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Beneath My Heart

How to White Wash Brick {Bathroom Update}

HOME TOURS

22 Aug

 

how to white wash brick

For anyone who is new to my blog, my family lives in a 1400 sq ft ranch that we are updating and adding on to.

The addition to the house includes a master bedroom and bath downstairs and two bedrooms and a bath upstairs.

how to white wash brick

When we added our master bedroom and bath to the side of the house, I knew I wanted to leave the brick wall exposed instead of covering it up.

how to white wash brick

 

The only problem was the brick was not pretty.  If you can see where the lamp is shining on the brick, it is very orange-y.

how to white wash brick

It looks a little darker in the picture below, but it definitely had an orange hue to it.  Try as I might, I didn’t think I could decorate around orange brick.

how to white wash brick

So at about 11:30 pm the other night, I got a hankering to white wash the brick.

I posted about my idea on my Beneath My Heart facebook page, and I got a bunch of “Yeah!  Do it!”

So full of courage, I mixed my wall color paint (SW Natural Choice) half and half with water.

I actually used my glass measuring cup, added two cups of water and two cups of paint, then mixed them together.

It gives you a milky consistency.

(Some people white wash with a lime and salt mixture, but not I.)

Then I just painted the brick with the mixture.  Be sure to put down a drop cloth because it can get really messy!

It goes on white, but as the white wash dries, the brick color begins to show through.

Here is what the brick looked like with the first coat of white wash on it.

 

how to white wash brick

It looked really good, and I was excited about the process.  I shared the pic on my facebook page again, and everyone gave me big thumbs up!

 

how to white wash brick

But the brick color still showed through a little too much for me.  I needed the brick to be a little whiter.

The paint mixture had thickened up a little by the time I got to the bottom of the measuring cup, so I added a little more water.  I had to do this several times.  I would add a little more paint, then water it down.  There is no perfect formula.  You just want to water down your paint color

NOW HERE IS WHERE I FREAKED OUT!

 

It was about midnight, and Cy was tiling the shower next to me.  I add the second coat of white wash on and the brick turned completely white.

It wasn’t pretty.  I said to Cy, “Oh no!  I’ve ruined it!  The brick is going to be completely white!”

But there was nothing I could do at that point, so I had to finish.

Luckily, as I continued to paint up the wall, the brick below me began to dry and the brick color began to show through.  WHEW!  It just takes a minute for the brick to soak up the paint to give it that white washed look.

how to white wash brick

I was so relieved!  And I was very satisfied with how it turned out.  You can still see the detail of the brick, but it got rid of the orange color.  And it gives me a more neutral palette to decorate around.

 

how to white wash brick

We have not finished the trim work around the doorway or the ceiling.

Cy will finish that this week.

how to white wash brick

I definitely love it!  And now I cannot wait to white wash my orange brick fireplace!

I plan on doing that in the next couple of weeks.  Can’t wait to share it with you!

how to white wash brick

Here is a little white washed brick “eye candy”

for you!

white washed brick

source

white washed brick

source

White washed brick.

source

So what do you think? 

Do you like the brick natural or white washed? 

(You won’t hurt my feelings.)  Smile

Have you ever white washed brick before?

 

 

how to white wash brick

Linking to…

Home Stories A2Z


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137 Comments

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Comments

  1. Richella at Imparting Grace says

    August 22, 2012 at 4:50 pm

    Girl, I know I’ve told you I love whitewashed brick. Did I send you a photo of the house down the street from me (a ranch that was added onto) that has whitewashed brick? It’s one of my very favorite houses. And exposed brick INSIDE?? Be still, my heart.

    I’m so happy for you! You’re doing a great job!

    Reply
    • Aislynn says

      April 16, 2015 at 10:15 am

      I would LOVE to see a photo of the home that was added onto with the whitewashed brick!! I’ve been looking online like crazy because my exterior brick is very unattractive and I’m seriously thinking of whitewashing it, but a little apprehensive about it. If you would post that photo I would be so grateful! Thanks!!!!

      Reply
    • Angela says

      September 13, 2015 at 9:00 am

      Ditto! Very nice job. Fits right in with everything else you’ve done.

      Reply
  2. Lori says

    August 22, 2012 at 4:51 pm

    Oh my gosh, it looks FABULOUS! I can’t wait to see it in person. Oh, and I’ll be somebody ten bucks you can’t wait two weeks to do that fireplace. Haha! :) Great job!

    Reply
  3. Lori says

    August 22, 2012 at 4:53 pm

    BET. That was supposed to be “bet.” LOL!

    Reply
  4. Denise In Bloom says

    August 22, 2012 at 5:01 pm

    I love the way it turned out. Wish I had some brick to paint!

    Love watching the transformation of your home.

    Well, and I love you too : )

    Blessings to you friend

    Reply
  5. Tonya @ Love of Family & Home says

    August 22, 2012 at 5:41 pm

    I love it Traci!! It looks fantastic!!

