Brick Tinting Near Me? The 41 Latest Answer

Brick painting, brick coloring… They both sound the same to me!

Updating the color of your brick will do wonders for your home’s appeal. Not to mention it can potentially increase resale value as brick is valued as a durable exterior surface. When it comes time for your brick renovation, you have the option of painting or staining bricks. A paint and a stain are similar in that they both consist of the essential components: a carrier (water in the case of water-based coatings) and solids (binders, pigments and additives). After this point, however, brick color and stain part ways. Many of our customers ask us, “What is the difference between painting bricks and staining bricks” and why we choose to only stain bricks?

To answer these questions, we’ve compiled the top 4 differences between brick painting and brick staining (and why you should stick with staining):

1. Brick painting requires maintenance. The coloring is permanent.

The day you paint your brick is the day that paint degradation and maintenance begins. Not what you expected, right? According to the Brick Industry Association, you should expect to paint your brick every 3-5 years. This is mainly due to common adhesion failures that occur when painting bricks, such as: B. Efflorescence. Efflorescence occurs when soluble salt deposits migrate to the surface as water evaporates. These stubborn white deposits essentially sit under the coat of paint, causing the paint to eventually lift and flake. Rather than covering the surface like a paint, a brick stain is absorbed by the brick and ultimately acts like a dye. Silicate minerals penetrate deep into the masonry and form a chemical bond with the brick (which we will talk about later) and tint the brick for a permanent color transformation that requires no maintenance.

2. Painting bricks traps moisture. Coloring allows the brick to breathe.

As a porous surface, brick must be able to breathe (painting 101 people). Painting bricks saturates the pores of the brick with paint, preventing the brick from effectively releasing water and moisture. Because the moisture cannot evaporate, it remains trapped in the surface, causing blistering and flaking. As more water can potentially enter the brick through these cracks and chips, more water remains trapped in the surface and can lead to water damage over time. Formulated with silicate minerals, our brick stain keeps the physical properties of the brick intact as if it were virtually untreated, allowing water and moisture to shed successfully. When bricks can do their job of shedding moisture properly, you get a superior, long-lasting finish without unsightly blistering, chipping, and flaking.

3. Paint brick creates a film over the brick. The coloring forms a chemical bond with it.

As mentioned earlier, the paint covers and coats the brick with a non-breathable film. On the other hand, our clinker glaze forms a chemical bond with the masonry and actually becomes part of the brick itself through a petrification process. Unlike a surface treatment, the stain penetrates deep into the brick and once dry forms a permanent bond with the masonry to preserve the colour to include permanently. The result is a durable finish that looks like brand new brick.

4. Painting bricks gives a flat finish. The coloring preserves the natural appearance.

Painting completely fills in the nooks and crannies of the brick. Because the paint simply sits on the surface, it creates a distinctly painted, thick, flat surface that causes the brick to lose its natural look and feel. In particular, the opaque, slightly translucent surface of our stain emphasizes and enhances the natural texture of the brick. If you touch the brick after our stain has dried you will find that you feel brick and not paint. Available in a variety of different colors, you can lighten, darken, or completely change the color of your brick to refresh and modernize the look of your home.

It looks like we have a clear winner when it comes to the battle between painting and coloring bricks! Staining brick is a permanent solution that not only looks more natural, but also allows the brick to do what it’s supposed to do: breathe! Not only does tinting your exterior brick give your home an instant facelift, it also requires no maintenance like painting. Brick is one of the most durable siding options, which is why it’s also one of the most expensive to replace. If your brick is in good condition, you can save the cost of replacing your brickwork entirely by staining it! Before staining your brick, a water test must be performed to ensure the brick can absorb the stain.

When it comes to durability, brick homes and buildings are among the most durable of all structures. In fact, the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town, South Africa and Bromley Hall in London, England are both brick structures that are over 500 years old. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend centuries looking at the same old color in your home. If you learn to color bricks, you can change its appearance over the course of a weekend.

Related How to paint a brick fireplace

Can you color bricks? Stain vs. Color

Both stain and paint can change the appearance of brick siding, fireplaces, and other brickwork. They each have their pros and cons, but both are good options for a brick makeover. The choice depends on your goals.

