Is Staining Brick a Good Idea? The Ultimate Guide for Your Home

Have you ever looked at the brick walls, fireplace, or patio in your home and thought they could use a little facelift? While fresh paint can certainly spruce up tired bricks, staining brick offers some unique benefits for refreshing brick‘s appearance. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to tackle staining brick projects in your home with confidence.

Should You Stain or Paint Your Brick?

When deciding whether to stain or paint brick, there are a few key considerations to weigh:

The Pros and Cons of Staining Brick

Pros

• Enhances the natural texture and character of bricks
• Allows surface imperfections to show through
• Penetrates deeper for longer-lasting color
• Lower cost than painting – $2-$6 per square foot
• Easier for DIYers than painting brick

Cons

• Smaller selection of color options compared to paint
• Doesn‘t fully hide flaws or variations in brickwork
• Requires reapplying every 3-7 years as color fades
• Not ideal for drastically changing color of brick

The Pros and Cons of Painting Brick

Pros

• Much wider range of colors to choose from
• Provides a uniform, consistent appearance
• Can fully cover up imperfections or flaws in bricks
• Adds a protective barrier against weathering

Cons

• Conceals the natural texture and character of bricks
• Much more expensive at $10-$20 per square foot
• Requires repainting every 3-5 years as paint fades
• Painted brick is prone to chipping and peeling
• Almost always requires hiring a professional painter

According to HomeAdvisor, the average homeowner spends around $3,500 to paint the exterior of their home. For staining, costs range from $1,000 to $3,000 depending on size.

Ultimately, consider whether you want to accentuate the natural brick or completely change its look when deciding between staining and painting.

Choosing the Right Type of Brick Stain

There are a few different categories of brick stain to choose from:

Oil-Based Stains

• Offer deeper penetration into brick for longer-lasting color
• Cost range of $30 to $60 per gallon
• Enhance the natural brick texture well
• Take longer to apply and dry than other stain types

Latex or Acrylic-Based Stains

• Formulated with water for easier cleanup than oil-based
• Allow for built up color with multiple coats
• Very affordable option – $20 to $35 per gallon
• Durability is lower than oil at 3 to 5 years

Whitewash

• Lightens the appearance of brick for a weathered look
• Can use thinned paint or special whitewash products
• Reapply every 2 to 3 years to keep bright white color
• Creates vintage, antique vibe on brick walls and fireplaces

Consider factors like cost, desired color depth, and longevity when selecting the best brick stain type for your project.

Preparing Your Brick Surface for Staining

Properly preparing your brick surface is the most important step for successful staining. Here are the key tasks:

• Clean thoroughly – Use a pressure washer along with appropriate cleaners to remove all dirt, grime, efflorescence, mold and previous coatings from brick.

• Repair crumbling mortar – Re-point any areas where mortar is cracked or missing to create a smoother staining surface.

• Neutralize the pH – Apply a masonry conditioner to balance out the pH level across all bricks for consistent stain absorption.

• Let bricks dry – Allow at least 48 hours of dry time before applying stain so any moisture is eliminated.

• Apply primer – Use a specialty masonry primer to create a sound base layer for the stain.

Pro tip: Wear goggles, gloves, old clothes and a mask when pressure washing and cleaning brick.

Following these preparation steps allows the stain to better penetrate the brick for maximum adhesion and durability.

How to Stain Your Brick

Once your brick is prepped, it‘s time to apply the stain. Follow these application tips:

• Carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions for your chosen brick stain product. Different formulas can vary in techniques.

• Use a paintbrush, roller or sprayer to apply the stain smoothly and evenly across the entire surface. Maintain a “wet edge” as you work to prevent lap marks or inconsistencies.

• Work in sections of around 3 feet by 3 feet. Stain from the top of the wall downwards.

• Let each coat fully dry before adding additional coats. Most stains require 2 to 3 coats for best coverage and color intensity.

• Slightly overlap the edges where sections meet to blend them together seamlessly.

• Change the direction you apply the stain with each coat. Vertical, horizontal, and diagonal motions ensure the most uniform application.

Take your time with the application process and don’t rush it. Patience leads to the best staining results.

What Does Brick Staining Cost?

For the average 2,000 square foot house, you can expect to spend $1,000 to $3,000 to have your brick professionally stained. This includes:

• Materials – The brick stain costs $25 to $60 per gallon depending on type. Other supplies like brushes, rollers, cleaner, etc. will run you about $200 to $300.

• Labor – If hiring a staining company, you‘ll spend $200 to $500 per day in labor fees. Many charge by the square foot as well at rates of $2 to $6.

• Prep work – Pressure washing, repairing mortar, removing old paint, etc. can add $500 to $1,000+ to costs.

The major factors that influence overall staining costs are:

• Total size of the brick area
• How much prep work is required based on current condition
• Desired color of stain and number of coats needed
• Whether you DIY or hire a professional

Staining brick yourself can save thousands over hiring a company. But consider how comfortable you are taking on the project.

How Long Will Brick Staining Last?

