How to Distress Painted Brick

How to Distress Painted Brick
Published: Sep 23, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

When you distress painted brick you will be removing the paint from some areas and adding darker paint to other areas to make the brick look worn and rustic.

Things You Will Need

  • Vacuum with a brush attachment
  • Chemical-resistant gloves
  • Paint stripper
  • Rag
  • Wire brush
  • Dark colored water-based paint
  • Mixing container
  • Stir stick
  1. Vacuum the painted brick to remove built-up dust, dirt or debris using the vacuum's brush attachment.

  2. Put on a pair of chemical-resistant gloves. Dampen a rag with paint stripper. Hold the dampened rug over the brick for a few minutes. The longer you hold the rag on the bricks, the more paint will come off.

  3. Wipe away the paint stripper with a rag dampened with water.

  4. Use a wire brush to scrape away a small amount of paint in other areas.

  5. Mix 50 percent paint and 50 percent water in a mixing container. Stir with a stir stick until thoroughly combined. Chose a dark paint to simulate dirt and grime from years of use.

  6. Dip a clean rag into the paint and rub the paint along the edges of some bricks. Wipe away the excess paint with a clean rag.

The Drip Cap

  • Brick can add a stylish look to your home.
  • When you distress painted brick you will be removing the paint from some areas and adding darker paint to other areas to make the brick look worn and rustic.
  • Put on a pair of chemical-resistant gloves.
  • Use a wire brush to scrape away a small amount of paint in other areas.

Photo Credits

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Heather Montgomery

Based in Lakeland, FL., Heather Montgomery has been writing a popular celebrity parenting blog and several parenting and relationship articles since 2011. Her work also appears on eHow and Everyday Family and she focuses her writing on…

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