When it comes to a simple application, brick painting is usually the way to go. With a thick roller, an old brush, and a little effort, you can achieve a varnished look in just a coat or two. The paint dries on the outside of the brick, completely covering it. The color doesn’t penetrate the brick, however, so it’s not as long-lasting or durable as a stain.

In contrast, applying stain is more difficult and often requires multiple coats to achieve the desired color and effect. This is because bricks are porous and will soak up the stain as it is applied. For this reason, it is best to apply a stain with a paint sprayer, although a roller and brush can also be used. However, brick coloring has several advantages. First of all, the look lasts much longer than color. Staining these surfaces also brings out the brick’s natural beauty and covers more area – meaning this method would likely save you money.

How to color bricks

Brick coloring isn’t complex, but there are certain steps you need to follow to get the best possible result.

Step 1: Clean the stones

In order for a stain to penetrate and adhere well, the bricks should be relatively clean. However, due to its irregularities and porosity, brick can be difficult to clean.

Use a pressure washer to clean the entire area. Don’t be too aggressive with the pressure or nozzle because while bricks are durable, you can easily damage grout with too much pressure.

Reduce the pressure to about 1,000 PSI (maximum 1,500), being careful not to blow off the grout.

Step 2: Make repairs

After the surface is clean, conduct a thorough inspection of the brick and mortar joints. Most likely, the bricks are in suitable condition. But mortar can deteriorate over time, so make repairs where necessary.

Prepare the grout mix by following the manufacturer’s instructions on the bag. Then, using the pick trowel, replace any deteriorated mortar with the fresh mix. Be sure to work the grout into the joint as much as possible and shape the repair to blend with the rest of the joint.

Allow the grout to dry for at least a few days before staining.

Step 3: Prepare the area

Stain is thinner than paint and staining bricks can be very messy.

If you’re staining interior brick, use masking tape to protect anything along the brick that you don’t want to stain, such as walls, trim, mantles, etc. Use drop cloths to protect anything you can’t remove from the area.

For coloring exterior bricks, if necessary, glue along all trim, window sills and the foundation. Also place drapes over larger items such as shrubs, bushes, decks, sidewalks and the like.

Step 4: Mix the stain

Like paint, the stain will settle in the can over time, with the pigments sinking to the bottom and the solvents rising to the top. These components must be mixed thoroughly to ensure the finished product is even and consistent.

The best tool for mixing masonry stain is a drill with a paint mixer attached. Place the end of the blender into the stain and blend until all the contents are combined. You can also use a wooden paint stirrer; it will just take longer.

Depending on the manufacturer, you may need to thin the first coat. In this case, use a clean bucket and add the water according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Keep this blended stain separate from the rest.

Step 5: Load the paint sprayer

Using an inexpensive paint sprayer (about $60) is far more efficient than rolling and brushing the stain onto the brick. Load by removing the hopper and filling to the “max” line.

Reattach the funnel to the paint sprayer and prime it by plugging it in, pointing it at a piece of cardboard, and holding the trigger until it sprays.

Rotate the spray nozzle so the spray pattern is vertical.

Step 6: Spray the brick

Finally, start coating the brick with the sprayer. Hold the sprayer about 30 cm from the brick surface and at a slight angle.

While holding the trigger, swing the sprayer left to right, overlapping the last pass by half. Continue sweeping back and forth until you’ve coated the entire brick surface. Use an old brush to clean up puddles or level out mortar joints.

After letting it dry (the time depends on humidity, temperature and the thickness of the applied layer), apply another layer. If possible, rotate the spray nozzle so the spray pattern is horizontal and apply this coat in an up and down motion. Again, overlap the last pass by half.

Continue applying layers in this manner, using alternating spray patterns, until the brick finish looks as planned.

You’ve given your brick surface a makeover that will last for years. Best of all, you don’t even have to seal the brick after staining it. By learning how to color brick, you can enjoy the low maintenance and durability of your brick finish, as well as the fresh new look you’ve given it.

tools and materials

Without brick patches, your building would end up looking like a mishmash of different colored bricks thrown together on the same wall, chimney, or roof.

A long time ago, that’s exactly what happened. Some people like the vintage look of a variety of brick tones on the same brick wall, but others want a more polished, unified look.

Brick coloring has become an integral part of the masonry industry and the construction sector as a whole. With effective stain work, your home or commercial building can overcome supply or color restrictions imposed by brick or stone sourcing.

