Painting brickwork can transform the look of any space, adding a fresh touch to a traditional surface with Chalk Paint, you can paint brickwork inside or outside your home with only a few simple steps. If you’ve ever wondered how best to transform your home with painted brickwork; this guide should answer all your questions. Chalk Paint makes it so easy!

Step 1: Preparation

Before you begin painting, ensure the brick surface is clean and free of any dirt, dust, or debris. Use a stiff brush or pressure washer to remove any loose particles. Of course, if you’re going for a rustic look you can skip this step as dust and debris will flake off over time and add texture, both of which will add to an aged effect. Annie herself rarely bothers with this step, preferring a traditional French distressed look.

Step 2: Preparing the Brickwork for Painting

To ensure optimal paint adhesion, it’s important to pre-wet the brick surface. This will also stop the brick from soaking up too much Chalk Paint, leading you to use more. Use a hose, spray bottle or that aforementioned jet washer to thoroughly wet the bricks, allowing them to absorb the water. This step helps to prevent the paint from drying too quickly and allows for better coverage – don’t skip it!

Step 3: Diluting the Paint

Furthermore, for best results when painting brickwork, Annie Sloan recommends diluting Chalk Paint slightly before application. This can be done by adding a small amount of water to the paint and stirring thoroughly until well combined. The exact ratio of paint to water may vary depending on personal preference, the condition of the brick itself, and the desired effect. We recommend a 30:70 split of water to paint as a starting point.

Step 4: Wetting the Brush

Before applying the paint, wet your paintbrush with water. This helps to prevent the paint from drying too quickly on the bristles, allowing for smoother application and better coverage. It’ll also help stop your arm from getting too tired – our famously creamy and thick Chalk Paint will cling to bricks and without adding all this water, it’ll be a real workout painting a whole wall!

Step 5: Applying the Paint

Using a brush or roller, apply the diluted Chalk Paint to the wet brick surface in even strokes. We recommend using our Annie Sloan Wall Paint brush for best results. Work in sections, in horizontal stripes from the top to the bottom of the wall. Apply additional coats as needed, allowing each layer to dry completely before proceeding. Two coats should be plenty!

Optional: apply Chalk Paint Lacquer to finish and protect. Chalk Paint Lacquer will prevent the colour from fading in UV light, as well as protecting the finish from water damage. NB: Annie always skips this step. Brickwork is porous, so it will soak the paint up beautifully. Simply allow to dry before touching or hanging pictures inside. Over time the paint will cure naturally; in outdoor areas, fresh air and sunshine will expedite this process. Our Chalk Paint HQ, based in Cowley, Oxford, UK, has been painted for over 12 years with no Lacquer to finish.

Painting brickwork with Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan is a simple yet effective way to update the look of any space. By following these steps and utilizing Annie’s advice, you can achieve a beautifully painted brick surface that adds style and character to your home. Whether you’re looking to modernize a fireplace, accentuate an exterior wall, or refresh an interior feature, Chalk Paint offers a versatile and durable solution for transforming brickwork with ease.