Ideas on painting brick mortar?

All I do is to paint white water soluable paint over the brick working the paint into the mortor lines.  Only do a few square inches at a time.  Then wipe off with a clean cloth.  Never using the same surface of the cloth more than once.  Also do it it one swipe not back and forth.  Then proceed onto other small areas.  Don't leave the paint for any lenghth of time wipe off immediately.  If you don't like the haze on the brick, after the paint dries you can wipe it off with dull coat.  I like it on it makes it look older and weathered.

Paul Edgar

For The MTH bus station I used Hunterline white stain.  Didn't even remove it from layout. Very neat and clean. For Jahn's ice cream I used the red.

In past I have used the other methods discussed it past including dilute craft paint, grout etc.  The above method was simply neater and cleaner.  Many times if not done correctly there is too much over paint that ends up on the brick. With the hunterline stain that wasn't an issue. Having said that some of the MTH buildings like the factory, mill etc are easily done with dilute paint because of the large mortar lines. 

Bill D

I use dilute antique white craft store acrylic paint. I don't dilute the paint first. I just grab some paint with a wet brush and either add a little water or a little paint to the brush as I work. It takes practice, but usually no wiping is necessary.

Depending on the look wanted, I sometimes use a light to medium gray for the mortar lines instead.

This method works best if you spray the walls with a cheap rattle can red primer or other color first. It doesn't work well on bare plastic. 

Jim

Paul Edgar has the right idea. Visit your local craft store and buy tempera (poster) paint not acrylic. I use a damp soft cloth and Q-tips to get into tight corners. Temperas remain water-soluble after they dry so you can wash them off if you screw up. I seal them with a clear coat when I am finished.

Paul, I tryed your method and it worked perfectly.  With a little practice it became very easy.  It leaves a nice weathered look to the brick--the way old brick looks like it has a white powder over the brick.  Thanks and it really looks great.  Wsdimenna, where can one find this Hunterline stain you speak of? 

I have always enjoyed using light weight spackle.  Rub it in with my finger, and wipe the excess off, it's quick and easy...and it takes other color very easily.

Chris,

Doesn't the light weight spakle fill in the mortar lines?

Joe

Yes. About as much as paint does.

So it adds character as well as color.

Yes to me it does....