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Whitewashing old brick is pretty darn easy but getting Dick to agree to it, not so much but after 10 years of nagging he finally gave his “Alright, Vag!”
Showtime, DIY Warriors, it’s time to knock the pants off this manatee.
Told ya’ so, Dick.
The Long-awaited Whitewashing Funzies
Any good thing starts with a good clean. I can thank countless Crazy Aunties and Somber Grannies for this sage advice.
Grab your Dawn dish soap, salt, bucket, rags, scrub brush, spray bottle, tarps/plastic sheeting and painters tape.
Tape off your work area. You know, the floors, walls, and if you’re so inclined, the Hubby, pets & kids.
Working in small sections, spray the area with water then apply the 50/50 paste of Dawn dish detergent and salt. Using a soft bristle scrub brush work the paste into the brick. Let soak for 10-15 mins then rinse off with rags and a bucket of warm water.
Brick is very porous and surprisingly wimpy so go gentle with the scrubbing and increase the elbow-grease as necessary. Lawd knows, you do not want to re-grout this beast too.
You’ve got The Look
This is the part where you ask yourself what is The Look I am going for here? Does neighbor Margie’s fireplace rock your world or is Mary Beth’s the most drool-worthy? Or is “That One” on Pinterest which really nails it? Good news, Warriors, all are doable. Follow along…
Dilution is the Solution as the old saying goes
In your bucket pour one part of my personal fave BEHR Premium latex paint into one part water and stir. This is the base of your whitewash magic. Now, if you prefer a lighter wash then add more water. And duh, if you prefer a less opaque look then add more paint. I suggest starting with a 50/50 paint to water ratio. I mean, you can always add more paint to the wash but not easily take it off these old bricks. Something I always remind myself of at the makeup counter.
The Scary Part: the first section attempted
Armed with your whitewash mixture, a paint brush, spray bottle, stir stick and rags, mist a few bricks with water. Stir, stir, stir before each application. While still wet, paint the grout outline of the bricks and dab a bit off with your rag and let dry. Once dry-ishy, brush the whitewash mixture on the face of the bricks and using a clean rag, dab away any excess to achieve the desired look. At first, dab and wipe a tad more aggressively until you get the feel for the technique that creates The Look for you. Remember you can always add more color by dabbing and wiping less. It’s really that simple.
Cost is cheap, Benefits are Oh so sweet
Let’s talk about some benefits and in my case, wholly unexpected ones. These bricks are old. I’m saying one year younger than me is Old. Dick and I would return home from canasta or a few days by the tiki bar and whoof, what the heck is that musty smell? Well apparently the fact that bricks are porous means they are very absorbent… like my delightful Charmin. Although not as delightful as they soak up smells over the years and stink. Whitewashing them was just the ticket. No more musty old grannie smell in the house. Voila!
Make the world you want to live in
Another benefit of whitewashing them? They look damn good.
Happy DIY-ing, Warriors,
More Posts on our Fireplace Makeover
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Build a Rustic Mantel from Reclaimed Wood
