Whitewashing brick refreshes your home’s exterior or interior brick surfaces without completely covering the masonry’s natural texture. This technique creates a rustic, aged appearance that can brighten up a space and allow the brick’s charm to shine through. This Old House mason Mark McCullough demonstrates a durable, masonry-based approach to whitewashing exterior brick.
What Is Whitewash?
Whitewash is a type of coating that creates a translucent white finish on brick surfaces. Unlike paint, which forms a solid layer on top of the brick, whitewash allows some of the brick’s natural color and texture to show through. This technique has been used for centuries to protect and beautify buildings, and it remains a popular choice for homeowners looking to update their brick surfaces.
Benefits of Whitewashing Brick
Whitewashing brick offers several advantages over traditional painting:
- Breathability: Whitewash allows moisture to escape from the brick, preventing damage from trapped water.
- Durability: A properly applied whitewash can last for years, especially when using a masonry-based mixture.
- Customizable appearance: The level of opacity can be adjusted to achieve the desired look.
- Cost-effective: Whitewashing is typically less expensive than painting or replacing brick.
- Eco-friendly: Lime, a key ingredient in whitewashing, is a natural product that is less harmful to the environment compared to synthetic paints.
Masonry-Based vs. Paint-Based Whitewash
While paint-based whitewash is commonly used for interior applications, McCullough recommends a masonry-based approach for exterior brick. This method offers superior durability and allows the brick to breathe, preventing moisture-related issues. The masonry-based mixture consists of lime, Portland cement, and water, creating a slurry that bonds well with the brick surface. This mixture ensures greater longevity and resilience against the elements, making it well-suited for outdoor use.
Preparing for Whitewash of Brick
Before you begin whitewashing your brick, properly prepare the surface and gather the necessary materials and tools. Preparation ensures that the whitewash adheres well and lasts longer.
Materials Needed
To create a masonry-based whitewash, you’ll need the following:
- Brick trowel
- Clean bucket for mixing
- Clean bucket for water
- Dust mask
- Hydrated lime
- Masonry brush
- Portland cement
- Safety goggles
- Water
Preparing the Brick Surface
- Clean the brick thoroughly to remove dirt, dust, and debris. Use a soft brush or sponge to avoid surface damage.
- Repair any damaged mortar joints or cracked bricks using a suitable filler or sealant. This step is vital to prevent further deterioration and to provide a smooth surface for the whitewash.
- Allow the brick surface to dry completely before applying the whitewash. A dry surface ensures that the whitewash mixture binds effectively with the brick.
Safety Precautions
- Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from splashes.
- Use a dust mask when mixing lime and cement to avoid inhaling dust.
- Keep the work area ventilated when working with lime and cement to ensure your safety.
Creating the Whitewash Mixture
The key to a successful whitewash lies in the mixture itself. McCullough recommends a specific ratio of ingredients for optimal results. This slurry enhances adhesion and creates a resilient finish.
To create the whitewash slurry:
- Combine approximately 80% hydrated lime and 20% Portland cement in a clean bucket. This ratio allows for the right balance of coverage and breathability.
- Gradually add water while mixing until you achieve a consistency similar to thick paint. This texture ensures easy application and effective coverage.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Continuous stirring ensures uniformity and prevents separation of components.
The ideal consistency for your whitewash mixture may vary depending on the desired effect and porosity of your brick. If the mixture is too thick, add small amounts of water until it reaches the right consistency. If it’s too thin, add more of the dry ingredients in the same ratio.
Applying the Whitewash To the Brick Surface
With your mixture prepared and surface ready, it’s time to apply the whitewash to your brick. This process requires attention to detail and a bit of technique to achieve the desired look.
Application Technique
To apply the whitewash:
- Dip a masonry brush into the slurry mixture, getting the bristles fully coated.
- Apply the whitewash generously to the brick surface, ensuring even coverage. Overlap brush strokes to avoid missed spots.
- Work in small sections to maintain control over the application and ensure uniform coverage.
- Use vertical strokes for a more uniform appearance, or vary your brush strokes for a more rustic look.
Creating Variation and Texture
To achieve a natural, weathered appearance:
- After applying the whitewash, dip your brush in clean water. This technique lightens the color and enhances texture.
- Dab off some of the slurry while it’s still wet to create variation in opacity. This helps in achieving a more aged look.
- Experiment with different techniques to achieve your desired look, such as sponging or stippling. Each method offers a distinct finish.
Allowing for Natural Weathering
One of the unique aspects of masonry-based whitewash is its ability to age naturally over time. This exterior application will continue to fade and wear, creating an authentic, aged appearance.
The Weathering Process
Over time, exposure to the elements will cause the whitewash to fade gradually, revealing more of the underlying brick texture. This gradual change enhances the natural appeal of the brick. It will also develop a patina that enhances the rustic charm. The patina adds depth and character, often sought after in aging processes.
Embracing Imperfections
Unlike with paint, slight imperfections or unevenness in your whitewash application can actually contribute to its charm. The natural weathering process will help blend these variations, resulting in a more authentic, time-worn look.
Maintenance and Touch-Ups of Your Whitewashed Brick
While whitewashed brick requires less maintenance than painted brick, it needs a little upkeep to keep it looking its best. Regular maintenance helps preserve the aesthetic and functional benefits of the whitewash.
Cleaning Whitewashed Brick
To clean whitewashed brick:
- Use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to remove dirt and debris. Regular cleaning prevents buildup and staining.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or pressure washing, which can damage the finish. Gentle cleaning methods preserve the integrity of the whitewash.
- If necessary, use a mild detergent solution and rinse thoroughly with clean water. Rinsing removes any residue left by cleaning agents.
Touching Up the Whitewash
If you need to touch up your whitewash:
- Mix a small batch of the whitewash slurry using the same ratio as the original application. Consistency is key for seamless integration.
- Apply the mixture to the areas needing touch-ups, blending it with the surrounding whitewash. Blending ensures the touched-up areas do not stand out.
- Allow the touched-up areas to weather naturally to match the rest of the surface. Natural weathering will ensure the new touches blend over time.
Enhancing Brick Features
Whitewashing not only revitalizes old surfaces but can also serve to highlight the architectural features of your home. We suggest whitewashing selected areas to draw attention to unique brickwork or to complement other design elements in your home.
Highlighting Architectural Details
- Use whitewash to accentuate arches, columns, or decorative masonry.
- Consider pairing whitewashed areas with natural brick sections for contrast. This contrast can add depth and balance to your design scheme.
- Complement whitewashed brick with other materials, such as wood or metal, for a cohesive look. Coordinating materials create a harmonious design.