Brick and masonry offer a timeless look to a building. It’s been at the vanguard of the building industry for decades. Architects, construction experts, and clients find the quality and appearance of brick to be equally important.
Brick comes in a variety of different colors, shapes, and textures. But how can you maintain it or change it if you get tired of the existing colors?
This is where staining exterior brick comes into play. Staining brick helps maintain the brick’s quality while breathing fresh color and life back into it.
Staining exterior brick is a straightforward process that offers several great benefits. The struggle people often face is deciding whether to paint their brick or stain it.
Are debating whether to stain or paint your exterior brick surfaces? Here’s what you need to know about brick staining and how it can benefit you!
What is Brick Staining?
Brick staining is a process of changing the color of the brick using a staining solution. Unlike paint which sits on top of the brick, stain sinks deep into the brick. You can tint the stain any color you’d like and we typically use H&C Concrete Masonry Stain:
The process of staining exterior brick surfaces is generally a 2-person job. The first person will evenly spray the stain onto the brick surface. The second person will use a large brush similar to a broom and work the stain into the brick.
This process of brick staining ensures the stain evenly applies deep into the brick. There are 2 main stains you can choose from, water-based brick stain and stains premixed with a sealant.
The first option is the most popular and recommended for most projects. It’s relatively easy to apply and the final product allows the brick to breathe, preventing potential water buildup.
The latter option creates a water-proof seal on the brick. The goal is to prevent water and moister from entering the brick but can cause adverse effects. A sealant stain is a good option for small spots and on an older brick surface that breathes easier compared to newer brick.
What are the Benefits of Staining Exterior Brick?
Brick staining is an affordable solution for those needing to mask masonry repairs or update their brick’s color. It’s versatile, long-lasting, and cost-effective. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of staining exterior brick surfaces.
Stain Let’s Brick Breathe
The most important benefit of brick staining is how it lets the brick breathe. Brick needs to breathe to prevent moisture from building up inside the pores. Water-based stains don’t clog the porous texture but rather work into the brick.
Sealants and paints create an airtight layer over the brick covering the pores. This can cause water and moisture to become trapped in the brick. This can cause damage when the water freezes, expands and cracks or shifts the brick.
Brick stain acts as a dye, seeping deep into the brick. This allows the brick to breathe while also updating the color and look of your brick surfaces.
Long-Lasting Benefits
Brick staining lasts much longer compared to paint. But how long does brick stain last?
The average lifespan of brick stain is between 7 and 10 years. Depending on your climate and the type of brick stained, it may last even longer closer to 20 years. As it ages near the end of its life, it may simply fade over time.
Paint, however, has a lifespan between 2 and 5 years before it starts to chip and crack. When it starts degrading, it’s much more noticeable than stain. You’ll need to regularly maintain the paint with more frequency.
Retain the Character of the Brick
Brick has a unique and natural character. Wouldn’t you want to enhance its distinctive appearance?
With brick stain, you can do just that. When staining exterior brick surfaces, a stainer will work the stain into the brick, rather than cover it with a thick coat of paint. Stain is generally much thinner than paint which allows it to penetrate the brick, rather than lay on top.
By using a brick stain, you can enjoy the brick’s natural beauty. Regardless of how dark or light the color is, you’ll be able to enjoy the look and feel of your brick.
An Affordable Option
Many homeowners want a cost-effective option when changing or repairing the color of their brick features. While both high-quality paints and stains can get expensive, stain will be the most affordable option over time.
Stain has a much longer lifespan than exterior paints. This means you won’t have to buy a replacement stain as often as you would with paints.
Brick stain also covers a greater area than paint. You can save on costs or spend more on a higher-quality stain since you’ll purchase less stain than you would paint.
Brick stain also has a wide price range. The total for stain, labor, and any additional materials averages between $345 to $905 for a 500 square foot section of brick. The quality of the stain, type of project, and the area where you live will determine the final costs.
Brick Staining is Fast and Easy
A desirable feature of staining brick is that it’s a relatively quick process. Of course, this depends on the complexity and size of a particular project.
Most brick staining professionals can complete a home project within a day. The labor is less intensive as it is with brick which will also save time and money. If you need to fix a spot, many homeowners easily do it on their own.
Liven Your Brick with Stain Today!
Staining exterior brick features is a wonderful way to enhance the look of your home’s brick. Professional stainers will ensure you’ll enjoy your brick’s natural beauty while having the freedom to choose almost any color you want. With so many benefits, how can you say no to brick stain?
Have questions or want to know if staining brick surfaces at your home is right for you? Let us know! We’re happy to help you with any of your home exterior painting and staining needs!
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