Painting brickwork

Resene Popular Paint Systems –
Concrete, plasters and cement-based substrates: training notes

This web page is an edited version of the Resene Best System Selling training notes provided to Resene staff and is provided to enable you to gain a greater understanding of the substrates and paint systems you may encounter in your decorating project. It is impossible to cover all decorating scenarios in a single document, so if you are in doubt about any aspect of your project please contact Resene for assistance.

Table of contents (concrete, plasters, cement-based substrates)

Select the substrate you will be painting from the list below to view how to prepare and finish the surface.

Preparation flowcharts

Topcoat systems flowcharts

How to paint Brickwork

Note: Refer to the PDF flowchart for a visual of the steps below:

Treat moss and mould with Resene Moss & Mould Killer
Wash down using Resene Paint Prep and Housewash or alternatively waterblast at 2000 psi
Apply Resene Sureseal
Fill voids as per schedule earlier
Is waterproofing an issue?
1. If No:
  1. Apply 2 coats of Resene Sonyx 101
  2. Alternatively, apply 2-3 coats of Resene Lumbersider
2. If Yes:
  1. Apply 2 coats of Resene X-200

An alternative is to plaster the brickwork using Rockcote. It is popular to plaster over bricks and achieve either a monolithic finish or to retain the patina of the bricks. Resene AquaShield makes an ideal topcoat.

Brickwork

Things to consider

Are the bricks old or new?
What condition are they in?
What sort of look or finish do you have in mind?
How large is the area to be painted?
Will you be undertaking the painting yourself?

Brickwork

Clinker brick style

Painting over bricks either new or old is relatively straightforward. Resene generally recommend Resene Sureseal as a first coat to seal the bricks due to their high porosity and bind up old weak and friable pointing. It also serves to hold back potential salt staining on old brickwork.
Many homes built in the 70’s and early 80’s were built using ’Clinker bricks’, a normal brick with a rough outward facing profile. It is possible to chip the profile off and then plaster to achieve a monolithic finish, however this is not a project for the home handyperson.
Bricks can look quite striking when painted.
Resene X-200 is the ideal paint for bricks, even if there are no waterproofing issues, as it fills any small cracks and has a low gloss level, which suits a brick construction home.

Clinker bricks
Clinker brick style

Key accessories essential to complete the job

50-75mm Legend or Haydn Ultimate brush
Extension pole (depending on access)
Fillers as per schedule
PAL No.3 or No.2 roller sleeve – depending on how deep the pointing is or if Resene X-200 is used
Resene Paint Prep and Housewash
Roller tray and handle

Add-ons – to make the job easier or quicker

Dropsheet/s
Masking tape – for around windows etc
Meths to remove paint splatter from windows

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