What is the best stain for exterior brick?

Staining exterior brick can enhance the look and protect the finish of your home. With so many stain options available, choosing the right product for your specific needs and situation requires some research. The best stain for exterior brick depends on factors like the current condition of the brick, the desired look, and your local climate. This article will examine the top considerations when selecting an exterior brick stain and provide recommendations for the best options.

What are the benefits of staining exterior brick?

Staining exterior brick provides several advantages:

Enhances appearance

Applying stain can enrich the color of exterior brick and give it more visual appeal. Stain helps bring out the texture and natural beauty of brickwork. You can also use stain to create a more uniform look if the brick has faded unevenly over time. Stain covers up any discoloration or imperfections for a refreshed façade.

Protects against weathering

Outdoor brick is subjected to harsh UV rays, rain, snow and other elements. Quality stains contain protective sealers that penetrate the porous brick surface and make it more resistant to damage. The right stain shields against moisture penetration, mildew growth and freeze/thaw damage.

Easier maintenance

Stained brick stays cleaner longer compared to unsealed brick. The stain prevents dirt, grime and pollutants from soaking into the brick. Power washing, mild detergents or simple water rinsing is often all that’s needed to restore the appearance of stained brick. Reapplication is only required every 3-5 years.

Cost-effective solution

Staining brick costs a fraction of masonry repair, restoration or replacing brick facades. It provides an affordable way to refresh the look of your home’s exterior and prevent more costly problems down the road. Professional staining typically runs $2-$6 per square foot.

What type of stain is best for exterior brick?

When researching the best stain for your exterior brick, you’ll encounter two main categories:

Penetrating brick stains

Penetrating stains contain acrylic or silicone polymers that soak into the surface and bond with the brick. They leave a transparent, matte finish that showcases the brick’s natural texture. Penetrating stains are ideal for protecting weathered brick or changing the color subtly.

Film-forming brick stains

Film-forming stains contain polymers or acrylic resins that leave a coating on top of the brick surface. This gives the brick a glossy or semi-gloss appearance and can significantly alter the color. Film-forming stains provide the most dramatic transformation but require more maintenance.

Here is a comparison of the two stain types:

Penetrating Stain	Film-Forming Stain
Leaves matte, natural finish	Creates glossy or semi-gloss look
Minimal color change	Dramatic color change possible
Bonds to surface pores	Forms a coating on surface
Lasts 3-5 years	Lasts 2-3 years
Easier to apply evenly	Risk of uneven finish
Allows surface to breathe	Can trap moisture

Based on the benefits, most experts recommend penetrating stains for exterior brick surfaces. However, film-forming stains work well for special decorative applications if properly maintained.

What are the most important factors when choosing a brick stain?

Consider the following key factors when selecting the ideal stain for your exterior brick:

Type of brick

The brick’s material composition impacts stain absorption. For example, soft, porous bricks like limestone absorb stain differently than hard dense bricks like engineering brick. Always test stain on an inconspicuous area first. Manufacturers can provide guidance for specific brick types.

Color

Evaluate the current brick color and your desired hue. Lighter transparent stains work well to restore red brick colors. Darker semi-transparent or solid stains can enhance earth tones or reddish brick. Opaque stains completely change the color for the biggest visual impact.

Weather and sun exposure

Areas with heavy rain, extreme temperatures and lots of sunlight require maximum staining protection. In those conditions, look for stain containing high-quality acrylic binders, UV inhibitors and water repellents.

Application method

Some stains only require a brush or roller. More professional spray application allows for a uniform, smooth finish on large surfaces. Match the stain to your tools and DIY skill level.

Budget

Brick stain prices range from $25 per gallon for basic acrylic stains up to $100 per gallon for premium silicone-acrylic or urethane-acrylic blends. Higher quality provides longer protection but costs more upfront.

What are the best brick stain brands?

We examined reviews and brand reputation to compile recommendations for top exterior brick stain manufacturers:

1. Rainguard

Rainguard offers an extensive line of premium penetrating and film-forming brick stains. Their Microseal and Vox formulations get excellent ratings for durability and longevity. Cost per gallon is around $50-90.

2. Quikrete

Known for concrete products, Quikrete also makes heavy-duty acrylic transparent stains priced at $30-50 per gallon. Great option for basic brick protection on a budget.

3. decrete

Specialty masonry products from Behr Process Corporation. Sold at Home Depot. Their solid acrylic stains provide good value at $25-35 per gallon.

4. SEAL-ONCE

Features patented Polymeric Sand Stabilizer (PS2) technology for superior adhesion and strengthening of mortar joints. Their tinted acrylic stains run $50-80 per gallon.

5. Krylon

Known for spray paints, Krylon offers Make It Stone textured spray stain for brick surfaces. Fast-drying and easy to apply. Cost is around $20 per can.

How do you prepare exterior brick for staining?

Proper preparation is crucial for successful staining results:

Clean the surface

Remove all dirt, mildew stains, efflorescence and other residues. Use pressured water, cleaners and degreasers as needed. Let the brick dry completely before staining.

Repair any cracks or damage

Seal gaps, chips and deteriorated mortar lines to prevent leaks. Caulk around windows, trim and fixtures.

Remove previous coatings

Strip off old paints or failing sealers completely with chemical strippers if needed. This allows the stain to properly penetrate.

Adjust surface pH

Use pH pre-treatments to balance the acidity levels of the brick to improve stain bonding.

Test and sample staining

Apply stains to a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure proper absorption and color results before staining the entire surface.

What application tips ensure the best stain results?

Follow these best practices when applying exterior brick stain:

Read and follow all manufacturer’s instructions

Not all stains behave the same or use the same application methods. Referring to the product label is essential.

Wait for dry weather

Apply stain when outdoor temperature is 50-90°F with low humidity and no rain expected for 24-48 hours.

Use proper tools

High-quality brushes, rollers and spray equipment leads to the most uniform coverage.

Apply evenly in sections

Stain small sections at a time, maintaining a wet edge as you go to prevent lap marks and an uneven appearance.

Allow proper curing time before recoating

Applying multiple coats too quickly prevents proper drying and absorption. Follow recoat times on the stain directions.

Protect nearby areas

Cover or mask off windows, plants, surfaces and landscaping you don’t want stained. Immediately wipe up any drips or spills.

Conclusion

Choosing the ideal stain for your home’s exterior brick surfaces enhances the appearance while providing long-lasting weather protection. Penetrating acrylic or silicone-acrylic stains offer the best durability and performance. Leading brands like Rainguard, Quikrete, Behr decrete, SEAL-ONCE and Krylon all produce quality stains at reasonable prices. Always prepare surfaces thoroughly and apply stain carefully following the manufacturer’s application instructions. With the right selection and application approach, a fresh coat of stain keeps exterior brick looking its best.