow throughout your home. Every room should connect to one another, creating a striking and balanced effect. You can achieve this by using colours that complement each other and experimenting with different shades, patterns, and textures.

Test Before You Commit

Before committing to a paint colour, it's essential to test it out. Purchase tester paints and apply them to a large area on different walls to see how the light affects the colour at various times of the day. You can also paint a small poster board and hold it up against your furniture and fabrics to ensure they complement each other.

By following these tips and trusting your instincts, you'll be able to choose the perfect paint colour for your exterior brick project or any other painting endeavour.

Preparing the brick

Before you start whitewashing, it's important to prepare the brick surface by cleaning it gently and thoroughly. Whitewashing over dirty brick will not achieve the desired effect. Try the mildest method of cleaning first and gradually move to more aggressive approaches until you find one that adequately addresses the dirt and soot.

• Dish soap: Mix one part mild grease-cutting dish soap and one part salt with just enough water to make a loose paste. Apply to the brick with a clean rag and, using a scrub brush, work the paste into the surface. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse with a clean rag dipped in warm water.
• Boric acid: Add about one tablespoon of boric acid powder to one gallon of warm water. Wear rubber gloves and dip the scrub brush into the solution before scrubbing the brick surface.
• Ammonia: Create a loose paste with one part ammonia, two parts mild grease-cutting dish soap, and one part pumice powder. Wear rubber gloves and use a clean rag to spread the mixture on the brick. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes before rinsing.
• Trisodium phosphate: This is a very strong, abrasive solution, so exercise extreme caution when using it. Wear gloves and protective eyewear, and mix about 1/2 cup trisodium phosphate (TSP) into a gallon of hot water. Dip your scrub brush into the solution and scrub the brick. If stains remain after rinsing, increase the TSP to one cup per gallon of hot water and scrub again.

After cleaning, check the brick for any lingering paint. If your brick has ever been painted, there may still be chipping, flaking, or blistering paint that could cause your whitewashing to crack. If the paint has been there for decades, it's possible that you're dealing with toxic lead paint, which needs to be removed by a professional. However, if the paint is relatively new, protect yourself with goggles and a face mask, then use tools like a putty knife, wire brush, or paint scraper to carefully remove the old paint.

Next, protect the work area by taping and covering any surfaces you wish to keep paint-free. Move any furniture that's nearby. Cover any furniture that's too heavy to move with a drop cloth. If you're working in the kitchen, cover the counter and appliances. Put down a drop cloth on the floor and use painter's tape to keep whitewash off of protected surfaces.

Now that the brick is clean and the area is protected, it's time to prepare the whitewash solution. Mix a 50/50 solution of water and white latex paint, stirring until you reach an even consistency. You can adjust the ratio to suit your preferences: add more water for a lighter look or more paint for a whiter appearance. Test the whitewash on a small, inconspicuous area of the brick and let it dry to get a better idea of the final result.

Protecting the workspace

Protecting your workspace is an important step in the whitewashing process. Before you begin, it is crucial to move any furniture that is nearby and cover any remaining furniture with a drop cloth. If you are working in the kitchen, be sure to cover the counter and appliances.

Next, put down a drop cloth on the floor to protect it from any paint spills. Painter's tape can also be used to ensure that the whitewash does not get on any surfaces you want to protect. If you are whitewashing a fireplace, cover the mantel and do not apply the whitewash inside the fireplace or chimney.

Additionally, it is important to protect yourself while working. When cleaning the brick, wear rubber gloves, and safety goggles if using boric acid or ammonia. When removing old paint, protect yourself from paint chips with goggles and a face mask.

Applying the whitewash

Now that you've prepared your work area and your whitewash mixture, it's time to apply the whitewash to your exterior brick. Here are the steps to follow:

• Lightly mist the brick with water: Before you begin, it's a good idea to lightly mist the brick surface with water from a spray bottle. This will help the whitewash absorb and give you more control over the application process.
• Apply the whitewash: Use a wide paintbrush to apply the whitewash mixture to the brick surface. Start with a small section, such as a two-foot-square patch, to get a feel for the application process. You can always add more whitewash to adjust the coverage as you go.
• Dab with a cotton cloth: As you apply the whitewash, lightly dab it with a cotton cloth to create a more natural, textured look. This will also help you control the amount of whitewash applied and prevent drips or uneven coverage.
• Work in small sections: Brick is a porous material, and it will absorb the whitewash as it dries. Work in small, manageable sections to ensure you can achieve the desired level of coverage and texture.
• Wipe off any drips: As you work, be sure to wipe off any drips or excess whitewash. Use a clean rag or paper towel to blot or dab the surface, creating a washed look rather than a painted one.
• Use a narrow brush for detailed areas: For areas that are harder to reach, such as the mortar, edges, and ends of the bricks, use a narrower paintbrush. This will help you achieve a more precise application and ensure that all areas are adequately covered.
• Let it dry: Once you've finished applying the whitewash, let it dry completely. This usually takes overnight, and you'll be able to enjoy your freshly whitewashed exterior brick!

Remember, you can always add more whitewash or adjust the dilution ratio if you want a different level of coverage. It's a good idea to test the whitewash on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure you're happy with the results.

Frequently asked questions