Exterior house painting in Pleasant Hill has its share of difficulties, and one of them is painting brick. Brick is notorious for being difficult to paint and maintain because the bricks are porous and thus absorb paint. Not to mention they also show efflorescence, the white chalk-like deposits which have been quite a problem. It's important to clean the efflorescence off before applying paint.

Here are steps on how to paint brick:

• Like any other surface, the right preparation is the key before you start painting brick. Clean the brick thoroughly -- a clean surface will help your topcoat adhere better. Wash off efflorescence and dirt by scrubbing it with soapy water and a wire brush. Make sure that you scrub the surfaces diligently until there is no more efflorescence or dirt left. Then rinse the surface thoroughly.

  For removing more stubborn dirt and efflorescence, use a solution that consists of trisodium phosphate with a gallon of water. To clean off a larger expanse of brickwork, use a pressure washer if you own one, or if you're going to rent one. For removing mold and mildew, use a solution consisting of one part bleach and three parts water. Apply the solution; let it soak for about 30 minutes to make sure the brick is free from mold and mildew. After that, scrub the brick using a wire brush. Again, rinse thoroughly after the brick has been cleaned.

• If you see any damage on the brick especially if it's been standing for years, repair it by using an acrylic caulk. Then let the caulk to dry for five hours or according the product's direcrtions.
• Whether or not the bricks need to be repaired, it is important that the brick must be completely dry so the paint will adhere better.
• Use a paint roller or sprayer to apply a latex (water-based) primer on the brick. Apply as many coats as needed in areas that have been ruined by efflorescence and mold/mildew. If you apply more than one coat, let the primer dry before applying another coat. If you apply just one coat of primer, allow it to dry before proceeding to paint.
• You can use elastodynamic paint. As it is highly elastic (as the term indicates) this type of paint is great for filling surface flaws (such as cracks and holes) as well as preventing them to occur again. It is also highly resistant to any kinds of weather and any natural conditions.

  However, if you cannot find it or you don't want to use elastodynamic paint, you can use regular acrylic latex paint that's suited for exterior house painting. This type of paint is formulated to resist mold and mildew by preventing moisture from soaking into the brick.

• For wider brick walls, use a paint sprayer. But if you're only painting brick on the fireplace, you may use a paint roller. Choose a roller with a thicker nap because it will hold much more paint and thus ensure a better coverage on the brick. Use paint with sheen such as semi-glossy or glossy paint because it will make the brick easier to clean. Add a second coat depending on the paint label's instructions.
• You may also have the option to stain or tint the brick, as long as the brick is in good shape. Staining is easier and less invasive than painting, and it helps to restore the brick's natural color after it has faded. You may also change the color altogether, depending on your preference. Staining will make a brick wall looking more natural. If you want to darken the shade of your stain, add more pigment; otherwise, lighten the shade of your stain by adding more water to the pigment. Once you have reached the shade that you like, use a regular paint brush, dip it into the stain and proceed to paint the brick in a uniform direction (start from left to right if you are right-handed or right to left if you are left-handed). Apply the stain as thinly as possible, and let it dry for at least 24 hours before applying a second coat.

Painting brick is an inexpensive way to update the look of the exterior of your house. Contact a professional painting contractor like Custom Painting, Inc. if you decide painting the brick is something you'd rather not try when house painting in Pleasant Hill.