Learn Exactly How To Paint Brick and Siding with Durable, Beautiful Results
Transforming the exterior of your home with a fresh coat of paint can completely revive your property's aesthetic. When done properly, new paint on brick and aluminum siding not only looks great but also protects surfaces from weathering damage. We will walk through crucial steps for success so you can learn how to paint brick and siding exteriors with long-lasting, beautiful results.
Painting the brick and metal siding on your house is an extensive yet rewarding project. With the right planning and products, you can imbue new life into existing materials for maximum curb appeal and home value.
Overview of Painting Brick and Aluminum Siding
Before delving into the painting process, let's briefly overview the benefits, necessary supplies, and typical duration of exterior house painting projects.
Benefits
- Enhances aesthetic exterior after fading or aging of current paint
- Increases weather protection and water resistance of surfaces
- Can boost curb appeal and resale value of homes
- Allows customization with vast paint color options
Supplies Needed
Proper painting requires an array of equipment for best results:
- Pressure washer rental for surface cleaning
- Exterior masonry primer
- Quality latex paint formulated for brick and metal
- Paint rollers, brushes, trays, drop cloths
- Stepladder for safely reaching areas
Timeframe
Completing all necessary steps for long-lasting paint typically takes 5-7 full working days:
- 1-2 days: Pressure wash entire exterior
- 5 days: Let surfaces thoroughly dry before painting
- 1 day: Prime all brick, siding, trim
- 1-2 days: Apply 2-3 finishing paint coats
Determine Scope of Project
First, walk around your home's perimeter, making notes on the present color and condition of brick walls and aluminum siding panels. Check for any cracks, holes, warped areas or other flaws needing repair prior to painting. Assess facia boards, gutters, window sills, and ornamental garage doors to decide if they should match your main exterior color scheme.
Common Exterior Elements to Paint
- Main brick walls
- Aluminum lap siding
- Fascia
- Soffits
- Gutters
- Shutters
- Garage doors
- Window/door trim
Determine all sections requiring fresh paint for full exterior uniformity.
Prepare Surfaces for Painting
Proper preparation is crucial so paint fully adheres to surfaces. First thoroughly clean then allow adequate drying time before applying primer and paint.
Power Wash Entire House Exterior
To remove accumulated dirt and grime, rent a 3000+ PSI power washer and systematically spray down every exterior surface slated for new paint. Adjust pressure lower for soft metals versus rugged bricks. Thoroughly blast into crevices to clean all hidden areas. Allow all washed sections to completely dry before continuing.
Allow Adequate Drying Time
Let all power washed surfaces dry for approximately 5-7 sunny days. Only apply paint if moisture tests show materials are fully dry to maximize paint adhesion. Ideal conditions are low humidity, temperatures above 50degF, and avoidance of rain. Confirm brick, siding and trim no longer feel cool to the touch before painting.
Prime All Surfaces
Quality primer creates an optimal bonding layer so topcoat paint sticks securely. For each respective surface, apply with brush roller according to manufacturer instructions.
Brick Primer Recommendations
Special masonry bonding primers work best for exterior brick. Top options like Sherwin-Williams Loxon Concrete & Masonry Primer penetrate porous areas while strengthening adhesion properties.
Metal Primer Options
For aluminum siding, select primers containing rust-inhibiting technologies, like KILZ Adhesion High-Bonding Interior/Exterior Latex Primer, for water resistance and longevity.
Paint Brick Surfaces
When rolling paint onto brick, properly push it into every crevice and hole for maximum durability:
Painting Technique Tips
- Back-roll up and down with vertical strokes, forcing paint deep into brick holes and grooved lines for increased adhesion and uniform appearance.
- Apply in approximately 4ft. by 4ft. sections for easier coverage while paint remains wet.
- Work top to bottom to avoid dripping paint residue.
Building Up Layers
Penetrate brick texture with first coat , evenly cover with second coat , then use optional third tinted coat for richer color if needed:
- As topcoat paint dries, roller surfaces will drag and catch slightly on rough brick. This ensures paint adequately sinks into the brick rather than just sitting on top.
- Let first coat fully dry overnight before applying the second finishing coverage coat for complete moisture protection and even opacity.
- For deeper color hues, apply a third coat tinted slightly darker. This extra layering further seals the porous brick surface.
Paint Metal Siding
Use proper painting technique for smooth, consistent coverage across aluminum lap siding:
Proper Painting Motion
- Roll paint horizontally maintaining a "wet edge" so each newly coated section blends seamlessly into still-wet areas where paint overlaps from the prior section.
- Avoid dripping by gently rolling excess paint from the edges of roller before continuing to new areas.
Cutting In Trim and Edges
Use angled trim brush to neatly "cut" edges around windows, doors, and fascia boards prior to rolling larger expanses of siding. Blend these trimmed sections into rolled areas while paint remains wet.
Choose Exterior Paint Colors
Choosing enticing paint colors builds excitement about your home's revived exterior. Consider hiring a professional color consultant if struggling to select a palette. Here are helpful considerations when deciding on exterior paint colors for brick and siding homes:
- Light or bright colors help small homes appear more spacious
- White siding and trim keeps brickwork as the visual focus
- Neutrals like tans, browns, grays showcase ornate home details
- Darker shades can accentuate impressive architecture
Follow all manufacturer dry time instructions before exposing new paint to weather and wear. Properly caring for surfaces preserves your exterior facelift.
- Gently wash painted exterior with mild soap and water occasionally to maintain vivid color
- Test cleaned sections for pH balance and immediately rinse off any acidic or basic residue
- Touch up occasional scratches with extra paint before exposing underlying brick or metal
- Reapply fresh paint coats as needed every 8-10 years depending on your region's climate
For over a decade, your newly painted brick and siding will maintain durable, beautiful results. Follow this comprehensive guide so you can feel confident tackling an exterior painting project with radiant, long-lasting outcomes.