Restore the Color of Your Old Exterior Bricks

As bricks age, they begin to fade. The striking red bricks that once gave your house its rustic grandeur has now been muted by the elements. Whether your brick happens to be indoor or outdoor withstanding harsh elements, any brick can start to lose its vibrant hues over time. No worries; the Orlando masonry experts at Bedrock are here to give you some advice on how to restore your bricks into their colorful former glory.

Just like anything else that has gotten dirty, the first thing you can do to restore your bricks is to wash them. Start by tackling any mold, algae, debris, dirt, or other natural elements that are covering your bricks. You can try using a regular hose for this, but it’s best to use a power sprayer to get the most thorough results. Some areas may need some manual scrubbing, but the sprayer will still be the best tool at your disposal. After you’ve finished washing your bricks, leave at least 24 hours for it to dry.

After 24 hours have passed, it’s time to add some sealer. A clear coat of sealer will help add back some of the original color when used correctly. When using sealer, make sure to take note of its instructions because not all sealers work the same way. For example, some may call for multiple coats while others just call for one. Once you’ve readied your sealer, you can either apply it with a paintbrush or paint roller for small areas. For larger areas such as a driveway, use a pneumatic sprayer.

After applying the sealer, allow it to dry for at least 24 hours before using that surface again. Depending on the brand of sealer, the thickness of the coat, the time of year, and humidity, drying could take up to 72 hours. During the drying process, keep the brick free from contact and moisture as that may distort the sealer.

If cleaning and sealing the brick is not enough, in cases of extreme age, you could use a concrete stain or paint to give it life. Brick installments with recessed joints often call for a paint roller, but flush joint installments require a paintbrush to avoid coloring the mortar. Finish with a sealer to lock in the color.
With these tips, you are ready to restore your brick and regain long lasting color. If you need supplies for your next project, contact the Orlando masonry experts at Bedrock, where we have quality bricks to fit any project.