Interior brick walls can become one of the most striking features in a home when they are painted using the right preparation system and finish.
Whether you're updating a heritage property, brightening a dark living area or creating a contemporary feature wall, painting exposed brick offers a practical way to transform a space while retaining the texture and character that makes brick so distinctive.
Unlike plasterboard, brick is highly porous. It absorbs paint unevenly, contains mortar joints that increase surface texture and often presents unique preparation challenges. Achieving a professional-looking result depends on more than colour selection. It requires the right primer, the right finish and a clear understanding of how brick behaves as a substrate.
Since 1935, Haymes Paint has been helping Australians transform and protect their homes. As Australia's largest Australian Made and Owned paint brand and a fourth-generation family-owned business, we understand the unique requirements of painting masonry and brick surfaces. Whether you're tackling an exposed brick feature wall or repainting an older interior surface, choosing the right system from the beginning can make all the difference.
Before You Paint Interior Brick
Painting brick can dramatically change the appearance of a room, but it is worth considering the decision carefully before opening a paint tin.
Many homeowners choose to paint interior brick because it can help brighten dark spaces, modernise dated brick colours and create stronger cohesion between older architectural features and contemporary interiors. A painted brick wall can also become a striking focal point without losing the texture that gives brick its visual appeal.
However, there are situations where leaving brick exposed may be the better option. Original heritage brickwork, particularly in character homes, may contribute significantly to the property's architectural identity. It is also important to understand that while painted brick can be repainted in the future, returning it to its original exposed appearance is often difficult and labour-intensive.
If you're looking for a lighter, more contemporary look while retaining the texture of brick, painting may be the right solution. If preserving original materials is a priority, alternative decorative approaches may be worth exploring.
Understanding Interior Brick Surfaces
Not all brick walls behave the same way. Older brickwork may contain years of accumulated dust, smoke residue, stains or previous paint coatings. Newer brick can appear clean but still be highly absorbent. In both cases, brick presents challenges that smooth plasterboard surfaces do not.
The texture created by bricks and mortar joints increases the total surface area that must be coated. Surface imperfections, minor chips and variations in absorbency are also more noticeable once paint is applied.
Understanding these characteristics before starting helps explain why preparation and primer selection play such an important role in achieving a consistent finish.
Cleaning and Preparing Interior Brick Walls
Preparation is one of the most important stages of the entire project. Even the highest-quality paint system can struggle to perform properly if the surface has not been prepared correctly.
- Remove Dust and Loose Material: Start by vacuuming or brushing the wall thoroughly. Pay particular attention to mortar joints where dust and debris can collect over time.
- Clean Away Contaminants: Dirt, grease and other surface contaminants can affect adhesion and should be removed before painting begins. Once cleaned, allow the wall to dry completely.
- Treat Mould If Required: If mould is present, it should be treated and removed before any paint is applied. Painting over mould may lead to ongoing issues and compromise the appearance of the finish.
- Remove Failing Coatings: Previously painted brick should be inspected for peeling, flaking or poorly adhered paint. Remove any unstable material before proceeding.
- Repair Damage: Minor cracks, damaged mortar joints and surface imperfections should be repaired before priming.
Painting Previously Painted Brick
Many homeowners inherit painted brick walls from previous renovations.
If the existing coating is in good condition, repainting is usually straightforward once the wall has been cleaned and prepared. However, peeling paint, glossy finishes, smoke staining or signs of poor adhesion may require additional preparation.
The key is assessing the condition of the existing paint before selecting a primer. A sound substrate creates a much better foundation for decorative finishes and helps improve long-term performance.
Managing Dust and Absorbency
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when painting brick is underestimating how absorbent the surface can be.
Brick naturally draws paint into its pores. If absorbency varies across the wall, some areas may appear flatter, patchier or less uniform than others. This can affect colour consistency and overall appearance.
Managing absorbency before applying decorative paint helps:
- Improve finish consistency
- Reduce patchiness
- Promote more even coverage
- Improve topcoat appearance
- Create a more uniform substrate
This is where the correct primer becomes essential.
Choosing the Right Primer for Interior Brick
The best primer depends on the condition of the brick surface.
For bare brick, porous masonry and highly absorbent surfaces, Haymes Paint Prepcoat Acrylic Sealer Undercoat Ultraseal® provides an excellent foundation.
Ultraseal® helps seal porous substrates and create a more uniform surface before decorative paint is applied. This can improve consistency across the wall and help achieve a more even finish.
Choose Ultraseal® when:
- Painting bare brick
- Working with highly absorbent surfaces
- Managing uneven porosity
- Painting new brick for the first time
For previously painted brick or surfaces where adhesion is a primary concern, Haymes Paint Prepcoat Primer Sealer Undercoat Ultracover® is often the preferred option.
Ultracover® promotes adhesion and creates a sound foundation for decorative finishes.
Choose Ultracover® when:
- Repainting previously painted brick
- Preparing older painted masonry
- Creating a consistent foundation coat
- Improving adhesion before topcoating
When Additional Stain Management May Be Required
Brick affected by smoke damage, water staining or contamination may require additional stain-blocking treatment before decorative finishes are applied.
