How to Paint Brick

Light blue colored brick wall Light blue colored brick wall

You'll be pleasantly surprised by the effect a beautifully painted brick wall can have on your home.

For Best Results:

Refer to our how-to for step-by-step instructions.

Suggested Tools & Supplies
  • Brush (2"-2½")
  • Bucket
  • Bucket Grid
  • Extension Pole
  • Vinyl Gloves
  • Ladder
  • Paint Can Opener
  • Paint Tray
  • Paint Tray Liner
  • Rags
  • Roller Cover and Frame
  • Sandpaper (150-220 Grit)
  • Stir Stick
  • Step 1

    Begin your painting project by pouring thoroughly mixed paint into a bucket and dipping a quality 2"-2½" wide nylon/polyester brush into the paint.

    Tip: When using more than one gallon of paint, combine the containers for better uniformity of color. This intermixing is called "boxing."

  • Step 2

    With your brush, paint (cut in) around the perimeter of the brick surface. Start at the top corner and continue along the ceiling and around the baseboards.

    Tip: As you cut in, be sure to remove the excess paint that collects between the bricks with your brush.

  • Step 3

    Pour paint into a paint tray and work the roller into the tray until it is fully loaded with paint. For best results, use a ½"-1" roller cover.

    Tip: For larger areas, consider using a 5-gallon bucket and a bucket grid.

  • Step 4

    Starting in a 3' x 3' section at a top corner of your project area, roll the paint onto the brick in a "W" formation.

    Tip: For an even application, begin 3"-4" from the cut in section.

  • Step 5

    Work the roller back and forth across the section until the "W" is completely filled in. Be sure to roll over the cut in area as well.

    Tip: Reload the roller when necessary and maintain a wet edge.

  • Step 6

    Forming a column from ceiling to floor, paint the next 3' x 3' section directly below the previous one.

    Tip: To blend the 3' x 3' sections and ensure a uniform finish, lightly pass the roller over the newly painted area.

  • Step 7

    If necessary, apply more paint into the mortar where the roller has missed.

  • Step 8

    Repeat the process of forming columns and blending sections until the project is complete.

    Tip: For optimum results in quality of color and finish, apply a second coat.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Orange calculator icon in a white bubble

PAINT AND STAIN CALCULATOR

Inside or outside; paint or stain: Let’s figure out how much you’ll need to make amazing happen.

Calculate

ASK AN EXPERT

Every project is unique: Keep small wrinkles from becoming big problems by letting the Behr Technical Experts lend a hand.

Get Expert Help

CONNECT WITH PRO REFERRAL - POWERED BY THE HOME DEPOT

Let Pro Referral do the leg work and match you with quality local painters.

Find a Painter
CUSTOMIZE & BUY
Tahitian sky
Small Behr logoS480-5
Compare
BLACK
BLACK
What sheen do I need?
8 Oz. Sample
1 Gallon
1 Quart
5 Gallon
The following product(s) is required to properly prep and pre-treat wood prior to any stain project.
Required product
BEHR PREMIUM ALL-IN-ONE WOOD CCCC
$0.00
The following product(s) is required to properly prep and pre-treat wood prior to any stain project. Only available in store at Home Depot.
Required 3rd party product
BEHR PREMIUM ALL-IN-ONE WOOD CCCC
The 9 in. x 1/4 in. Polyester Adhesive Roller Cover has a hard texture, making it ideal for applying all types of adhesives to smooth surfaces. It can be used for stippling and applying sand paints.
The following product(s) is recommended when stripping is needed.
$0.00
The Home Depot logoSold Exclusively at The Home Depot