    Reply
  6. maggie says

    August 22, 2012 at 5:53 pm

    Oh, I love the brick now that it’s whitewashed! Great idea! Now I want to brick up a wall so I can paint it. :)

    Reply
  7. Shirley says

    August 22, 2012 at 6:25 pm

    I was one of the non-believer when you asked on FB. You made me love the white wash. I shouldn’t have never question your idea. What ever you do turns out beautiful. What did you use to put the white wash on with? (brush or rag) Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • traci says

      August 24, 2012 at 12:16 am

      Thank you, Shirley! I just used a paint brush to apply the white wash.

      Reply
      • Lisa says

        February 16, 2014 at 11:49 am

        Looks amazing, you have inspired me to do mine. I saw a few people wipe off the paint, did you do that ?

        Reply
  8. Jessica says

    August 22, 2012 at 6:26 pm

    I love it!! I have a fireplace in my living room that I would LOVE to do this to, but I live in a parsonage and I’m not sure how the church members would like it if I messed it up! haha Yours really looks great!

    Reply
  9. Mela Kamin says

    August 22, 2012 at 6:27 pm

    I love it! I saw a makeover on pinterest last night that I bookmarked of the same type of re-do. We are moving next month & that’s on my list of what to do when we get into the house, which has a very dark brick, soot-stained, not-in-my-color-palette fireplace. Thanks for the nudge!

    Reply
  10. Brook @ BeingBrook says

    August 22, 2012 at 6:58 pm

    I love it white washed. Looks amazing especially with your wood beams and floors. Can’t wait to see it all finished!

    Reply
  11. Jessica @ Decor Adventures says

    August 22, 2012 at 7:06 pm

    Very chic! Definitely like the look. I recently pained some tan brick a solid white and I love it. Was nervous to try the wash but maybe I’ll be bold next time!

    Reply
  12. Tara G. says

    August 22, 2012 at 7:09 pm

    I love what you’ve done! As for white washing or not as a “rule,” it depends on the room I think.

    Reply
  13. Rita says

    August 22, 2012 at 7:22 pm

    Hi Traci
    Your white washed brick looks amazing….fabulous job! I have a kitchen wall I’m dying to white wash & am excited to give it a go! May I ask what kind of paint you used? Also, did you brush it on, then wipe it off with a rag as you went along?

    Your help would be greatly appreciated. Anxiously looking forward to hearing from you with the tips:)

    Rita

    Reply
  14. Susan says

    August 22, 2012 at 7:24 pm

    Traci I loooovvve white washed brick! Yours looks awesome, I wish I had some to paint! I bet if you had to, if it came out too white you could let it dry and then take a wire brush to it lightly… that might have brought down the color.
    Looks wonderful!
    Susan
    Homeroad.net

    Reply
  15. Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating says

    August 22, 2012 at 7:24 pm

    It looks so beautiful! I’m so glad you didn’t paint it a solid color. The whitewash was the perfect choice so that you can still see the color variation showing through.

    Reply
    • traci says

      August 24, 2012 at 12:17 am

      Thank you, Kristi! I’m really pleased with how it turned out. :)

      Reply
  16. steph says

    August 22, 2012 at 7:34 pm

    Traci, I love the white-washed brick in your bathroom…looks awesome! I’ve always loved interior brick walls and yours turned out great! Good job!

    Reply
  17. Marilyn says

    August 22, 2012 at 7:50 pm

    My fireplace will be my next big project and now I know exactly what to do with it!! Thanks!! Your brick looks wonderful!!!!! I’d add more exclamation marks, but I think I have plenty and you’ll get my point.♥♫

    Reply
  18. Nessa the Procrastinator says

    August 22, 2012 at 7:56 pm

    It looks great! We have an orangey-cream color brick fireplace that would look ridiculous if I did anything to it. I think we may put stone over it one day… far in the future. :)

    Reply
  19. Elzabeth@ Blue Clear Sky says

    August 22, 2012 at 8:08 pm

    Your brick looks gorgeous, Traci. What a great feature in your room and very neutral now too. You and Cy are an amazing team.

    Reply
  20. Laura says

    August 22, 2012 at 8:18 pm

    Just three words. Well…four…

    love. love. love. it!

    Reply
  21. Olga G says

    August 22, 2012 at 8:21 pm

    I love how it looks! Now I wonder if I can do it to my brick outside, anyone ever done it?

    Reply
  22. Amy says

    August 22, 2012 at 8:39 pm

    I love it. Good call. My MIL had a peachy stone fireplace that went with….nothing! After much convincing, she let me dry brush it in an off white. It made such a huge difference. It still looks like stone and some of the color variation comes through but it’s been de-peached! Kudos to my MIL for being brave enough to trust me to paint her stone. (She’s the best MIL!)

