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The entryway/hallway to our house is dark red brick. It doesn't get loads of light so it feels quite heavy.
I painted an internal bedroom that was in the same brick with white paint and it took FOREVER...and still doesn't look amazing.
Any ideas for a faster (perks for cheaper) option to lighten up the space
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @RenoNovice123. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about covering brick.
There really are not many options that are cheaper or faster than painting when it comes to lightening up internal brick.
@chriscam82 is correct. An airless sprayer is by far the quickest way to do it and will give you a much more even finish because it gets right into the mortar lines and brick texture. That is where rollers struggle and why it feels like it takes forever and still looks patchy. If you do not have access to a sprayer, the next best option is a roller with a very thick nap, but it is still slow and labour-intensive on deep, textured brick.
Beyond painting, most alternatives end up costing more. Something like VJ lining boards or plasterboard over the brick will definitely lighten the space, but the material cost is higher, installation takes time, and you still need to paint once it is up. It is not really a shortcut.
Another option worth considering alongside painting is improving the lighting. Adding extra downlights, a wall sconce, or even changing light colour temperature can make a big difference to how heavy the space feels, sometimes more than people expect. That can help reduce how “dark” the brick feels even before you finish painting.
If you do go the sprayer route, just be prepared for the prep. Everything needs to be masked properly, floors, doors, trim and any openings, because overspray travels everywhere. The prep is the unglamorous part, but the actual painting will be dramatically faster, and the end result will look far better than brushing or rolling alone.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
