Painting a brick backsplash in your kitchen can completely transform the look and feel of the space. With the right preparation and techniques, you can give new life to an outdated brick backsplash or create a custom look that reflects your personal style. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps needed to successfully paint brick in your kitchen backsplash.
Assessing the Brick and Doing Patchwork
Before painting, take time to thoroughly examine the brick backsplash. Look for any cracks, chips, holes, or missing grout that need to be repaired prior to painting.
Materials Needed
- Caulk or patching compound
- Putty knife
- Sandpaper
- Tack cloth
- Drop cloths
Steps
- Clean the brick thoroughly – Remove any grease or grime with a degreasing cleaner and let fully dry. This allows the paint to properly adhere.
- Repair any cracks or holes – Use caulking or patching compound to fill any crevices, gaps, or damaged areas in the brick and grout lines. Allow proper dry time based on product instructions.
- Sand patched areas – Once dry, sand any smoothing patches flush with the existing brick. Feather out the edges so the transitions are seamless.
- Wipe away dust – Use a tack cloth to remove any remaining dust or powder from the sanding. This prevents finish imperfections.
- Examine for additional flaws – Take one final pass over the whole surface to spot any other needed repairs before painting. Fix as needed.
Proper prep work ensures the fresh paint job isn’t compromised by underlying damage or flaws in the original brickwork. Taking your time here pays off later.
Choosing the Right Paint and Supplies
Painting brick requires specialized paints and tools to achieve long-lasting results. Selecting inappropriate products can ruin the paint’s adhesion and durability.
Paint Types
Epoxy paint – Offers excellent adhesion and a high-gloss finish. Two-part formulas provide the toughest protection. Ideal for backsplashes.
Acrylic latex – Budget-friendly option that allows breathability. Ideal for indoor brick. Various sheen levels available.
Masonry paint – Formulated for exterior masonry surfaces. Best for painting outdoor brick walls.
Enamel paint – Provides a hard, glossy finish. Useful for adding vibrant color to backsplashes.
Essential Supplies
- High-quality primer
- Paint trays and roller handle
- Angled cutting brush
- Painters tape
- Stir sticks
- Microfiber roller covers
- Paint bucket hook
- Drop cloths
- Painters 5-in-1 tool
Tips
- Buy the highest quality paint you can afford for maximum durability
- Select smaller roller covers (1/4 or 3/8 nap) for a smooth backsplash finish
- Angled brushes allow you to cut in corners and edges cleanly
Investing in the right supplies improves efficiency and minimizes mess when painting.
Preparing the Brick Surface for Painting
Proper prep work is crucial for getting great painted brick results. Don’t skip these steps:
Steps
- Clean thoroughly – Wash the brick with a degreaser again just prior to painting. Let dry completely.
- Sand if needed – For glossy or sealed brick, do light sanding to help the paint adhere properly.
- Remove outlet covers – Take off any switch plate covers to paint behind them.
- Tape off edges – Use painters tape around the perimeter of the backsplash area to protect cabinets and countertops.
- Cover surfaces – Lay drop cloths to protect surrounding floors and surfaces from drips.
- Apply high-quality primer – Use an adhesion promoting primer formulated for masonry. Allow to fully dry.
- Fill deeper crevices (optional) – Use painters caulk to fill any remaining deep grooves for a smoother finished surface.
- Inspect again – Do a last visual inspection for any problem areas needing extra prep work before painting.
Thorough surface prep removes contaminants and creates the ideal foundation for the paint to bond tightly. Don’t cut corners here.
How to Paint a Brick Backsplash
Follow these tips for flawlessly painting brickwork in your kitchen:
Steps
- Use angled brush for cutting in – Outline all edges and corners with trim paintbrush. Work top to bottom.
- Roll on primer coat – Use a 1/4 or 3/8″ nap roller to apply primer over the entire surface, working in sections.
- Inspect for coverage – Scan for any missed spots and rectify with more primer so coverage is complete.
- Apply two finish coats – Wait proper dry time between coats. Use cutting in method then roll on paint.
- Work methodically – Paint one section at a time using a logical approach for efficiency. Work wet edges.
- Check for drips – Periodically inspect for any drips and use 5-in-1 tool to scrape them away before drying.
- Roll vertically – Roll up and down in straight vertical strokes for the smoothest finish on brickwork.
- Blend color variations – Make sure paint color looks uniform across the entire backsplash.
- Remove tape carefully – Pull up painters tape gently once fully dry to avoid pulling up paint.
- Touch up if needed – Make final inspection once finished and do touch ups to perfect the results.