    Reply
    • Rita says

      August 24, 2012 at 12:01 am

      Amy….what a lucky MIL to have you:) I bet it looks gorgeous! Do you mind sharing the details of how to do the dry brushing? Greatly appreciate it:)

      Reply
  23. Traci says

    August 22, 2012 at 8:48 pm

    The white washed brick so fabulous. I have an entire wall of brick in my family room and this makes me wonder if I would like it even better with it white washed. Thanks for sharing.
    Traci

    Reply
  24. Leann says

    August 22, 2012 at 9:07 pm

    This looks great. Especially against the dark floors and beams. Makes me want to try it on my fireplace too….Love it!

    Reply
  25. Nikki Kelly says

    August 22, 2012 at 9:45 pm

    Jealous! I have a big fireplace that is the main focal point in our house. I love it, but I wish it wasn’t quite so orange. I actually kind of like how it looks after the first coat, at least for my home. I don’t mind seeing some warmth. It’s what makes the brick look like, well, brick. I noticed a few other commenters asked about your technique, that is something I would like to know too! I’ve read about rubbing watered down paint off with a rag, but I would love to know what you did here.

    Nikki Kelly @ the ambitious procrastinator

    Reply
  26. melody says

    August 22, 2012 at 9:47 pm

    I have never white washed before but, I have a fireplace that after seeing yours all finished…makes me think about trying it!!!!

    Reply
  27. Rachel says

    August 22, 2012 at 10:35 pm

    Wow, this makes me want a brick wall in my house! It’s gorgeous, Traci! I absolutely LOVE how your bathroom is turning out! (And jealous of the progress you’re making. Mine is going very. slowly.) :)

    Reply
  28. Guerrina says

    August 22, 2012 at 10:47 pm

    Oh, Yes! (fist pump) Awesome!

    Reply
  29. Christy says

    August 22, 2012 at 10:54 pm

    I love it! Looks really pretty! Can’t wait to see the remodel completed. :)

    Reply
  30. Alisa D. says

    August 23, 2012 at 6:27 am

    I love how your white washed brick looks!

    Reply
  31. Lauren says

    August 23, 2012 at 7:06 am

    I love how it turned out!

    Reply
  32. Kelli says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:12 am

    I am a huge brick fan and don’t usually care for painted brick, but WOW! I absolutely love the look you created. That brick looks AWESOME!! I can’t wait to see your fireplace.
    Very nice job.

    Reply
  33. Donna says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:49 am

    I LOVE IT!!! I cannot wait to see this room done! It’s so beautiful now!!!

    Reply
  34. Marty@A Stroll Thru Life says

    August 23, 2012 at 9:06 am

    It looks amazing. Love it. Hugs, Marty

    Reply
  35. Kala M. says

    August 23, 2012 at 9:57 am

    I love the white washed brick. One of my favorite photos of white washed brick is this one over on The Yellow Cape Cod. http://www.theyellowcapecod.com/2012/03/white-washed-brick-fireplacetutorial.html

    Reply
  36. Pepper says

    August 23, 2012 at 10:16 am

    I’ve never white washed anything but now I wish I had some brick just so I could white wash it! It looks awesome!!

    Reply
  37. Karen@Candid Diversions says

    August 23, 2012 at 10:16 am

    I like red brick natural or slightly weathered red but orange-y brick is decidedly NOT my favorite. Love what you did!

    Reply
  38. Marnie says

    August 23, 2012 at 10:58 am

    Love exposed brick, my foyer and kitchen have brick floors. But love what you did, completely changed the look.

    Reply
  39. Jill says

    August 23, 2012 at 11:09 am

    Thanks for the tips, and for showing us the progress pics – I am working with orange-y bricks and love the first wash!

    Reply
  40. chrissi says

    August 23, 2012 at 12:55 pm

    Traci, I love it. It looks great. I love even more that you are doing this project at midnight!

    Reply
  41. Kelly says

    August 23, 2012 at 1:29 pm

    I think it looks BEAUTIFUL!!
    Kelly

    Reply
  42. Nancy says

    August 23, 2012 at 3:48 pm

    Love it! Great job. I have a chimney in our kitchen that I exposed and now I think that it needs to be white washed:)

    Reply
  43. jessica@fourgenerationsoneroof says

    August 23, 2012 at 4:28 pm

    I love the white washed look. You were cracking me up describing it being midnight and you wrecking the wall :) I wish I had some old bricks to paint!

    Reply
  44. Cindi @ Rustique Art says

    August 23, 2012 at 4:32 pm

    awesome! i love it and i will now be doing my fireplace because you just did the scary stuff for me. you’re so brave. your’re my hero! now i can with confidence do want i’ve thought about doing for years now. sometimes we just need others to go before us. thank you Traci :)

    Reply
  45. Andrea Rivers says

    August 23, 2012 at 4:34 pm

    I think the whitewash brick is the perfect compliment! I love brick. I think it depends on the type of brick, situation and personal style as to whether or not to leave it natural. Glad it soaked it after your “late night freak out”… lol Gawgeous… simly Gawgeous. :)

    Reply
  46. Pam says

    August 23, 2012 at 5:05 pm

    Love it, totally perfect!

