You shouldn’t be afraid to use paint on brick. It can be used to complement interior and exterior color schemes, or to hide old, weathered and beaten bricks. You just need the tools and know-how to get the job done.

Why you should never paint brick?

“Most brick was never intended to be painted,” says Crocker. … Brick that’s chipping, deteriorating, molding or in overall poor condition is always a bad candidate for paint. Paint blocks the natural pores in the brick’s surface, which can cause existing problems to become exaggerated over time.

Can you paint directly onto brick?

Use your roller or brushes to apply a paint formulated for masonry, or a latex paint, to the brick. (If you’re painting the interior of a fireplace, make sure you’re using heat-proof paint.) … Make sure to push the paint into the tiny cracks and crevices. Apply a second coat if necessary.