How to Whitewash Brick with Masonry Supplies

Ask This Old House mason Mark McCullough demonstrates a way to whitewash brick with masonry materials

by Mark McCullough; Mauro Henrique and Kevin O'Connor, Host

Skill

Moderate

Cost

$20

Estimated Time

2 hours

How to whitewash brick with masonry supplies

Create a loose slurry mix of roughly 80% Lime, 20% Portland cement, and water.
Dab a mason’s brush with the slurry mix and wipe it on the brick thickly.
Dip the mason’s brush in clean water and dab off some of the slurry. Over time, weather will continue to wear down the finish.

Resources

Mark likes to use a masonry-based whitewash material for exterior brick because it’s more durable against the elements. The lime and Portland cement he used can be found at masonry yards and some specialty home centers.

Tools