    Reply
  47. Jamie says

    August 23, 2012 at 5:14 pm

    Love This! Do you know if this will work for outside bricks? our house has some brick outside around the house but not a whole lot?

    Reply
  48. Ana Maria says

    August 23, 2012 at 5:15 pm

    I think your “new” brick wall looks fantastic! … now, please help me!

    My entire kitchen is covered in brick. Actually, it looks exactly like yours did. I’ve been thinking of whitewashing it and everywhere I read the recommendation is for a lime whitewash. You sound very much against this and did yours in paint. Please let me know why you chose paint instead of lime/salt whitewasch? And what did you use, brush or rag? I’m sure you’ve inspired many others like me and we just need a few more details from you to take on the job.

    Thanks!

    Reply
  49. Heidi @ Decor & More says

    August 23, 2012 at 5:16 pm

    I LOVE this Traci!! Love that the texture comes through… I may have to do this on my family room fireplace!!
    Thanks for sharing ~ xo Heidi

    Reply
  50. Elizabeth Burton says

    August 23, 2012 at 5:56 pm

    I love it! I have a brick fireplace that was painted over and would give anything to have it whitewashed. If I knew how to get rid of the paint without a huge mess, I would whitewash in a minute. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  51. Jeannie says

    August 23, 2012 at 5:59 pm

    I love the white washed bricks. I think I am going to do the brick around my fireplace. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Reply
  52. Christine says

    August 23, 2012 at 6:37 pm

    It’s GORGEOUS!!!! And YES I’m totally DROOLING over it!!!

    Reply
  53. Diane Pelley says

    August 23, 2012 at 6:53 pm

    I absolutely LOVE the whitewash brick! It looks beautiful & brings the room current instead of looking outdated with the ‘orange brick’. Such a clean, refreshed look! I’m working on transforming my spare bedroom into a craft room & am wanting a white washed wooden floor. The laminate that we have found is just too pricey, mostly because it’s going to be a “craft room”. (I can vision hot pink paint spilled on the new floor that I paid way too much for) lol Anyways, my husband and I are kicking around the idea of creating our own floor & whitewashing it ourselves. I’m thinking of just thinning the paint, like you did. If anyone has any other tips on whitewashing a wooden floor, I would love to hear! Thanks for sharing – I always enjoy your email updates & especially your pictures!

    Reply
  54. Lisa says

    August 23, 2012 at 7:17 pm

    It looks so pretty, Traci. I love how much character a wall of brick adds to a space!! Our new house has a brick fireplace that was painted peach by the former owner. I painted it white and it’s great, but the whitewashed look is gorgeous!

    Reply
  55. Linda says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:11 pm

    It looks amazing! What great textures you have going in your bathroom/bedroom:) Thanks for sharing how to do the whitewash. As much as I love looking at the wall I still can’t get past those beams. They are to die for! So beautiful!

    Reply
  56. Sylvia says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:24 pm

    I love the white washed brick. You did a great job and it looks beyond awesome. I have never whitewashed brick but I would in a heartbeat.

    Reply
  57. Marjorie Spalding says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:25 pm

    Love your whitewash brick. Our house has the same brick on the outside. Are you going to whitewash the outside also? I don’t like the white bricks spaced around in my brick. Have you ever tried to use anything to erase the white or tone them down? If so, I’d like to know what you did. I can’t quite bring myself to paint the outside but would like to get rid of the white bricks.

    Reply
  58. Lisa Conforto says

    August 23, 2012 at 8:44 pm

    No question the white wash is great looking! Its the kind of thing that you just need one or two walls to complete the look of the room. It looks fresh and clean and could actually go with any style of decor. Good choice

    Reply
  59. Donnella says

    August 23, 2012 at 9:48 pm

    Absolutely love it. After you white wash the fireplace I’m wondering if you’ll be wanting to do the exterior. When do you sleep?

    Reply
  60. Dawn says

    August 24, 2012 at 3:17 am

    OMGOODNESS!!! I love it! I wonder if you can white wash the outside of a brick home like you did the inside wall. If so, would you use the same paint formula. I’ve been wanting to paint our little ranch style house for years but it felt like an overwhelming project. This doesn’t seem like it would be near as difficult and would “weather” beautifully. Please let me know if you think it might work using exterior paint and water. I live in Louisiana, so we don’t get much cold weather if that counts for anything.
    Ya’ll all so talented! Everyone one of you, I love reading your blog and Cyndi’s as well. God Bless you all

    Reply
  61. Kelly says

    August 24, 2012 at 9:54 am

    It looks really great…can’t wait to see the fireplace when it’s done!
    Your bathroom is looking fabulous, by the way. :)
    Kelly

    Reply
  62. Sharon Penney-Morrison says

    August 25, 2012 at 11:38 am

    A friend has been encouraging me to paint my fireplace, but I just did not want that white flat look. My fp is a stone brick, that is beige and is really dated with mahogany shelves on each side. She suggested to paint the whole wall a cream color.