Why Brick Stain is so important

If you’re taking on a large masonry project, try your best to buy bricks of the same type or color. However, this is not always possible. In order to get the required amount of bricks, you may need to purchase from different sources, which may mean your bricks will not look the same.

You may also be dealing with a repair or renovation of an older building where it is no longer possible to buy the same brick. The brick or brick has faded over the years.

Even if the same stone is found, it will not look the same after installation. What you will end up with is an obvious discrepancy that can look like substandard workmanship.

Brick Stain helps fix color or color mismatch. You can color the new stone to look like the old one or vice versa. You can color a whole structure of the wall in a new color that you prefer more. A new project or brick repair can be merged with your existing building to look like nothing was ever done.

How long can you expect the stain to last?

The conservative estimate for brick patch lifespan is about 20 years. That’s a long time and underscores the importance of getting the stain right. It’s going to be there for a long time, so make sure you get it right.

Newer brick patches claim to last the life of the brick. Essentially, the stain is permanent, so any shade or color you apply will stay there until a new stain is applied or the brick is removed.

The long-term nature of brick glaze means that preparation and good application should be a priority.

The Brick Stain Process

As we’ve said before, a brick stain is essentially permanent, so follow these steps to get the results you want.

1. Make sure your brick absorbs water

Some brickwork comes with a water sealant that prevents the stain from penetrating the brick and staying there. Check if your brick absorbs stain by pouring some water on the bricks. If the brick soaks it up, then you’re good to go.

If there is sealer on it, you will need to remove it with paint thinner, which can be found at any major hardware store. If paint thinner doesn’t work, you’ll probably need to paint over the brick instead.

2. Clean the surface

Just use a hose to spray down the brick surface. You may need to use a brush to remove moss, dirt, or debris that stubbornly sticks, even when wet. Rinse from top to bottom. You don’t want to end up cleaning the top and letting dirt slide onto already-cleaned stones.

3. Test your Brick Fleck

Never consider just one color and go for it. You should always test your stain colors to make sure they are what you want them to be. Find a shop that sells stain and ask them if you can try the colors on bricks they have in the shop.

Most will honor your request. Once you have the color you want, you can start coloring.

4. Prepare the area

The most important thing to remember when staining brick is that you are dealing with a stain that is meant to be permanent. Wear gloves, safety glasses, and only use brushes and other tools you don’t intend to use on other non-staining projects.

It’s also a good idea to remove anything from the area you don’t want to get a stain on. Consider laying down a tarp or plastic sheeting to protect sidewalks, entryways, or landscaping.

5. Check for rain

Your stain will take some time to set and penetrate the brick so it can last for years. Make sure there is no rain in the immediate forecast. Rain and even strong winds can alter the drying and curing of the stain.

The same applies to high temperatures. If it’s too hot, it will affect the appearance of your brickwork. Follow the directions on your stain and make sure you’re working within the prescribed temperature range.

6. Test on a small surface first

Be careful and start applying the stain in a small corner behind some bushes or some other inconspicuous place. This is a great way to confirm you have the right mix and color before proceeding to apply it to your bricks on a larger scale.

7. Brush up the stain

In general, you should use a brush on each stone and run it twice horizontally down the length of the stone. Avoid staining the mortar joints between the bricks.

You want to keep the contrast between the mortar and brick color so your bricks stand out more. Quickly wipe up spills with a damp rag or brush to prevent them from being absorbed.

Brush up your stain in a scattered pattern. If you’re dealing with a larger wall, you can linger from one end to the other. The end result will look lighter on one end and darker on the other.

Instead, go from area to area. The slight changes in shade blend in better and give your brick surface a more natural look.

Follow these tips to get that everlasting brick stain you’re looking for. Done right, a new stain on your home or office building will look amazing and last a lifetime.

Using a stiff-bristled brush, apply one to two coats of non-glazing masonry sealer to your bricks. Some manufacturers recommend using only one coat, so read the label carefully. The sealer allows you to get even coverage as you paint and makes it easier to remove the paint later if you want to change the color or restore a more natural look. Allow the sealer to dry before proceeding.