You can expect stained brick to last anywhere from 3 to 7 years before needing to be reapplied, depending on:

• Type and quality of the stain used
• Whether the brick is indoors or outdoors
• How much sunlight the stained surface is exposed to
• Diligence in maintaining and protecting the stained brick

According to Dave Ward of Ward Staining & Restoration, oil-based stains tend to last 5 to 7 years on exterior surfaces. Latex acrylic stains hold up for 3 to 5 years outside.

For interior stained brick, you may only need to reapply stain every 7 to 10 years. The stain lasts much longer when protected from sun and weather exposure.

Using a sealant after staining helps protect the color and extend its durability significantly. Re-seal stained brick every 2 to 3 years.

Creative Color Ideas for Stained Brick

While classic brick red and brown hues are popular, don’t be afraid to get creative with unique brick stain colors like:

• Light whitewash for a weathered, vintage look
• Earthy sage green for a serene natural vibe
• Cheerful light yellow transforming your brick
• Bold black for dramatic contrast on stone fireplaces
• Retro pastel pink or blue brick walls

You can also stain your brick using two-tone techniques:

• Ombre fade from dark to light
• Lighter top and darker lower half
• Stripes or geometric patterns with painter‘s tape
• Alternating rows of different colors

On a test brick or inconspicuous area, experiment with samples of different stain colors. This helps envision how the final project will turn out.

Step-by-Step Guide for Staining Outdoor Brick

Follow this complete process for staining the brick on your home‘s exterior or in outdoor living spaces:

Supplies Needed

• Power washer
• Exterior brick cleaner – acid and alkaline formulas
• Stiff scrub brush
• Paintbrush, roller, paint tray
• Exterior brick stain in your chosen color
• Masonry sealer/waterproofer
• Painters tape, drop cloths

Step 1 – Wash the Brick

Use a power washer to clean all dirt, dust, grime and debris from the exterior brick walls. Let the brick dry completely for 48 to 72 hours afterwards so all moisture evaporates.

Step 2 – Clean With Brick Cleaner

Mix up a solution of brick cleaner – either acidic or alkaline formula – according to the product instructions. Apply this solution generously across the brick with a paintbrush or roller. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Then use a stiff scrub brush to work the cleaner into the brick and remove any remaining residue. Rinse thoroughly with your power washer. Repeat as needed until the brick is free of chalky deposits or dirt.

Step 3 – Apply Masonry Primer

Once the brick is fully dry again, apply a coat of specialty masonry primer using a paint roller or sprayer. This helps the stain properly bond and absorb into the brick. Allow the primer to dry overnight before staining.

Step 4 – Apply Brick Stain

Use painter’s tape and drop cloths to mask off any areas you don’t want stained. Use a paintbrush to “cut in” around edges and a roller or sprayer for large areas. Apply the stain in 3 x 3 foot sections working top to bottom. Maintain a wet edge and allow each coat to dry 24 hours before adding another.

Step 5 – Seal the Stained Brick

After the final coat has dried for 72 hours, apply a protective sealer to the stained brick with a paint roller. This helps protect the stain from wear, weather, and UV rays. Allow sealer to dry for 48 hours before heavy use.

Check the weather forecast – staining in high heat over 90°F or if rain is expected can ruin the project. With good prep and careful application, your stained brick will come out looking amazing.

Answers to Common Brick Staining Questions

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about staining brick:

How long should I wait to seal stained brick?

Wait 72 hours after the final coat of stain before applying a protective sealer. This allows ample time for the stain to fully cure and bond with the brick.

Can I use interior stain on outdoor brick?

No. Be sure to use an exterior-rated masonry stain made specifically for outdoor use. Interior stain will not hold up to sun exposure and weathering.

What’s the best way to remove old paint from brick before staining?

Chemical strippers are effective for removing paint from brick for staining. Pressure washing alone usually won‘t get all the old paint off properly.

How do I clean efflorescence (white powdery deposits) from brick prior to staining?

Use an acidic cleaner specifically formulated to remove efflorescence from masonry. Apply with a stiff brush and be sure to rinse thoroughly.

Can I stain just part of a brick wall?

Yes, you can stain just a portion of a wall. Use painters tape and drop cloths to mask off the unstained areas carefully. Apply two coats of sealer to unstained sections to protect from overspray.

How long should I wait to stain newly constructed brick?

On new brick installations, wait a minimum of 30 days before applying any sealers or stains. This allows the mortar to fully cure so staining penetrates properly.

Transform Your Brick with Staining

With the right preparations and techniques, staining allows you to enhance the natural beauty of brick for a gorgeous, long-lasting transformation.

Stained brick adds character and color to your home‘s interior and exterior, from patio pavers to accent walls to fireplaces and more. By understanding the staining process from start to finish, you can take on staining projects yourself and save thousands.

Hopefully this guide gave you all the information needed to determine if staining is the right choice for refreshing and revitalizing the brick surfaces in your home. Don‘t be afraid to get creative with unique colors and patterns that show off your personal style.

With your newly stained brick walls or fireplace providing a pop of color and visual interest, you’ll fall in love with your home all over again!