How to Make Brick Look New

Bricks stack up well as a building material and are strong and insulating. Moreover, they translate beautifully to myriad home styles.

Surface cleaning and applying a sealant may be enough for dirty and stained bricks. However, if the brick is cracked or loose, you may need mortar to repair the damage.

Begin by vacuuming any dirt or dust. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to suck away dust and dirt.

After, scrub with soap and water. Ensure to get the bricks wet before using any cleaners.

Dry bricks will absorb the cleaning solvent and fade or discolor over time. Or grow unsightly white or greenish scum.

Another option would be to scrub the brick with dish soap and table salt. Combine each in equal amounts to create a spreadable paste.

Working from top to bottom. Scrub the paste into the brick with a bristle brush.

Other chemical solutions you can use include; Trisodium phosphate, basically laundry detergent. Citric acid solution. The acid will bring out most of the dirt.

As a protective measure, drop a cloth or plastic tarp over areas surrounding the stained brick. Also, wear rubber gloves and safety goggles due to acid’s corrosive nature. 

Make sure you pour the acidic cleaner into the water instead of the other way around. To prevent chemical burns caused by splashes.  

Let the brick absorb the cleaner for 3-5 minutes before using a bristle brush dampened with water. To scrub away the stain. 

After scrubbing away the stain, wash the acid off with a hose and leave the brick to air dry. 

Over time, the sunlight and constantly changing weather can wear and tear on the color of your brick walls. Therefore, if deep cleaning doesn’t restore your brick’s color, try painting them.

Before painting, rinse the brick with water. After that, scrub the bricks with a pre-paint cleaner before they entirely dry up.

Let the pre-paint completely dry. Then follow up with a sealer.

A sealant is good for keeping the bricks in good condition.  Keep the sealant nozzle several inches away to keep the coating even. 

If you live in a wet or rainy climate. Spray a water repellent on the brick to prevent water-related damage. 

Water can enter brick through brick pores, incomplete mortar joints, sills, copings, and other gaps. Therefore, ensure your brick is completely dry before you paint it. This way, the risk of long-term or immediate damage is less likely.

Especially with Efflorescence. Which is a big word for that annoying white residue that often appears on older brick walls.

This residue comprises deposits of water-soluble salt buildup, often from moisture inside the brick.

Once the preparation is done, use a sponge to paint the color of your choice.

Staining your bricks is similar to painting. However, you will need to use a coat of concrete stain. 

Clean the bricks with a cleaning solution. Or use undiluted white vinegar before staining.

You can adjust it according to the original color of your bricks.  If one coat of stain still doesn’t do the trick, add another coating.

Another option would be re-grouting. This involves re-applying a thin layer of mortar in spaces between bricks. It will freshen up your exterior while ensuring your bricks are weather tight.

While at it consider painting the mortar white. It will make the bricks stand out.  

On the other hand, a dark grey grout would look great on dark red brick. Be aware it is a much busier look than regular grey cement.

Bagging is a popular and affordable alternative to painting. It allows texture and a hint of history to show through. As well as the undulation of the brick to be seen.

To enhance the brickwork, consider enlarging the windows. Or replace them with beautifully white, black, or natural timber framed ones. 

In addition, the smaller details on your home’s facade have the power to lift the look of your brickwork.  On a red-brick exterior, consider dark colors for gutters and downpipes. The tones go very well together.

Landscaping is also a great way to enhance brickwork. The contrast of green and grey-green tones of native planting works well with brickwork.

Planting a beautiful creeping fig on your facade is another option. Just be aware that it can impact your termite proofing so you need to be careful where you put it.

If your brick facade is a true eyesore, consider partially or fully cladding it in another material. The best combination is white-on-white painted brick and weatherboard. It will provide a rich, textured outcome that looks fresh with a touch of character.

Timber and metal cladding are both trendy. With timber cladding, it’s important to know the chain of custody so you can be sure the timber has come from a sustainable source.

Think charcoal colors for metals and species such as silver top ash timber. It is known to weather to a lovely silver or grey over time. Another popular look is charred cladding which is installed vertically.

Due to the gaps, timber cladding for a red-brick wall will require drainage and ongoing maintenance. Not forgetting that once it’s painted, it is almost impossible to get it back to the original brick color.

When combining new cladding with existing brickwork, it’s best to get an architect to help with the 3D aesthetics. There may be other areas that can be renovated and remodeled to suit the new facades and external walls.

Rendering gives a smoother finish than paint and can look good if your facade has the right proportions and aesthetic. 

Rendered brick is covered in a cement-like coating and can be tinted to a variety of colors and intensities. However, it is more expensive than painting as you will need a professional to create that smooth finish. 

Keep in mind that your brick will absorb less of the cleaner if it has been vacuumed and dampened with water first. You can also dry brush as an alternative to vacuuming.

Also, remember that removing paint from bricks is no easy process. Chemicals must be used, and the paint often won’t come completely off. You may be stuck with the look if you don’t like it.