This article was co-authored by Gerber Ortiz-Vega. Gerber Ortiz-Vega is a masonry specialist and founder of GO Masonry LLC, a masonry company based in Northern Virginia. Gerber specializes in brick and stone laying, concrete installations and masonry repairs. Gerber has over four years experience managing GO Masonry and over ten years general masonry experience. He earned a BA in Marketing from the University of Mary Washington in 2017. This article has been viewed 68,465 times.

Article overview

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If your brick walls get dirty, you can restore their color with a homemade cleaning product. First, wet the masonry with a hose or spray bottle. This way the bricks won’t absorb your cleaner and fade over time. Mix together 1 cup each of table salt and dish soap to form a paste. Then apply to the masonry in an even layer. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes, scrub the wall with a brush and then wipe off the paste with a damp cloth. For stubborn stains, get an acidic cleaner that you mix with water and spray onto the wall. Just make sure you have gloves and goggles with you so the acid doesn’t irritate your skin or eyes. To keep your bricks in good condition longer, apply a siloxane or silane based sealer to the entire surface of the wall. For more tips, including how to replace a loose brick, read on!

To update or change the look of red brick exterior walls, stain the brick with an iron oxide-based brick tint or penetrating masonry stain. Like ceramic tiles, bricks are clay-based blocks that are shaped, fired, and then cooled. Changing brick color is possible because bricks are porous and easily absorb stains and tints. Because older red brick walls can be discolored from years of weathering or previous coats of masonry sealer, each new stain application may dry with some color variation.

Brick is an incredibly durable building product for both indoor and outdoor use and requires minimal maintenance. But at some point the building block can get tired and need an update.

As long as the brick is structurally sound and the finish is unpainted, one of the best ways to give it a design refresh is to stain it. Learn how to breathe new life into your fireplace, exterior wall or other brick surface with brick stain.

What brick coloring is

Brick stain is a permanent surface treatment that changes the appearance of the brick. Unlike paint, which remains on the surface, brick stain is a mineral product that penetrates the brick and becomes part of the brick. It can never chip, blister or detach from the brick.

Brick stain works best when applied to unsealed, clean, fully porous brick. It cannot be used on painted bricks.

Brick stain itself does not protect the brick, although it is possible to buy brick stain with protective additives.

Painting bricks vs. tinting bricks

Brick tinting and brick painting are related as both are ways to freshen up brick and give it a new look. Additionally, the two methods work differently and have results that may address different goals.

brick painting

When painting bricks, the entire surface of the brick, including the mortar, is covered with a relatively thick layer of paint. This method gives the brick a uniform, opaque appearance. Although there are no color gradations in painted brick, painted brick can accentuate the texture of the brick surface. It can also give the brick a clean, modern feel.

An advantage of painting bricks is that the paint covers any surface imperfections. Patched areas are also covered. A disadvantage is that the paint seals the porous brick and does not allow the brick to breathe.

brick coloring

Brick stain coats the surface of the brick with a thin paint. This color can be either solid and opaque, similar to paint, or light and thin to match the basic color scheme of the brick.

Brick stain penetrates the pores of the brick and allows it to breathe. Unlike painted brick, stained brick cannot trap water below the surface. A disadvantage of brick stains is that badly damaged bricks cannot be repaired and masonry stains can show through the brick stain glaringly.

What you need to know now about staining brickwork

Brick tint and brick weathering

When building an extension or adding new bricks to an existing masonry structure, unsurpassed masonry is a common problem.

Even if you can find bricks that are the same size, texture, or color, obtaining bricks with all three characteristics can prove more difficult. Most houses in Britain are built from bricks that are no longer made and even those that are still made might be rare. This can make bricks look out of place, reducing visual appeal and ultimately the value of your property. However, brick tint and brick weathering may be the answer.

What is brick tint?

Brick tinting involves changing the color of a brick to match the existing brickwork and improve visual appeal. It is primarily used in building extensions or in situations where new bricks have been added (e.g. filling a doorway, replacing damaged masonry, etc.) resulting in a color variation from the existing structure. Brick tinting is the solution when the original brick has been discontinued or simply cannot be found in the required timeframes for a project.

What is brick weathering?

Sometimes people need their bricks to have an aged or weathered appearance. Brick weathering can help tone down the color of new bricks, matching them to century-old bricks. For example, if you are doing renovation or refurbishment work on an older or historic building, you may want to darken the bricks and make them appear as if they have been exposed to the elements over many years (e.g. soot appearance). This can even be the case with bricks that have only been in situ for 10 years; the newer ones can look significantly different.

