Whitewashing brick can give your home a fresh, rustic look while still allowing the texture and character of the brick to shine through. Here’s a guide to whitewashing your brick home as a DIY project, including materials needed and approximate times:

Materials Needed:

1. Whitewash Solution: You can purchase pre-mixed whitewash solution or make your own using hydrated lime and water. Mix 1 part hydrated lime with 2-3 parts water to create a thin, paint-like consistency.
2. Paintbrushes or Rollers: Choose paintbrushes or rollers suitable for applying the whitewash solution to the brick surface. For larger areas, rollers with a long nap may be more efficient, while brushes may be better for detailed or hard-to-reach areas.
3. Drop Cloths or Tarps: Protect the surrounding area from paint splatter by laying down drop cloths or tarps on the ground and covering nearby surfaces, landscaping, and fixtures.
4. Painter’s Tape: Use painter’s tape to mask off areas you don’t want to whitewash, such as windows, doors, trim, and adjacent surfaces.
5. Safety Gear: Wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves, goggles, and a mask, to protect yourself from exposure to lime and paint fumes.
6. Cleaning Supplies: Clean the brick surface thoroughly before whitewashing to remove dirt, dust, and debris. You may need a scrub brush, mild detergent, and water for cleaning.

Approximate Times:

1. Preparation: Cleaning the brick surface and preparing the area for whitewashing may take 1-2 hours, depending on the size and condition of the surface.
2. Mixing Whitewash Solution: Mixing the whitewash solution can take 10-20 minutes, depending on the amount needed and whether you’re using pre-mixed or homemade whitewash.
3. Application: Applying the whitewash solution to the brick surface can take 1-2 hours, depending on the size of the area and the method used (brushes, rollers, or sprayers).
4. Drying Time: Allow the whitewash solution to dry completely between coats. Drying time can vary depending on factors such as temperature, humidity, and airflow, but it typically takes 1-2 hours.
5. Additional Coats: Depending on the desired coverage and opacity, you may need to apply multiple coats of whitewash. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next, adding another 1-2 hours per coat.
6. Cleanup: Clean your tools and equipment thoroughly after whitewashing, which may take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the type and amount of cleaning required.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Prepare the Surface: Clean the brick surface thoroughly to remove dirt, dust, and debris. Use a scrub brush, mild detergent, and water to scrub the bricks, then rinse with clean water and allow to dry completely.
2. Protect Surrounding Areas: Cover nearby surfaces, landscaping, and fixtures with drop cloths or tarps to protect them from paint splatter.
3. Mask Off Areas: Use painter’s tape to mask off areas you don’t want to whitewash, such as windows, doors, trim, and adjacent surfaces.
4. Mix Whitewash Solution: Mix the whitewash solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions or your own recipe, ensuring a thin, paint-like consistency.
5. Apply Whitewash: Use paintbrushes or rollers to apply the whitewash solution to the brick surface, working in small sections and applying evenly to achieve the desired coverage.
6. Allow to Dry: Allow the whitewash solution to dry completely between coats, typically 1-2 hours depending on drying conditions.
7. Apply Additional Coats: If necessary, apply additional coats of whitewash to achieve the desired coverage and opacity, allowing each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
8. Inspect and Touch Up: Once the final coat is dry, inspect the whitewashed surface for any missed spots or imperfections and touch up as needed.
9. Cleanup: Clean your tools and equipment thoroughly with soap and water, and dispose of any leftover materials according to local regulations.

By following this DIY guide to whitewashing your brick home, you can achieve a beautiful, rustic look that enhances the character and charm of your space. Remember to take your time, work carefully, and enjoy the process of transforming your home’s exterior.

Jeff