    I love the look you have created and maybe it will be just enough to inspire me to get started.

    Reply
  63. Michelle@Faith, Trust & Pixie Dust says

    August 26, 2012 at 9:38 pm

    This is awesome! Such an improvement. And I know it took a lot of courage. Way to go!

    Warmly, Michelle
    PS – I’ve never white washed brick, but I have painted over some hideous lava rock.

    Reply
  64. Susan says

    August 27, 2012 at 12:09 pm

    Perfect choice! I would definitely do this if I had a brick fireplace. Great work, Traci.

    Reply
  65. Shaunna says

    August 28, 2012 at 7:40 pm

    LOVE it! We’re getting ready to paint/wash some brick on our new studio exterior–happy to see your results!!
    :-)
    shaunna

    Reply
  66. Kim @ Sand & Sisal says

    August 29, 2012 at 10:17 pm

    I don’t know how I missed this post, but man-o-man, I love the results! I have been wanting to white wash my salmon colored brick fireplace ever since we moved in 4 years ago! Now I just have to warm hubs up to the idea. ;)

    Reply
  67. Anne says

    August 31, 2012 at 4:34 pm

    Oh I love it! I was trying to figure out what do do with my fireplace because I planned on painting the mantle bright white and the walls gray. I kept going back and forth between doing the brick in gray also or in white. I think white wash is the perfect solution now! Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
  68. Maryann @ Domestically Speaking says

    August 31, 2012 at 11:54 pm

    Gorgeous! Love how it turned… the perfect white washing. I’m featuring your brick wall in the Power of Paint Party Spotlight this weekend. Thanks for linking up!

    Reply
  69. Deb Martell says

    September 1, 2012 at 11:49 am

    Love it love it love it! Plan on doing it at my cottage :)

    Reply
  70. Layla says

    September 1, 2012 at 11:49 am

    I absolutely LOVE it!!!!!!!!!! :-D

    Reply
  71. MIchelle@somedaycrafts says

    September 3, 2012 at 2:33 am

    This is gorgeous! I love the look of the white washed brick. I’m so glad you didn’t tear it down and put up sheet rock! I am featuring this at somedaycrafts.blogspot.com

    Reply
  72. Olga@StardustDecorStyle says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:20 pm

    Traci thanks for the inspiration! I have a brick fireplace with the same color as yours. I think I’m going to give it a try. Just one question… well in fact two… first, what did you use to paint the brick, a brush a roller, what? and second, how much time did it take for the first coat to get dry?

    Reply
  73. pam says

    September 5, 2012 at 10:10 am

    how very beautiful…i am in love…and it looks fantastic!

    Reply
  74. Christina says

    September 8, 2012 at 6:25 pm

    Ok, Traci, you know I love ya so here goes. I don’t have any brick so have never whitewashed any. BUT I do LOVE white washed brick of the more tan/dark brown versions you see on houses today.

    BUT, I liked your brick after it’s first coat better, I think. :) It might have looked more “red” in person and maybe the after looks more white on the computer but I just love being able to see a little more character to it. Maybe could have gone back and just touched up some of the darker red bricks and made them look more white looking so it would have looked like it had various colors, etc. But that is just my opinion and I still love your room! Can’t wait to see it finished!

    Reply
    • Tracey says

      September 13, 2012 at 12:44 pm

      Just a quick question, did you paint it with a brush or a roller? Thanks! Tracey

      Reply
  75. Jen says

    September 22, 2012 at 7:19 pm

    This is so beautiful!!!!! I have an exposed brick wall in my den, and have been making over the room for the last 6 months. I have been going back and forth on wanting to paint it or leave it be, but I have seen your blog and this post and I am smitten!!! You are so incredibly talented!! I love this because the original brick texture shows and some of the old colors. I am pretty sure I want to try this but I am scared to death I’ll mess it up. WHAT A GREAT look this is for your bathroom!!! :D

    Reply
  76. Zabeth says

    September 28, 2012 at 2:26 pm

    Tracey do you know what to do if there is a sealer over your brick? I really want to white wash my fireplace, but it is shiny with a sealer. Thanks, Z

    Reply
  77. Jennifer says

    November 10, 2012 at 9:41 pm

    It looks great. Where can I find the directions and tools/materials needed? Can this be done on an exterior wall? Will it withstand the weather?

    Reply
  78. Vivian says

    January 5, 2013 at 3:23 am

    Did you whitewash over the grout?

