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Working a Brick Wall

The Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Delancey Club Chair will look perfect against a brick backdrop.

The Cynthia Rowley for Hooker Furniture Delancey Club Chair will look perfect against a brick backdrop.

One of the most interesting features of a home – no matter how quirky it may seem – are brick walls. That bold brick red color is sure to elicit attention. Admirers are many and so are those who think that it’s too gritty.  No matter, if you’re determined to make it work for your home, then here are some tips that you need to consider –

Preserve Brick’s Beauty

If your home has those beautiful, exposed brick walls, then it’s a natural stunner. You would want to keep those bricks stunning by sealing and protecting the surface. Doing these will reduce the risk of degradation over time.

Applying slight gloss finish will make the bricks look lustrous. This is great for hallways spaces, otherwise, use a matte sealant that will not alter the natural look of bricks. Sealing will also keep mites as well as dust off, thus, helping in the maintenance of brick beauty.

Brick Cleaning

Brick walls may appear like they’re made of stones but these should not keep you from cleaning them. It is also advisable to clean the brick walls prior to sealing. Mix vinegar with water then spray the solution to the dirty spots. Rub gently with towel – use bristle brush only when stubborn dirt needs to be removed.

To make sure also that the bricks won’t crumble as you clean them, be sure to gently begin at an inconspicuous area. Harsher cleaners should only be used only when absolutely necessary.

About Moisture and Grout

Bathrooms and kitchens are moist areas so if the brick walls are found here, be sure to seal them so that mold and other such problematic issues don’t happen. If a bad case of grout has already taken place, then regrout the bricks so that a more solid surface is achieved. Do this by having the existing grout routed to no less than ¾ inch depth prior to refilling with fresh mortar.

Do this just once then gently seal and maintain.

Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Cornell Brick Red Table Lamp 26903 proves that brick doesn't always have to be on the wall.

Lamps and Lighting Uttermost Cornell Brick Red Table Lamp 26903 proves that brick doesn’t always have to be on the wall.070

Finishing Options

Covering or softening bricks is easy with a fresh coat of white paint. White paint is a popular option for people who want to preserve the brick’s texture. Whitewashing the walls will also give them a cleaner and more contemporary look.

This look can brighten up space and would make it look less busy. You can achieve streamlining with the whitewashed brick concept.

The white bricks look can also be taken to your bedroom as it offers a dreamier appeal.

To whitewash, just mix some water with paint about 1 part water to three parts of paint would do. Loosely apply the mixed paint using a large brush. Let the primary application absorb and dry before putting another coat. Paint in uneven patches so that you achieve an aged finish. Don’t forget to tape off adjacent walls or baseboards as well as the floor with a drop cloth.

Another brick finish that you could consider is gray – the warm, soft type would do. This will give your room a more organic and earthy feel while still providing a clean look.

Bricks can also be stained. Just like wood, you can alter the color of the bricks without actually erasing its texture. You can also achieve the faux vintage appeal if you apply the stain using a small brush in just a few areas. This will give the illusion of some bricks being replaced over time.

A Word of Caution

Remember that painting bricks can be a tricky project. Paint may strip later but bricks are also highly absorbent, meaning, their porous cores make them quite difficult to perfectly paint. Skip the trendiest color choices if you’re uncertain on what look to give your brick walls.

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 7th, 2016 at 5:00 pm and is filed under Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Wall Design. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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