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Updating brick surfaces can be accomplished with either staining or painting. While paint offers a wider range of colors, staining is more permanent and requires less maintenance. Both methods require careful planning to ensure the outcome meets your expectations and the needs of your home.

Staining is a great way to update brick surfaces and make them more appealing, but it’s essential to weigh the benefits of both options before choosing the right method for your project. To get the most out of your brick, consult with Building Blocks Construction a brick staining professional in Mississauga to ensure that your project is completed correctly and in a timely manner.

The color of a brick surface can dramatically impact the overall appearance of your house, accentuate certain architectural features or downplay others, and set a mood. Darker tones elicit a sense of grandeur while lighter shades create a feeling of space and openness. To determine which shade to choose, consider your preferred style and the existing decor of your home, and examine sample swatches in natural and artificial light to see how the color appears throughout the day.

Before you begin the staining process, make sure the surface is clean. A wire brush and soapy water will suffice for most situations, but if there is heavy buildup, trisodium phosphate (TSP) may be required. Thorough cleaning helps the stain adhere and last longer, and also ensures that any mildew or efflorescence is eliminated. Be sure to protect surrounding areas like windows, doors, and landscaping with drop cloths and plastic sheets to prevent stains from accidentally splashing onto these items.

There are a variety of brick stains available, with both oil and water-based options. Water-based stains are easier to clean up and dry faster than oil-based, and they emit fewer harmful fumes. To ensure that the color of your stain is vibrant and long-lasting, it’s important to select a high-pigment stain.

It’s important to test your stain on an inconspicuous area of the brick surface to check for color accuracy and adhesion. To maintain a consistent look, it’s important to work evenly, applying several thin coats of stain. It is also helpful to keep in mind that how a color appears on a swatch or on a website can often differ from how it will appear on your brick surface.

Unlike paint, brick stains are absorbed into the surface of the brick, so they’re less likely to chip or peel over time. Stains can be applied in a wide variety of tints to change the color of your brick while retaining its natural textures and variations.

If you’re interested in changing the overall tone of your brick, a transparent stain is a great option. Transparent stains will allow the pre-existing color of your brick to show through, while adding an element of new color. For example, a yellow stain will add color to the brick without covering it completely in orange, leaving the original red beneath.