    Reply
  79. Angie says

    January 5, 2013 at 10:05 pm

    I’ve been wanting to do this to my fireplace and brick wall in my den forever. This gives me the courage to do it… it’s looks fantastic. Will start mine soon! :)

    Reply
  80. Rebecca C de Baca says

    January 25, 2013 at 12:30 am

    I love what you did. Now I need yours and everyones advice. I have a corner fireplace, its huge, and ugly. It is a kind of pinkish color brick. Should I whitewash it. Is there anyway I can upload a picture for you to see? Did you clean the brick first? With what? Thank you so much!!

    Reply
  81. Kim says

    February 9, 2013 at 8:46 am

    I love this post…white wash brick! I want my friend to do to her fireplace…it is the man made stone, rough texture, large irregular stone, very, very dark….I suggest she paint it, do you think this method will work on “fake” stone????

    Reply
  82. mary etta brady says

    February 26, 2013 at 5:10 pm

    I love the white wash on your brick and have been thinking of doing my fireplace for months –
    my concern is that we have dark grout and I don’t know how that would turn out. Any ideas?

    Reply
  83. Xava says

    March 3, 2013 at 2:08 pm

    I had a huge wall of the same type of brick (a la 1970s) but with black mortar and a huge fireplace opening – I referred to it as the ‘dark hole’ in our living room because it sucked up all the light. My husband had this thing about not painting brick (I think it’s a guy thing). After 10 years I couldn’t take it anymore; he went out of town and I got busy LOL. Except I used glaze to mix with paint and sponged it, blended several earthy/beige tones + cream. Just bought a few colors from the craft store, a little went a long way. I wish I had a photo handy. I then dry-brushed the black mortar so it still had a texture but it blended in. He was amazed and really liked it when he got home… His guy friends who also had this thing about not painting brick even admired it, couldn’t believe it was paint LOL.

    Reply
    • Kristen says

      October 1, 2015 at 3:51 pm

      We have the same issue in our new house, going to try and tackle it this weekend. Would you happen to have a picture?

      Reply
  84. windy c says

    March 23, 2013 at 8:43 pm

    i love it, my daughter did her fireplace this week and it makes me wanna move to a house so i can have some interior brick too, just BEAUTIFUL, thanks for the ideas

    Reply
  85. Meg says

    March 25, 2013 at 10:11 am

    I LOVE this. I have a fire engine red brick hearth for a wood stove. The bricks do not vary in color. After my first coat of whitewashing it looked pink. I freaked out and thought I’d ruined it! I sponged on beige tones, then whitewashed it again once that dried. Now I love it. Thank you for posting!! You were my inspiration!

    Reply
  86. Kim says

    April 3, 2013 at 2:02 pm

    Totally wonderful and timely–I’m recommending this to a client ;).

    Reply
  87. Traci says

    April 11, 2013 at 7:31 pm

    Hi Traci, I just wanted to say I read your little blog about yourself and how you got into “recreating” things you saw and liked that were “out of reach” persay. I too like to recreate and make my own things. Not only does it save money, I am proud of what I can do/did knowing how much I saved and what I created. It’s also great that your mother is so proud of you to suggest that you do a webpage, mine never compliments me on the things I make, she thinks I’m being cheap. I am right now deciding on whether or not to whitewash my red w/black grout z-brick the previous owners put up in my kitchen. I am so scared to do it because what if I ruin it and I really don’t want it white. Oh well thanks again for sharing your projects. Traci

    Reply
  88. Suzanne says

    April 14, 2013 at 11:07 am

    I love it! I’m going to do a big wall in a bonus room….
    did you prep the wall in any way first?

    Reply
    • traci says

      April 14, 2013 at 7:43 pm

      I did not prep the wall. :)

      Reply
  89. eliane says

    April 17, 2013 at 3:36 am

    just found your brick project on pinterest. well done. i have a very similar brick wall to brighten up but didn’t dare it so far as i don’t want a completely white wall which probably looks very unnatural. you encouraged me to finally attack it just by just white washing it, thanks from the southwest of ireland, eliane

    Reply
  90. Denise says

    April 30, 2013 at 4:45 pm

    Love it! I am going to do my fireplace,

    Reply
  91. mark says

    May 27, 2013 at 1:31 am

    sorry if i missed it, but what is the paint brand and the name of the color you used? i have exactly the same orange brick and want to used the paint/color you used.

    Reply
  92. Laura says

    June 5, 2013 at 12:05 pm

    Love, Love your work!

    I wonder if you could help me?? I’ve called the paint stores and no one knew about white washing brick. I thought I could just buy a mixture, drats.

    I want to white wash my fugly brick porch and walkway. But, I’m concerned if the paint would make the brick slippery? I am soliciting any comments or advice as my brick is calling out to get a make over and I want to change it so bad.

    Do you have an advice on my walkway project? Thank you!! Laura

    Reply
  93. Mish says

    July 8, 2013 at 10:16 am

    Good Morning,
    Can you tell me what brand of paint you used? Just LOVE the project and looking forward to doing my fireplace!!!