Why you need brick tinting and brick weathering

There is an increasing need for brick tinting and brick weathering in the UK. Most of the time it comes down to the fact that you just can’t find the perfect match.

The brick and tile industry has undergone rapid change, primarily as a result of the global financial crisis in 2008. Small brick makers that once served local areas have either closed or mothballed, leaving the larger brick makers to make up most of the industry. This means that for the majority of UK households, bricks that were previously made at smaller brickworks are no longer being made and are simply no longer available. Also, owners of masonry buildings built before 1970 are overwhelmingly likely to be built from bricks with no specific name.

But even if you do manage to find the same brick that was used in your original brickwork, you still have to contend with manufacturing defects, color variation, and even weathering (since your bricks have been outside and exposed to the elements).

The bottom line is that your new bricks will likely look different than any existing brickwork, making brick tinting and weathering essential parts of the process to achieve the perfect match for many properties.

This is how brick tinting works

Every brick is different, and the same goes for brick tinting projects. The mixture is carefully put together on site and consists of water, various iron oxide dyes and a fixing agent (e.g. potassium silicate).

However, before a permanent tint occurs, the solution is always pre-tested on a small sample area to match the color and obtain prior approval. No fixative is applied to the sample, so the tint can be easily washed off and the color corrected if necessary.

Once a perfect color match is achieved, a fixative is added to the mixture and the tinting solution is applied stone by stone. The process is carried out by qualified technicians who can generally finish around 15-20 square meters per day (although this can vary depending on the project). There are also other factors that can affect the duration, such as: B. the number of layers needed, the texture of the brick, the level of access and even the weather conditions (brickwork must be dry to accommodate the tint).

Almost any type of brick can be tinted, although more absorbent bricks perform better. Hard bricks (such as smooth facing or artificial bricks) are very dense and have low water absorption, so they require a different type of tinting solution (acrylic based). In addition, bricks that have been sealed, painted or treated with a waterproofing agent cannot be tinted. However, this will be identified and assessed prior to the start of your project.

Will brick tint damage my brickwork?

The brick tint will not damage your masonry in any way. The tinting solution is absorbed directly into the brick and stains the surface rather than coating the surface of the brick like paint. Therefore, your bricks will continue to retain their physical properties and technical characteristics as specified by the manufacturer.

Brick tint is also a permanent solution and comes with a 40 year guarantee. It is recognized by the BDA (Brick Development Association) as a remedy in the industry.

What can you expect to pay?

Brick tinting prices vary by project. As a rough estimate prices can start at around £500 for small projects and £1500 for two storey extensions. However, many different factors need to be considered, such as: B. the volume of the stones, the difficulty of access (e.g. scaffolding, ladder, aerial work platform, etc.), the degree of color change and even the type of stone.

However, we do offer a 20% discount off these prices through our tinting and weathering partners if you purchase the bricks through Brickhunter.

Final brick tinting and brick weathering tips

To get the best results when tinting or weathering, we recommend the following tips:

The grout can also be tinted to ensure that even slightly different tones do not make the brickwork look different.

We will help you find the right size bricks that have a very similar texture to your existing brickwork.

We can find bricks that are similar but slightly lighter than your originals. It is much easier to tint stones with a darker color.

We order new, clean clay bricks as they have much better porosity than used or reclaimed bricks.

We ensure that your bricks can be effectively tinted (e.g. not sealed, painted or impregnated).

Find the perfect match with Brickhunter

If you need to match existing brickwork, simply follow our process to take advantage of our fast and convenient brick matching service. We guarantee results within 24 hours, samples and guidance afterwards to get it right.

If the services are required, we offer a nationwide 20% discount on brick tinting or brick weathering (through our nationwide dealer) when you buy your bricks through Brickhunter. Don’t get stuck, match the stones correctly today.

Without brick patches, your building would end up looking like a mishmash of different colored bricks thrown together on the same wall, chimney, or roof.

A long time ago, that’s exactly what happened. Some people like the vintage look of a variety of brick tones on the same brick wall, but others want a more polished, unified look.

Brick coloring has become an integral part of the masonry industry and the construction sector as a whole. With effective stain work, your home or commercial building can overcome supply or color restrictions imposed by brick or stone sourcing.

