Preparing a brick wall on the balcony
First you need to clean the wall of old mortar using a wire brush. When the wall is cleaned, you can proceed to processing with sandpaper with coarse grain, and subsequently with fine grain.
Small cracks and chips must be filled with putty, and when the layer of putty has dried, it must be coated with a special penetrating compound.
When the wall is leveled, you can move on to the primer. It is important to choose the right paint and primer. It is necessary to carefully treat the entire wall and wait until it dries completely.
The last step is how to paint a brick balcony. For painting, it is better to use water-based paint, since it not only fits perfectly on such a surface, but also has special properties against the formation of fungi or mold. You can paint the ceiling with the same paint, but it should be at least one shade lighter.
Paint selection
The first thing to say is that the choice of paint lies in its application. For an open balcony, façade paint for stone is used.
The choice is based on three components: the location of the balcony, the characteristics of the wall and surface and the requirements for final finishing.
To paint interior walls, you can get by with any type of paint, since they do not involve contact with moisture and temperature.
In the case of brick, it is also worth considering that, due to its characteristics, it releases some moisture if it has just been laid, so a wall coated with paint may become covered with damp spots.
Selection of material
The quality of painting brick on a balcony is largely determined by the correct selection of materials used for finishing. In addition to paint, you need to choose the right primer. This is a liquid designed to increase the adhesion of materials to each other. In addition, antifungal components are often added to it, which successfully combat the appearance of mold. Another remarkable property of the primer is that it enhances the water resistance of the brick, which leads to a reduction in paint consumption.
For brickwork, you need to choose a deep penetration primer. If the wall is made of sand-lime brick, then you should purchase a mineral mixture. It allows you to level the wall due to the cement used in the solution. A good choice would be to use acrylic primer. This is a universal liquid suitable for application to various surfaces, including brick. When choosing paint, you need to be guided by three criteria:
- Adhesion ability. This is the ability of the material to sink into the wall, forming a strong adhesion. Adhesion should not be superficial, so it is better if the packaging says “Deep penetration”.
- Resistance to water penetration. The paint should be water-repellent, but at the same time allow moisture vapor to pass through. If it does not have vapor permeability, the brick will dry out and begin to gradually collapse.
- UV resistant. This property will allow you to preserve the selected color for a long time and will allow you to avoid repainting the coating for a long time due to the need for updating.
To make the right decision about which paint to buy, matte or glossy, you should know that the latter reflects the sun's rays, which means that the wall will heat up less in the summer.
The use of paints based on organic solvents leads to the formation of a waterproof film on the surface, which serves as a prerequisite for the creation of condensation on the surface. Although this is a pretty good paint in terms of its properties, allowing you to decorate brick to suit any style, it is not recommended to use it on interior surfaces. Water-based compositions do not have any strong odors and are highly tinted. If you want to decorate a wall in a loft style, then the best choice would be an acrylic-silicone paint composition.
Tools
When painting brick walls, it is better to use a brush, as it applies smoother strokes and penetrates into crevices better. If you use a roller, the brick will absorb a lot of paint at once, so it will take a lot of time to paint the wall with an even layer with a roller.
A very interesting structure can be obtained if you paint with a foam sponge. This way you can achieve translucency and the effect of ancient masonry.
Painting rules
If you choose the right paint, decorating the walls will not be difficult. It is important to accurately and objectively assess the climate on the balcony . After choosing paint, it's time to take care of the tools. To paint a large space, it is more convenient to use a roller or sprayer.
Decorative painting in different colors requires brushes of the appropriate size. One will allow you to process bricks, and the second will allow you to process the seams between them. A separate brush will be needed if necessary to create drawings.
Painting tape will make the walls more neat and will not stain the ceiling or floor. It is especially important to consider this point when using a sprayer or when it is necessary to create a clear boundary between colors. A special container (bath) for paint will make the process of working with a roller or brush more comfortable. It will be easier to apply the paint in a thin layer.
Experts believe that painting brickwork is the easiest way to decorate. Their valuable advice will help you make your wall beautiful and durable.
- You need to paint with a roller or brush strictly in one direction. It is correct to work from floor to ceiling.
- To achieve the brightest and most saturated tone, it is recommended to apply two thin layers of paint. In this case, it is strictly forbidden to make one, but a thick one. The material will not dry well and may begin to peel off in different places.
- The first coat of paint must dry completely before applying the second.
- If the balcony is not glazed, then work should only be done in calm weather. Otherwise, fresh paint will instantly attract dust and small debris.
- When using a sprayer, it is worth adjusting the paint supply so as not to create smudges and splashes. The layer should be as even as possible. This coloring is not recommended for beginners.
You need to know that...
- If you find mold on bricks, such a base cannot be painted without preliminary cleaning. The affected area should be thoroughly washed and treated with an antiseptic. It would be even safer to choose a paint that contains antibacterial additives.
- Before applying paint, the walls should be properly primed. This is done in order to increase adhesion. Experts always recommend buying a primer and a coloring composition of the same brand (manufacturer).
- Remember that the paint is applied to a completely dry surface. That is why you should wait at least 6 hours from the moment of applying the primer.
