I would like some advice on whether I can paint a dark brown brick patio white. We live in Miami and the brick gets very hot when the sun hits it mid-day. We thought painting it a white would stop it from getting so hot. If you agree, what paint do you recommend using and if you disagree, what do you recommend doing which does not cost a large amount. You should also know the patio surrounds a pool.

Thanks

Mel

Changing a patio from brown to white will be much cooler. Getting the paint to stick to brick is the trick. You are welcome to try it but I think you will have a new yearlky maintenance issue with chipping and peeling paint. I would do a small test with Dryloc paint. UGL - DRYLOK® Masonry - Masonry Waterproofer (http://www.ugl.com/drylokMasonry/masonryWaterproofer/index.php)

Aside from bals good advice how big is the patio and are the brick set in mortar?

Hmmm brown brick by a pool in summer in Florida of all places for sun and heat Ouch!

I see a real problem here with paint as bal suggested.

How about regular stamped concrete ,no color added? ( trying to get that to take here for pools"global Warming)

I don't know how long you are going to live there but flat brick painted with sun and chlorine, I think this is all trouble and a maintenance nightmare not to mention the look it will have.

I used to live in Baltimore. People there used to paint their brick row houses. The local hardware stores sold specially formulated brick paint. I remember it was thicker than regular house paint, and required frequent repainting.

I agree with everyone else about painted brick becoming a big maintenance problem, especially on a deck surface, which is exposed to sunlight, water and pool chemicals.

The cheapest route may be to just put up a large umbrella, or awning if it is close to the house.

You might look into a masonary stain that is whiteish semi transparent.