Apply lacquer thinner to a small area and let sit for ten minutes. Wipe off and test with water again. If it is absorbed, use lacquer thinner on the whole area. If the water is not absorbed, try again with a commercial brick or concrete sealer stripper. If the commercial stripper does not work, staining is not possible. Paint over the brick instead.
Heavily discolored bricks may require chemical brick cleaners, which you can find at your local brick supplier. [2] X Expert Source Gerber Ortiz-VegaMasonry Specialist Expert Interview. 10 March 2020. However, these can damage the brick or mortar, or interfere with the stain. Look for gentle options, and avoid unbuffered muriatic acid in particular. If you are treating a large surface, hire a trained operator to pressure wash the surface. Unskilled pressure washing can permanently scar bricks. Make sure you mix a cleaner into the water before pressure washing.
Water-based brick stains are recommended for most purposes. They are easy to apply and allow the brick to “breathe,” preventing water buildup. Stains pre-mixed with sealant create a watertight coat on the bricks. This can actually make water damage worse in many situations. [3] X Research source Use these only for small areas with extreme water exposure, or very porous, damaged bricks. [4] X Trustworthy Source US National Park Service Agency responsible for the maintenance and promotion of national parks and monuments Go to source
You do not need to seal the mortar lines between bricks, as long as you’re careful during application. Stay near a bucket of water or a sink so you can quickly rinse spills. If spilled on skin, rinse with soapy water. If spilled on eyes, flush for ten minutes.
Temperature is usually only a concern at cold and hot extremes. Depending on product, minimum temperatures range from 25 to 40ºF (-4 to +4ºC). Maximum temperature is typically around 110ºF (43ºC).
Use a disposable container that you can easily fit your brush into. When in doubt, add less stain to the water. It’s easy to add more concentrated color later, but difficult to lighten a stain once it’s been applied. If you are mixing multiple colors together, record the exact amounts of each color you mix, so you can repeat the recipe for the next batch.
Repeat this step each time you try a new mixture. Stains are permanent, so it’s worth taking the time to find a color you prefer. If you cannot find a suitable color, ask for help from the store that sold you the stain kit.
If you are nervous about dripping on the brick, practice the technique using plain water. A water-based stain has the same consistency. For very large surfaces, use a roller or sprayer instead. These methods give you much less control and will stain the mortar as well.
Pull the brush toward the direction of the hand you are using (left to right for right-handed people). [7] X Research source
If you accidentally stain the mortar and can’t wipe it all off, scrape off the color gently with an old screwdriver or other metal tool. [8] X Research source
