Do you have beautiful brick walls inside your home but feel they look a bit dull or dated? Brick can add so much character, but sometimes it just needs a little update. Painting interior brick is a fantastic way to refresh a room. However, choosing the correct paint can feel like a puzzle. You worry about the paint peeling or not sticking properly to that rough surface. Maybe you fear sealing in moisture, which could cause bigger problems down the road.
Finding the perfect paint that sticks well, looks great, and breathes correctly is key. Many homeowners get stuck trying to figure out which primer to use or which finish works best for a cozy living room versus a busy kitchen. We understand that confusion! This guide cuts through the noise. By the end of this post, you will know exactly what type of paint works best for your interior brick, how to prepare the surface like a pro, and how to achieve a stunning, long-lasting finish.
Let’s transform that tired brick into a focal point you love. Keep reading to discover the secrets to painting interior brickwork successfully!
Top Paint For Interior Brickwork Recommendations
- Size: 500ml.
- It is pigmented with micronized red oxide to give a good opacity and good exterior durability
- To apply, use a large brush and apply evenly, making sure all the surface area is covered
- Multifunctional White Paint Set：Without the need for tedious polishing and priming steps, Brick Paint can be applied directly to a wide range of surfaces such as concrete, brick, wood, etc., and is universal for both indoor and outdoor use. It has excellent sun and waterproofing properties and can withstand harsh weather for a long time after drying. NOTE: For outdoor use, please choose a sunny time to work, avoid rainy days operation (undried paint may dissolve in contact with water, but completely dry will have waterproof properties)
- Safe, Low-Odor Water-Based Formula：Crafted with advanced eco-friendly emulsions, our paint drastically reduces VOCs. Enjoy hassle-free application with minimal odor, perfect for enclosed spaces and family-friendly projects
- Effortless Customization & Coverage Control：Mix with water to adjust opacity: 1:1 ratio for light veiling or 1:2 ratio for bold, textured finishes. With cloth for seamless layering—create authentic brick patterns or modern ombré effects with ease
- Complete kit Included：Unbox everything you need: mixing sticks, premium brushes, and protective masking films. Our streamlined kit ensures smooth, mistake-free application for pros and beginners alike
- Maximized Coverage for Large Projects：White 16oz kit: Covers up to 100 sq.ft. (when mixed with water)；White 32oz kit: Covers up to 200 sq.ft. (when mixed with water)
- This premium, interior/exterior paint is formulated to waterproof and seal porous concrete and masonry surfaces both inside and outside your home.
- Using nanotechnology, this paint forms a barrier to help stop water infiltration while an alkali resistant coating provides a long-lasting, durable and decorative finish.
- Apply this paint on properly prepped and cured above and below grade basement walls, masonry walls, retaining walls, cinder and concrete blocks, stucco and brick. Do not use on floors or on walls with active water leaks. Apply using a high quality 1/2"-3/4" nap roller, 4" nylon/polyester brush or an airless sprayer capable of delivering 2200-3200 PSI or greater using a .023"-.025" spray tip.
- Prime all uncoated, patched, chalky, and adjacent wood and/or metal surfaces with KILZ Premium Primer. For below grade application, fill all holes/cracks with hydraulic cement prior to painting. A minimum of two coats of this product are required for optimal results. Paint dries to touch in one hour and can be re-coated in 4 hours depending on humidity.
- This is a 1-gallon can of Interior/Exterior Basement and Masonry Waterproofing Paint, White, 1-gallon in white. Depending on surface porosity, 1 gallon covers 75 to 125 square feet per.
- Durable Epoxy Acrylic Formula: Resists hot tire pickup, scuffing, cracking, peeling, and fading. KILZ 1-Part Epoxy Floor Paint delivers long-lasting protection and a satin finish that looks great on concrete surfaces.
- Interior & Exterior Use: Designed for use on both indoor and outdoor horizontal surfaces. Ideal as concrete paint for basements, garage floors, and as an exterior paint for porches, driveways, and pool decks.
- Versatile Surface Application: Use on properly prepared porous concrete, masonry, stone, and brick. Not for vertical surfaces or areas exposed to hydrostatic pressure or forklift traffic. Residential use only.
- Low-VOC, Easy Application: This water-based interior/exterior paint applies easily with a roller or brush and cleans up with soap and water. Covers 300–400 sq. ft. per gallon on smooth surfaces, 200–300 on rough.
- Trusted KILZ Performance: KILZ has been a leader in surface coatings for over 50 years. Backed by a brand known for quality and innovation in paint and primer solutions for every part of your home.
- Colour: Matt Black.
- To apply, use a large brush and apply evenly
- The surface area must be clean, dry, free from dust and other contaminants likely to affect adhesion
- For use on porches, patios, pool decks and walkways
- Easy to apply
- Highly durable
- Scratch resistant
- Cool surface technology limits surface temperature by up to 20%*
- This high-quality, acrylic latex water-base interior/exterior paint offers excellent hiding properties with great adhesion and water repellency on textured interior and exterior surfaces
- This self-priming paint offers a finish on properly prepared smooth, rough and textured masonry, drywall, stucco, and brick surfaces
- It is alkali-resistant up to ph 12.0, easy to apply, and cleans up with soap and water. This paint can be rolled, Brushed, or sprayed on
- This formula is designed to accentuate all textured surfaces while achieving a natural look
- This is a 1-Gallon can of KILZ interior/exterior concrete, brick, and tile paint with a flat finish. Covers 250-400 square feet per gallon depending on surface texture
- Includes 30 featured and newest released color card. Sprayed on color to see our colors in your homes lighting for more accurate color choices.