    Thanks, Mish

    Reply
  94. Shari says

    November 7, 2013 at 11:35 am

    I want to do this but I don’t want a white, I want more of a off white because I have a darker wood work and I don’t want my walls painted white to kind of go with it has anyone used another color and it worked the same way?

    Reply
  95. joann says

    November 8, 2013 at 9:49 pm

    Hi, I whitewashed my red brick fireplace and liked it so much I whitewater the whole house ! Whitewashing gives the room a fresh new look. Shari, I used off white paint in the mixture and it looks good with my dark wood mantle. Go for it !

    Reply
  96. Cecy says

    February 10, 2014 at 5:30 pm

    I am researching how to whitewash my exterior brick I was reading some of comments cause I didn’t want to repeat the question but I didn’t find an answer and didn’t find the paint you used to finish it was for example: satin, eggshell, or semi glossy paint. I’m sure that matters please email me the answers and how exactly did you put it onto the wall with a special brush and where you wiping off the paint as you put it on? maybe you could email me a response??????

    Reply
    • traci says

      March 14, 2014 at 8:21 pm

      Hi!
      The paint I used was a Satin Finish. But my wall was an interior wall, so you would not want to use the same type of paint I used. I suggest that you google how to white wash exterior brick. I don’t want to give you information that will not be helpful for you.
      Thanks!
      Traci

      Reply
  97. Cecy says

    February 10, 2014 at 5:36 pm

    By the way absolutely love you did the whitewashed brick in the restroom looks way better!!!!!! Great job!!!!

    Reply
  98. Elise says

    April 6, 2014 at 10:03 pm

    Did you use a brush or a roller on the brick? I have a fireplace I’d like to tackle.

    Reply
    • traci says

      April 10, 2014 at 4:16 pm

      I used a brush. :)

      Reply
  99. Lisa says

    September 27, 2014 at 10:17 am

    Does it matter what finish of paint you use…flat, eggshell, semi-gloss? Thanks. It’s beautiful.

    Reply
    • traci says

      October 9, 2014 at 8:18 am

      I would use flat. You don’t want your brick to be shiny.

      Reply
  100. Pam Combs says

    October 7, 2014 at 10:44 pm

    I have a fireplace that I want to do something with , just don’t know what !! Love the whitewash on the brick …Great job . Want to see more …

    Reply
  101. Jen says

    October 13, 2014 at 10:12 pm

    Looks great! Just curious, seems this was a few years ago. How has it held up? I’m researching different ways and this seems the easiest and quite frankly I like the way yours turned out best :) Again, just curious how it held up?

    Reply
    • traci says

      October 14, 2014 at 7:48 am

      It has held up perfectly. Looks absolutely wonderful still and is my favorite wall in the house! ;)

      Reply
      • Jen says

        November 10, 2014 at 10:45 am

        Thanks so much! Looks like I’ll be tackling this project next week using your method. Can’t wait!

        Reply
  102. Martini says

    December 5, 2014 at 3:07 pm

    I googled the paint color SW natural choice and it looks tan instead of white. I don’t understand how your bricks turned out so white?? I love how this looks and want to do it exactly like you did. Please help!

    Reply
    • traci says

      December 13, 2014 at 9:49 am

      Natural Choice is an off-white color and when watered down creates a soft white color on the brick.

      Reply
  103. Brenda H. says

    December 14, 2014 at 6:47 pm

    I like your white wash wall and would love to see your fireplace. We started a reno project that has become a whole house reno. We had paneling in the kitchen/sitting area when we bought the house. I’ve wanted that paneling out and the time came when we had a leak in the roof, found that the wall studs, etc., had become wet and rotten, so had to be replaced. Yay! Anyway, all the paneling was removed and the walls repaired and drywall went up. I have tossed around many ideas for the fireplace and have decided to white wash the brick. I liked your post, it helped me decide the way to go. Then, we will add the mantle and surround. Thanks again.

    Reply
  104. Lorena says

    December 30, 2014 at 2:20 am

    I absolutely love how this turned out! We have a fireplace in the living room of the home we are renting and I would so much love to do this. We are new at this renting stuff and I’m not thinking the landlord would be as excited as I am about this project..or even be able to imagine the finished product, otherwise I would bring up the request.

    Reply
  105. Carolyn says

    January 25, 2015 at 4:50 pm

    I did this on my older 1950 brick fireplace and love it! Thanks for your advice! It took an afternoon but was so easy!!

    Reply
    • traci says

      January 27, 2015 at 11:32 am

      Awesome! I am so glad you love it! :)

      Reply
  106. Michelle says

    August 1, 2015 at 4:50 pm

    How much time passed between 1st and 2nd coat?

    Reply
    • traci says

      August 4, 2015 at 11:17 am

      Not very long at all. I just waited until it was dry to the touch. :) It was a really quick process.

