Whitewashed brick houses look amazing if done properly. Learn the most effective ways in which you efficiently whitewash your brick houses and save money here.
Home renovation can cost a pretty penny especially if you don’t have a clear idea of what you want to do. Many people often forget that you are required to do renovations at a regular interval.
This causes their houses to get extremely damaged. This is especially the case for the exterior of a house. The outer layer of the house has to deal with extreme weather conditions. This can cause it to become structurally weak or get damaged. That is why taking proper care of the outer walls is extremely essential.
There are a plethora of techniques that are available which can be used to achieve this feat. These choices become more scarce if you have a brick exterior.
You are required to choose a technique that will ensure that your house stays in tip-top shape for years to come. Out of all these available techniques the most efficient one is whitewashing.
Whitewashing a brick exterior is cheaper and is an easier way to take care of your house.
Whitewashed brick houses offer a new and refreshing look. It also makes certain that the exterior walls of your house are protected from adverse conditions. But before we get into the specifics we need to explain what whitewashing is;
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What Is Whitewashing?
The method of whitewashing has existed since ancient times. Because of its simplicity and cost-effectiveness, it is still preferred by a lot of people even today. This method does wonders for the exterior of houses. It is also a good choice for fireplaces particularly if you look at the before and after whitewash brick fireplace.
This method is also great for people who don’t have to paint their houses because of the appeal of red bricks. Whitewashed brick houses can offer a fresh look without sacrificing the integrity of the building. All this makes it a worthwhile choice for all homeowners.
Read More: How to Build a Driveway Gate and 7 Popular Designs
Different Techniques Of Whitewashing
There are two different techniques when it comes to whitewashing. You can pick either of them based on your needs and requirements.
The first one is the limewash brick house technique. This method uses a mixture of water and lime. You can also use a combination of white paint and water to get a better result.
The second technique is the typical one that is most commonly used. This white washed brick technique involves the use of white latex paint and water. This mixture is then applied to the outside of the house in a thin layer.
Why Should You Choose Whitewashed Brick Houses?
Now a lot of people at this point might be asking themselves this question. Why should you opt for whitewashed brick houses when you can easily go for the paint alternative?
It may seem like a no-brainer until you realize how better the whitewash option is. For starters, the whitewashing option does not require a lot of time and effort. It is something that can be done in a matter of hours whereas the painting option can often take days.
Whitewashed brick houses are also better because they cost a lot less money. When you are painting the house, you need to spend a large sum of money on supplies. However, if you go for the whitewashing option, it will cost you a lot less money.
These are some of the main reasons why whitewashing is a better option.
How to Whitewash Brick?
Whitewashing a brick house is a simple and arguably effortless procedure. However, there are a few things that you need to get in advance before you start the process. Additionally, there are also a few steps that you need to follow to make sure that everything is done properly. So before we start talking about the process, let us discuss the materials that are required for the whitewashed brick houses process;
Materials Required For The Whitewashed Brick Houses Process
There are a series of materials that are required to properly whitewash your brick houses. Some of these items include;
Masonry or Latex Paint: Latex paint is essential if you are looking to go with the traditional whitewashed brick houses method. If for some reason you aren’t able to find latex paint, you can also use brick paint to get the job done. These paints are available in different colors as well so you can choose one that is best suited for you.
Water: Water is also necessary for whitewashing your house. It is most commonly used to dilute the paint. Using water, you can get the paint to the consistency you like. It is also important for the cleaning process that needs to be carried out before the walls can be whitewashed.
Drop Cloths: Covering the flooring before you whitewash brick houses is also crucial. This saves your floor and other items from stains and thus you will not have to clean out the fuss later.
Paintbrushes: Like other materials, paintbrushes are also extremely important. To properly cover every inch of the wall, you need a wide assortment of paintbrushes. These make sure that no place is left unpainted during the whitewashed brick houses process.
These are some of the items that are necessary to make sure that the whitewash process goes smoothly.
