Question#1: What Colour Should I choose?

Answer: It depends on a combination of your trim, windows, doors, eaves, and soffits.  However, to start with taupes and greys are the most commonly used by top designers including Revere Pewter HC-172, Inukshuk CC-460, Charcoal Slate HC-178, and Kendall Charcoal HC-166. If you are unsure, do some test patches in an area that won’t be seen very much ie. behind an air conditioner or water meter.

Question#2: How do I know if my Bricks can be Stained or Not?

Answer: If your bricks have been painted before then the answer is NO they cannot be stained. If you are not sure, simply splash some water up against your brick. If the brick absorbs the water, then it can be stained.  If the water does not absorb and runs down in a bead, then it cannot be stained.

Question#3: Is it better to use paint or stain?

Answer: Assuming your brick has not been painted before, and can absorb the stain, then use stain 100%.

Question#4: Why is brick staining better than painting?

Answer:

• Staining your bricks is healthier for your bricks because it allows them to breath

• Undoubtedly, they last way longer and almost never peel (15-year manufacturer warranty)

• Thirdly, stained bricks barely fade over time

• Stained bricks have a higher color selection and variations – solid or a semi-transparent

•Lastly, stained bricks are a bit more expensive but are similarly priced than painting them

Question#5: What application should they be applied? (ie. brush, roll, spray)

Answer: All 3 applications work.  It depends on the situation.  If your bricks grout are highly recessed in and the neighbours house are very far apart, then spraying is the preferred method.  If the bricks grout is not that recessed in and the homes are fairly close together, then its better to brush and roll.

Question#6: Is it better to go a solid stain or a semi-transparent stain?

Answer: It depends on what you are trying to achieve. If you are trying to replicate a radical color change, then definitely go a solid stain. Similarly, if you just want to change the hue of your brick (ie. simply get rid of the pink or beige tinge) and you are fairly happy with them besides that hue, then choose a semi-transparent stain.

Question#7: How long should it last once I have my bricks stained?

Answer: Brick stain should never actually peel, and only fades very slightly over time. Therefore, it should last the life of the bricks or until you decide to change the color again. This will be likely at least 20 years plus. 

Question#8: What is the cost of brick staining?

Answer: For the material, a gallon of brick stain ranges from $60-$80 per gallon; and 1 gallon can cover about 200-300 square feet. 

To hire a professional company can range anywhere from $2500 to $12,000 for stain and labor depending on the size and height of your home.

Question#9: Can I do it myself?

Answer: Absolutely! As long as you have the time, are good with high ladders, and experienced with brushes/rollers, then you can do it yourself.

Question#10: Who can I choose if I decide not to do it myself?

Answer: Firstly, ask friends and family for someone who has done theirs.  Otherwise, then google “Brick staining companies” or “Exterior brick stainers” and start with that. Particularly, go on HomeStars and search for “brick staining companies” in your city and base it on their good and bad reviews.