Why Brick Stain is so important

If you’re taking on a large masonry project, try your best to buy bricks of the same type or color. However, this is not always possible. In order to get the required amount of bricks, you may need to purchase from different sources, which may mean your bricks will not look the same.

You may also be dealing with a repair or renovation of an older building where it is no longer possible to buy the same brick. The brick or brick has faded over the years.

Even if the same stone is found, it will not look the same after installation. What you will end up with is an obvious discrepancy that can look like substandard workmanship.

Brick Stain helps fix color or color mismatch. You can color the new stone to look like the old one or vice versa. You can color a whole structure of the wall in a new color that you prefer more. A new project or brick repair can be merged with your existing building to look like nothing was ever done.

How long can you expect the stain to last?

The conservative estimate for brick patch lifespan is about 20 years. That’s a long time and underscores the importance of getting the stain right. It’s going to be there for a long time, so make sure you get it right.

Newer brick patches claim to last the life of the brick. Essentially, the stain is permanent, so any shade or color you apply will stay there until a new stain is applied or the brick is removed.

The long-term nature of brick glaze means that preparation and good application should be a priority.

The Brick Stain Process

As we’ve said before, a brick stain is essentially permanent, so follow these steps to get the results you want.

1. Make sure your brick absorbs water

Some brickwork comes with a water sealant that prevents the stain from penetrating the brick and staying there. Check if your brick absorbs stain by pouring some water on the bricks. If the brick soaks it up, then you’re good to go.

If there is sealer on it, you will need to remove it with paint thinner, which can be found at any major hardware store. If paint thinner doesn’t work, you’ll probably need to paint over the brick instead.

2. Clean the surface

Just use a hose to spray down the brick surface. You may need to use a brush to remove moss, dirt, or debris that stubbornly sticks, even when wet. Rinse from top to bottom. You don’t want to end up cleaning the top and letting dirt slide onto already-cleaned stones.

3. Test your Brick Fleck

Never consider just one color and go for it. You should always test your stain colors to make sure they are what you want them to be. Find a shop that sells stain and ask them if you can try the colors on bricks they have in the shop.

Most will honor your request. Once you have the color you want, you can start coloring.

4. Prepare the area

The most important thing to remember when staining brick is that you are dealing with a stain that is meant to be permanent. Wear gloves, safety glasses, and only use brushes and other tools you don’t intend to use on other non-staining projects.

It’s also a good idea to remove anything from the area you don’t want to get a stain on. Consider laying down a tarp or plastic sheeting to protect sidewalks, entryways, or landscaping.

5. Check for rain

Your stain will take some time to set and penetrate the brick so it can last for years. Make sure there is no rain in the immediate forecast. Rain and even strong winds can alter the drying and curing of the stain.

The same applies to high temperatures. If it’s too hot, it will affect the appearance of your brickwork. Follow the directions on your stain and make sure you’re working within the prescribed temperature range.

6. Test on a small surface first

Be careful and start applying the stain in a small corner behind some bushes or some other inconspicuous place. This is a great way to confirm you have the right mix and color before proceeding to apply it to your bricks on a larger scale.

7. Brush up the stain

In general, you should use a brush on each stone and run it twice horizontally down the length of the stone. Avoid staining the mortar joints between the bricks.

You want to keep the contrast between the mortar and brick color so your bricks stand out more. Quickly wipe up spills with a damp rag or brush to prevent them from being absorbed.

Brush up your stain in a scattered pattern. If you’re dealing with a larger wall, you can linger from one end to the other. The end result will look lighter on one end and darker on the other.

Instead, go from area to area. The slight changes in shade blend in better and give your brick surface a more natural look.

Follow these tips to get that everlasting brick stain you’re looking for. Done right, a new stain on your home or office building will look amazing and last a lifetime.

To update or change the look of red brick exterior walls, stain the brick with an iron oxide-based brick tint or penetrating masonry stain. Like ceramic tiles, bricks are clay-based blocks that are shaped, fired, and then cooled. Changing brick color is possible because bricks are porous and easily absorb stains and tints. Because older red brick walls can be discolored from years of weathering or previous coats of masonry sealer, each new stain application may dry with some color variation.

What you need to know now about staining brickwork