Signs to watch for include:
- Brown or yellow staining
- Smoke residue
- Persistent discolouration
- Areas that continue to bleed through after cleaning
If these issues are present, seek advice from a Haymes Paint stockist before painting.
Choosing the Best Finish for Interior Brick Walls
The finish you choose influences far more than durability. It also changes how the brick texture is perceived and how the wall contributes to the overall look of the room.
You want a contemporary, low-reflective appearance that softens the texture of the brick.
Because matt finishes absorb rather than reflect light, they help minimise visual emphasis on mortar joints and surface irregularities.
Ideal for:
- Modern interiors
- Minimalist spaces
- Relaxed living areas
- Subtle feature walls
You want the most versatile balance between appearance and practicality.
Expressions® Low Sheen is one of the most popular interior wall finishes because it combines durability with a refined appearance. It is suitable for living spaces, hallways and feature walls where washability and everyday performance are important.
Ideal for:
- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
- Hallways
- Open-plan spaces
- Feature walls
You want greater durability, increased cleanability and a more reflective finish.
Semi Gloss reflects more light than matt or low sheen finishes, which means it tends to emphasise texture rather than soften it.
Ideal for:
- High-traffic areas
- Busy family homes
- Statement feature walls
- Areas requiring regular cleaning
You are undertaking a major colour change or covering darker brick colours.
Ultra Premium Coverplus Interior offers excellent coverage and is particularly useful for renovation projects where significant colour transformation is required.
Ideal for:
- Dark brick colours
- Renovation projects
- Major colour changes
- Rooms requiring efficient coverage
Interior Brick Feature Wall Colour Ideas
The colour you choose can completely alter the mood of a room and the way brick texture is perceived.
Contemporary Neutrals
Warm whites, soft greys and greige tones remain popular because they help create bright, welcoming interiors while allowing the texture of the brick to remain visible. These colours work particularly well in open-plan spaces, living rooms and contemporary renovations.
Heritage-Inspired Colours
Character homes often benefit from softer, more traditional palettes. Earthy neutrals, warm stone tones and muted colours can complement original architectural details while maintaining the charm of the property.
Bold Architectural Statements
For homeowners looking to create a stronger focal point, deeper colours can be highly effective. Deep charcoals, rich greens and darker architectural shades can create contrast and visual interest while still showcasing the texture that makes brick unique.
Whatever colour direction you choose, consider how natural light, flooring, cabinetry and furnishings will interact with the finished wall.
How to Paint Interior Brick Step by Step
Once preparation and product selection are complete, the painting process itself is relatively straightforward.
- Inspect the Surface: Assess the condition of the brick and identify any repairs or preparation requirements.
- Clean Thoroughly: Remove dust, dirt, mould and any loose material.
- Prime the Surface: Apply Ultraseal® or Ultracover® depending on the condition of the substrate.
- Apply Your Chosen Finish: Apply the selected Haymes Paint interior finish according to product recommendations.
- Allow Proper Drying and Curing: Follow the recommended drying and curing times before exposing the surface to regular use.
- Maintain the Finish: Clean and maintain the painted surface to help preserve its appearance over time.
Common Mistakes When Painting Interior Brick
Even well-intentioned DIY projects can encounter problems when brick is treated like a standard plasterboard wall.
Common mistakes include:
- Skipping preparation
- Painting over dust or mould
- Choosing the wrong primer
- Underestimating brick absorbency
- Applying insufficient paint
- Selecting an unsuitable sheen level
- Expecting painted brick to be easily returned to its original appearance
Most of these issues can be avoided by following a complete preparation and painting system from the outset.
Maintaining Painted Brick Walls
Painted brick walls are generally easy to maintain.
Regular dusting helps prevent dirt from settling into textured areas, while prompt cleaning can help remove marks and scuffs before they become more noticeable.
Washable finishes such as Expressions® Low Sheen and Ultra Premium Coverplus Interior can make ongoing maintenance easier, particularly in busy households.
Over time, repainting may be required as part of normal home maintenance, especially in high-traffic areas where walls are exposed to greater wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you paint exposed brick indoors? Yes. Interior brick can be painted successfully when it is properly cleaned, prepared, primed and finished with suitable products.
Do you need to prime interior brick before painting? In most cases, yes. Brick is highly porous and typically benefits from a primer that helps manage absorbency and improve topcoat performance.
What is the best paint finish for interior brick? The best finish depends on the look and performance you want to achieve. Matt softens texture, low sheen balances durability and aesthetics, while semi gloss offers greater cleanability and reflectivity.
Can you paint over previously painted brick? Yes. Provided the existing coating is sound and appropriate preparation has been completed, previously painted brick can be successfully repainted.
How many coats of paint does brick need? This depends on the colour change, substrate condition and product selection. Highly absorbent brick may require more paint than smoother surfaces.
Does painted brick require maintenance? Like any painted interior surface, painted brick benefits from routine cleaning and occasional touch-ups to maintain its appearance.
Bring New Life to Interior Brick
Whether you're refreshing a heritage property, modernising a renovation or creating a striking feature wall, painted brick can help bring new life to a space when approached with the right system and advice.
Explore our colour collections, discover Colours of Australia, or find your nearest Haymes Paint stockist for personalised advice.Â
The texture and character of brick never need to be hidden. With the right preparation and finish, they can become one of the most impressive features in your home.