      Reply
  107. Bonnie says

    August 7, 2015 at 6:08 pm

    How would paint work on a old brick walkway?

    Reply
  108. Bonnie says

    August 7, 2015 at 6:11 pm

    That looks nice. I like. I have a old brick walkway and then I put in a new one that joins. The new one has some bricks that are white or lighter and I want to make the old brick look somewhat the same color. Any ideas. Did you use water or oil paint?
    Thanks

    Reply
  109. Betty Freeman says

    October 6, 2015 at 1:37 pm

    Thank you for the pics of your whitewash. We bought an old house in North Georgia.. The bathroom has rock on one of the walls. The man who built the house actually used the trees from the property to make the paneling for the walls in the house. I get tired of just wood real fast but my husband did not want them to be painted. Finally he has relented and said it is ok to paint the bathroom. I was really wondering what to do with the rock. Now I know that I can just white wash it.

    Reply
  110. Sonja says

    December 8, 2015 at 4:22 pm

    I love your brick so I decided to give it a whirl. Right now I’m at the second coat freak out stage but it’s been a couple hours and doesn’t seem to be changing like yours did as it’s pretty white still. One coat would have been good for my brick. Maybe it just depends on the type of brick and how porous it is? Either way it looks better than before :)

    Reply
  111. Moriah says

    January 7, 2016 at 7:41 am

    I enjoy your blog so very much. We will be using several of your projects in our home – we purchased a claw foot rub off craigslist, will be redoing our kitchen, building a vanity, etc… Just like you, one day I got a “hankering” for white washing our fireplace. And because I knew where to find a “how to” on your blog, it was complete the very same day :). Thank you!! I cannot figure out how to send a pic…. but it really transformed the “ugly.” My mom even complimented us and that never happens ;)

    Reply
  112. Lauren @Mom Home Guide says

    April 17, 2016 at 6:26 pm

    Love this! So pretty! I am tempted to add thin brick to a half wall that separates my kitchen from my family room and white wash it!

    Reply
    • traci says

      April 19, 2016 at 7:20 am

      Thank you, Lauren! I think that would look great. :)

      Reply
  113. Martha says

    August 10, 2016 at 1:41 pm

    I love the white washed brick wall. I have a pink brick fireplace with an unsealed slate hearth, and I don’t feel that the formality of the brick and the informality of the slate work very well. I think if the brick were white washed it would neutralize the color and make the surfaces more compatible. I’ve been living with this issue for a long time, but when you start out in a house with shag carpets and turquoise appliances, it takes a while to get to the fireplace.

    Do you want to come to the Washington, DC, area to sightsee and do my fireplace?

    Reply
  114. Wendy says

    September 26, 2016 at 6:59 am

    Hi Tracy,

    This is Wendy, all the way from Belgium. :)

    I just bought a house with my husband a couple of months ago, a large and very old one. A lot of peaces of the old Castle from our town are used in this house but also a lot of brick inside the house. It’s nice and gives it character but also makes it very dark inside. And I really need light inside the house to keep a positive mind!

    So I went looking on the internet for a solution on this and found your site..

    I love your post about whitewashing the bricks! Very easy, not too much info, just right!

    I will start today on whitewashing my brick fireplace and in case the result turns out good (read: if my husband likes it :) ) I will start in my hallway.

    I wish you the best of luck and joy in your own place and I will definitely visit your site (blog) more often in the future.

    Thank you very much! Please note that you’ve just made my day!

    Kind regards,

    Wendy

    Reply
    • traci says

      September 26, 2016 at 6:49 pm

      Hi Wendy! Thank you for your sweet comment! I am excited to hear how you like whitewashing the brick. :) Come back and visit any time!
      Traci

      Reply
  115. Debbie says

    October 26, 2016 at 10:34 am

    Hi Tracy, I absolutely LOVE the brick white wash! We will be putting our house up for sale in the spring & this is a perfect solution to our ugly orange brick wall! It seems fairly easy but I noticed several people asked if you wiped it with a rag as you were painting. I didn’t see an answer, so if you could let me know, I would appreciate it SO much! Again, this is a fantastic idea & I thank you .

    Reply
  116. Jenny White says

    April 10, 2017 at 7:09 am

    We just paid someone a lot of money to whitewash our fireplace and we HATE IT! She used to much and you cannot see any of the brick detail. Any suggestions that we can use to tone down the white?

    Reply
    • Kay says

      November 22, 2018 at 11:59 pm

      You could dry brush some taupe or beige to tone down the white. You have nothing to lose.

      Reply
  117. Kay Barr says

    November 22, 2018 at 11:57 pm

    I love what you’ve done…especially the whitewashed brick. I’ve been debating whether to whitewash, limewash, paint, or German Smear my fireplace. It is one solid wall of brick and I believe whitewashing it is the way I am leaning. If it turns out half as good as yours, I’ll be happy. I love the entire addition. Great job!

    Reply

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