- ALL-IN-ONE Paint - NO Sanding, NO Priming, NO Top Coat Required, Low Luster, Velvet Sheen Finish
- Interior/Exterior - Paint your whole house - Ideal for hard surfaces including walls, doors, cabinets, counters, furniture, metal, glass, ceramics and floor and wall tile
- Durable yet stretches to paint smooth fabrics, vinyl and leather
- Results cannot be guaranteed. Digital screens may not show color accurately. Product search - Heirloom Traditions Paint Color Collection Fan Deck, for an accurate color choice.
Painting Your Interior Brick: The Essential Buying Guide
Interior brick walls add a wonderful texture and character to any room. Painting them is a great way to update the look! Choosing the right paint makes the job easier and helps the finish last longer. This guide helps you pick the best paint for your brick project.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for interior brick paint, certain features really matter for a successful project.
1. Excellent Adhesion
Brick is a tough surface. Good paint sticks to it well. Look for paints labeled as having “high adhesion” or “bonding primer included.” This means the paint will grip the porous surface tightly. Poor adhesion leads to peeling later.
2. Breathability (Vapor Permeability)
Brick walls need to “breathe.” Moisture can get trapped behind the paint film. If the paint is too sealed, this trapped moisture can cause bubbles or peeling. Choose specialized masonry or brick paint, which lets water vapor escape.
3. Durability and Washability
Living areas see a lot of action. Your paint needs to handle bumps and spills. Look for finishes like eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss. These are much easier to wipe clean than flat finishes.
4. Low or Zero VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds)
Since this is inside your home, air quality is important. Low or zero VOC paints smell less harsh during application and drying. This is better for your family and pets.
Important Materials and Preparation
The paint is only half the battle. Preparing the brick correctly is crucial. You need the right supporting materials.
- Primer: This is non-negotiable for raw or very porous brick. A high-quality masonry or bonding primer seals the surface. It stops the brick from sucking up all your expensive topcoat paint.
- Cleaning Supplies: You must clean the brick thoroughly. Use TSP (Trisodium Phosphate) substitute or a strong degreaser. Dirt and dust prevent paint from sticking.
- Applicators: Standard paint rollers won’t work well. Brick has deep texture. You need a thick, high-nap roller cover (usually 3/4 inch or 1 inch nap). A good quality sprayer can also speed up the process for large areas.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes a paint job look professional versus sloppy?
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Surface Preparation: Properly cleaning and priming the brick guarantees the best bond.
- Using Masonry-Specific Formulas: These paints are chemically designed to handle the alkalinity and texture of brick.
- Applying Multiple Thin Coats: Two thin coats usually look better and last longer than one thick, gloppy coat.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Painting Damp Brick: If the brick is wet, the paint will fail quickly. Always check the moisture level first.
- Using Standard Interior Wall Paint: Regular latex paint lacks the flexibility and adhesion needed for masonry, leading to cracking over time.
- Skipping the Primer: Unprimed brick absorbs paint unevenly, resulting in a patchy, dull finish.
User Experience and Use Cases
How the paint performs during application and how it looks afterward defines your experience.
Ease of Use:
Thick paints can be hard to spread evenly over rough brick. Look for reviews mentioning smooth application. If the paint is too thin, it drips easily. If it is too thick, it clogs the roller texture.
Aesthetic Results:
Consider the look you want. A flat finish hides texture imperfections well but is hard to clean. A satin finish offers a slight sheen, making the brick texture pop while remaining wipeable. White paint is popular, but darker colors can make the room feel cozier.
Best Use Cases:
- Fireplaces: Use heat-resistant formulas if the brick is near a working fireplace opening.
- Basement Walls: Choose paints formulated to resist mildew and moisture if your basement tends to be damp.
- Accent Walls: For a bold statement, high-quality acrylic latex paints offer vibrant color retention.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Interior Brick Paint
Q: Do I really need a special primer for interior brick?
A: Yes, you absolutely need a special primer. Brick is very porous and often alkaline. A masonry bonding primer seals the surface so your topcoat looks even and sticks firmly.
Q: Can I use regular latex paint on my interior brick?
A: While you can technically use it, it is not recommended. Regular latex paint lacks the adhesion and breathability needed for brick, often leading to peeling or bubbling as moisture gets trapped.
Q: What sheen (finish) is best for painted brick?
A: Satin or eggshell finishes are usually the best compromise. They offer some shine to highlight the texture but are durable enough to be wiped clean from fingerprints and dust.
Q: How long does the paint need to cure before I can clean the wall?
A: Most paints are dry to the touch in a few hours. However, you should wait at least 7 to 14 days for the paint to fully cure before scrubbing or deep cleaning the surface.
Q: Should I use a roller or a sprayer on brick?
A: A sprayer provides the fastest coverage, especially for deep mortar joints. However, you must follow up with a thick roller or brush to “back-roll” the paint, ensuring it pushes deep into the texture.
Q: What is the biggest mistake people make when painting brick?
A: The biggest mistake is skipping proper cleaning and preparation. If the brick has soot, dust, or efflorescence (white salty deposits), the paint will not stick properly.
Q: Can I paint over existing painted brick?
A: Yes, you can paint over existing painted brick. You must first clean the surface well. If the old paint is glossy or peeling, lightly sand it first to help the new paint grip.
Q: Are there eco-friendly paint options for brick?
A: Look for paints labeled “Zero VOC” or “Low VOC.” Many high-quality acrylic masonry paints now offer these healthier options without sacrificing durability.
Q: Will painting my brick stop it from smelling musty?
A: Painting can help seal out some minor odors, but if the musty smell comes from serious dampness or mold inside the wall, paint alone won’t fix the underlying moisture problem.
Q: How much paint do I generally need per square foot?
A: Brick is hungry! Expect to use more paint than you would on drywall. Plan for about 1 gallon for every 150–200 square feet for two coats, but always buy extra just in case.