How to Lighten the Color of Indoor Brick

Interior brick has been used for many years to decorate homes. Usually the color is red or brown and is found on walls, in kitchens and around fireplaces. In recent years, the trend has changed to lighter colored stone, making darker interior brick quite outdated. In order to avoid the expense of removing and replacing interior brick, try lightening it. It will not be so noticeable and will blend into the rest of the decor.Here are the steps to lighten the color of interior brick which will work on any color that is installed. The technique is basically washing the brick with a lighter color of paint.

It is important to first clean the brick. Since brick is porous, it can absorb a lot of dirt. Vacuum brick to remove any dust and dirt. Lightly wash brick with soap and water. Do not use too much soap. Make sure to clean the mortar in between the brick. Let dry.

In a paint pan, add some paint. The paint color will depend on the color of brick. If it is red brick, use white paint. If it is brown brick, use a light beige paint.

Add water, a little at a time, to the paint. Stir and check the consistency. Keep adding water until the paint is thin.

Soak the rag in plain water and wring out. Now dip the rag into the thin paint and lightly wring out.

Wash each individual brick lightly with the rag. The brick will absorb some of the liquid paint and the color will lighten. Do a small area at a time until the desired color is achieved. Go back and dip the rag into the thin paint again and do another small area until all of the brick has been lightened. Let dry.