With care and patience, you can achieve flawless results painting brick yourself. Just take it slow and steady.
Tips for Achieving a Smooth Painted Brick Finish
For the best looking finish when painting brick backsplashes, implement these helpful tips:
- Lightly sand glossy brick so the paint can properly grip the surface
- Apply a specialty primer and paints designed for masonry and brickwork
- Use high quality microfiber roller covers to minimize brush strokes and stippling
- Keep roller saturated as you work to prevent paint from drying too quickly
- Roll up and down in straight vertical strokes to avoid sloppiness
- Paint sections systematically from top to bottom to avoid drips
- Finish corners and edges first with angled sash brush
- Work methodically and patiently to achieve a consistent, smooth finish
- Check for paint drips and touch ups needed between coats
- Apply two to three finish coats for complete coverage and even color
- Make sure lighting is adequate to properly spot errors and missed areas
Proper materials, patience, and technique leads to a seamlessly painted backsplash worthy of any upscale kitchen.
Choosing a Paint Color for Your Brick Backsplash
Selecting the right paint color can bring new life into a dated or dreary brick backsplash. Consider these tips when choosing a color:
Neutral Tones
- Soft whites, greys, and tans blend seamlessly into almost any kitchen
- Provide a clean, contemporary look and feel
- Easy to coordinate with existing cabinets, counters, and floors
- Won’t clash if you redesign the rest of the kitchen down the road
Complementary Colors
- Choose a tone found elsewhere in the kitchen finishes
- Tie together separate elements into a cohesive palette
- Try shades like deep blue or forest green on brick
- Color echoes create pleasant flow in the eye as you move through the space
Vibrant Accent Colors
- Make the backsplash the focal point with an intense color
- Contrasts nicely against natural brick texture
- Reds, yellows, and oranges bring energy and create a bold statement
- Use color to define cooking zones in an open concept kitchen
No matter your style, painted brick provides the perfect versatile backdrop for any color.
Protecting the Finish of Newly Painted Brick
To keep your kitchen backsplash looking freshly painted for years to come, implement these protective measures:
- Allow full two week cure time before cleaning or wiping
- Use gentlest cleaning agents like dish soap and water only
- Immediately wipe up cooking oils or food splatter to avoid stains
- Avoid abrasive scrub pads and scouring compounds
- Consider applying sealants for extra moisture protection
- Use hot pads and trivets when placing hot items against backsplash
- For epoxy paints, apply follow up coats per manufacturer
- Reapply fresh paint every 3-5 years or as needed
With proper care and maintenance, your painted brick backsplash will maintain its beautiful appearance and protective abilities. Be sure to implement these preventative measures.
Common Questions
What kind of paint adheres best to brick?
For painting brick, exterior masonry paints or epoxies designed for concrete and masonry provide the best adhesion and most durable finish. Avoid standard latex wall paints.
Should I use a primer when painting brick?
Yes, always start with a high-quality primer formulated specifically for masonry, even if the paint itself claims to contain primer. The right primer enhances paint adhesion and prevents flaking or chipping.
What causes paint to peel off of brick?
Paint peels from brick when the surface isn’t properly prepped and cleaned prior to painting. Using low-quality primer or paint that isn’t formulated for masonry can also lead to adhesion failure causing peeling.
How long does painted brick last?
With proper prep and application, high-quality masonry paints can last upwards of 15-20 years on indoor brick before needing to be redone. Exterior brick may need painting every 3-5 years.
Should mortar lines be caulked before painting brick?
For a smoother finished appearance, you can apply painters caulk to deeper grooves and mortar lines. However, this isn’t necessarily vital for success when painting brick.
Painting a dated or damaged brick backsplash can fully transform the look of a kitchen. With the right prep work, materials, and technique, you can achieve professional-looking results painting brick yourself. Just take the process step-by-step.
Conclusion
Updating a tired brick backsplash by painting it yourself is an achievable DIY project. With proper preparation, high quality paints, and an attention to detail, you can enjoy a dramatically refreshed kitchen backdrop. Carefully assess the existing brickwork, repair any damage, and thoroughly clean prior to painting. Choose specialized masonry paint in a color that suits your kitchen’s style. Prepare the surface using primers, caulking, and protective masking. Then apply multiple coats of paint using angled trim brushes, small nap rollers, and vertical strokes for a smooth finish. Take precautions to protect the painted brick and touch up as needed. In a weekend, you can take a lackluster brick backsplash from dull to dazzling with a beautiful fresh coat of paint.