How to Paint an Apartment Brick Wall

Brick walls, inside or out, can add a lot of personality and charm but not all brick walls were created equal. Some apartment brick may have been cheaply done and messy looking, in need of a makeover. Or maybe brick walls are just not up your design alley. For those that prefer a more modern feel to the apartment or those that just need to remodel a poorly done brick wall. painting may be an option.

The Prep Work

In an apartment, a change of this caliber should always be approved by management. Painting brick is not like painting a wall where it can easily be redone after moving out, it is usually a permanent change. Get approval in writing before starting this project and file it away in case any questions come up when it comes time to move out.

1. Using a wire brush, brush over the entire surface of the brick wall removing any loose material. All cracks or holes need to be filled with an acrylic caulk.
2. Use soap or a mild detergent to scrub down the entire surface of the brick wall. Give it a day or two to dry before moving on to the next step or the water will cause problems when painting.
3. Vacuum the brick wall using a hand vacuum to remove any remaining dust and debris after cleaning.

Choosing a Paint Color

Choose a paint color based on if you want the brick wall to stand out or blend in. If you would prefer it to blend in with the remainder of the room as much as possible and not be noticeable, paint it the same color as the other walls in the room. Others may prefer to make the brick wall a focal point knowing it may stand out anyways. Choose a color that coordinates with the remainder of the room but adds a splash of color similar to an accent wall. A third option is to choose to paint the brick a similar color to what it already was. Brick walls painted a color to resemble brick still is sometimes a wise option for those wanting some of the character of brick to remain.

When calculating how much paint to purchase, factor in that a brick wall will require significantly more paint than a normal wall.

Start Painting

To begin the painting process, start with a primer and apply it over the entire surface of the brick wall including in all the grout lines. You may be tempted to skip this step of the process but by eliminating the primer you run the risk of the dark color of brick showing through the paint. Give the primer a chance to dry and then begin the same process with the paint color of your choice.

Remember to use a brush; a roller will not be able to get in all the cracks and crevices of a brick wall. After the first coat has dried, examine the wall to see if a second coat is needed. Spraying the wall with a clear sealer when finished is an option as well to protect the paint.