Instructions Of How To Properly Whitewash Brick Walls
The Whitewashed brick house process requires a series of steps. These steps make sure that everything is done properly. If these steps are properly followed, your walls will get properly painted and will look beautiful and elegant. Some of these steps include;
Properly Cleaning The Brick Walls
It does not matter if you have a black brick house or a red one, you need to clean it properly. Clean bricks will provide a better result as compared to dirty ones. You can use soap as well as other solutions to make sure that everything is properly cleaned. Cleaning will also ensure that no impurities present will end up affecting the cleaning process.
Once you have applied all the necessary cleaning chemicals, properly rinse the wall to finalize the process.
Preparing The Surrounding For The Whitewashing
Whitewashed brick houses can prove to be a messy ordeal. Applying limewash exterior brick can lead to spillage and stains even if it is done carefully. There it is better to be safe than sorry. Make sure that all your furniture and surrounding items are properly covered. This is to make sure that none of your precious items get damaged during this process.
Removing All The Older Paint
The cleaning process does not end on properly washing the brick walls. Once you have properly cleaned the walls, it is important to clean off all the excess paint as well. You can use instruments like a scraper or a putty knife to perform this process. You can do this yourself as well as hire a professional that can do it for you.
Cleaning up the existing paint is also important as it ensures that the entire wall will get equally coated.
Preparing The Whitewashing Solution
This is another crucial part of the whitewashed brick houses process. Preparing the solution will help you set the tempo for the rest of the whitewashing process. To create this solution, you need to mix the latex paint with water. The consistency of the solution will determine the color of the solution.
If you want a thicker coating, you will add more paint. However, if you want to apply a light coating on your brick walls, adding more water will help dilute the solution.
Applying The Whitewash On Your Brick Walls
Applying the brick mortar wash on your brick walls is an extremely interesting process. You have a lot of choices in this situation as well. For instance, the simplest way to apply this solution is by using paintbrushes.
You can also use a combination of a spray bottle and a wide brush to coat the hard-to-reach places. Once you apply the solution, clean the excess with the help of a drop cloth so that everything is coated evenly.
But before you do anything, make sure to test the solution on a section of the wall. This will provide you with vital information about the consistency of the solution. After testing, you can also make changes accordingly based on your needs.
It is also important to take it slow to ensure everything is properly done. Once you have coated the entire house, leave it to dry overnight. When the solution is properly dried, your house will give off a clean and polished vibe.
Using Different Whitewashing Techniques
Whitewashed brick houses can be hectic if you are doing it yourself. Because of this, different techniques exist that make the process even more easier and manageable. For instance, if your house is relatively new, you can use the German Smear method.
This method will end up giving your house a more modern and Eastern European look and feel. For starters, you need to put on a thin layer of mortar over the bricks. You are not required to use the traditional techniques as they are not as thorough as this method.
The German Smear method also makes sure that your house is completely covered. This also creates an interesting contrast between the red bricks and the white solution. The only major downside of this method is that it can be time-consuming as you have to cover the entire house.
How To Whitewash Brick Fireplace?
Similar to the whitewashed brick houses process, whitewashing the fireplace also has a series of steps that you need to follow.
You also require materials like white paint, water, painter’s tape, and drop cloths. You also have to follow a series of steps to ensure that everything is done properly. Whitewashing the fireplace is a little more complex than whitewashing the outer walls. You have to care about a lot more factors to make sure that everything is done properly. You also have a follow a series of steps which include:
Steps
- Covering everything around the fireplace to protect it from spillage
- Moving the furniture around to ensure that nothing gets damaged or ruined
- Creating a solution by mixing 1 part white paint and 4 parts water.
- Mixing the paint properly to create a proper whitewashing solution
- Starting from the top and covering the entire area using a large paintbrush.
- Covering the fireplace thoroughly to ensure it is properly covered.
- Let it dry out for a few minutes and adjust according to the results.
Important Things To Keep In Mind When Whitewashing Your House
Before you start getting into the project, it is important to keep certain things in mind. You need to gather all the materials and items to make sure that you don’t face any problems later on.
Furthermore, if you decide to undertake this whitewashed brick house project yourself, you need to take care of everything. If your house has multiple stories, reaching every nook and cranny might also be a difficult challenge.
So, if you think that everything is too much for you to deal with, hiring some help might be the best cause of action. However, this hired help can cost a lot of money and that is something that should also be kept in mind.
