Painting your brick exterior can breathe new life into your home’s appearance. We’ve helped countless homeowners transform their properties through professional brick painting techniques. This comprehensive guide shares our proven methods for achieving lasting, beautiful results.
The decision to paint brick represents more than a simple cosmetic change. You’re investing in your property’s future while creating the curb appeal you’ve always wanted. Whether you’re dealing with outdated brick colors or preparing your home for sale, understanding the proper approach makes all the difference.
Should You Paint Your Brick Exterior?
Before diving into the how-to process, let’s address the elephant in the room. Painting house brick generates passionate opinions from homeowners and contractors alike. Some swear by it, others consider it architectural blasphemy.
Here’s the reality: painted brick houses can look stunning when done correctly. We’ve seen remarkable transformations that boosted property values and created neighborhood envy. The key lies in understanding when painting makes sense and when it doesn’t.
When Painting Brick Makes Perfect Sense
Your brick might be crying out for paint if you notice:
- Severely stained or discolored surfaces that cleaning won’t fix
- Mismatched brick patches from repairs
- Dated orange or yellow brick tones that clash with your design vision
- Structural damage where brick staining won’t provide adequate coverage
We recently worked on a 1970s ranch home where the original orange brick looked tired and outdated. The homeowners wanted a fresh, modern appearance without the expense of re-siding. Painting brick house white transformed the entire property, increasing its market value by 12%.
Red Flags: When to Skip the Paint
Is it bad to paint brick? Sometimes, yes. Avoid painting if you’re dealing with:
- Historic properties with preservation restrictions
- New construction (wait at least 28 days for proper curing)
- Active moisture problems that need structural solutions first
- Perfectly good brick that just needs professional cleaning
Exploring Alternatives to Painting Brick
Not every brick transformation requires paint. Let’s explore your options.
Brick Staining: A Natural-Looking Solution
Brick stain penetrates the surface rather than coating it. This approach maintains the natural texture while changing color. Exterior brick stain works particularly well when you want subtle color adjustments.
Masonry stain comes in various formulations:
- Acid-based stains for dramatic color changes
- Water-based stains for lighter modifications
- Semi-transparent stains that preserve brick character
Limewashing: The Traditional Approach
Limewash creates that coveted European cottage look. Unlike paint, lime allows the brick surface to breathe naturally. The finish develops a beautiful patina over time, creating character that paint can’t match.
German Smear Technique
This method applies mortar over existing brick, leaving portions visible. German smear works brilliantly when you want texture and visual interest without completely covering the original surface.
Professional Brick Painting Process
When paint is your chosen path, following our proven system produces professional results.
Step 1: Comprehensive Surface Assessment
Start by examining every inch of your exterior brick. Look for:
- Loose or crumbling mortar joints
- Cracks larger than hairline width
- Signs of moisture infiltration
- Efflorescence (white, chalky deposits)
Document problem areas with photos. This creates your repair roadmap and helps track progress.
Step 2: Deep Cleaning and Preparation
Exterior painting success starts with pristine surfaces. We power wash using appropriate pressure settings – typically 1,500-2,000 PSI for standard brick.
Pro tip: Start from the bottom and work upward to prevent streaking. This counterintuitive approach prevents dirty water from staining clean areas.
Allow surfaces to dry completely – this cannot be overstated. Brick surface porosity means moisture penetrates deeply. Even after 24 hours of apparent drying, trapped moisture can cause paint failure.
Step 3: Repair and Restoration Work
Address structural issues before applying any coatings. Repoint loose mortar joints using mortar that matches the original composition. For minor cracks and gaps, high-quality exterior caulk provides adequate repair.
Can you paint over brick that’s been recently repaired? Yes, but allow repairs to cure completely first.
Step 4: Choosing the Right Materials
Best paint for brick exterior applications requires specific characteristics:
- Breathable formulation to prevent moisture trapping
- Alkalinity resistance to handle masonry pH levels
- Superior adhesion for textured surfaces
- UV stability for long-term color retention
We recommend masonry-specific primers like Loxon Concrete & Masonry Primer. This product penetrates deep into porous surfaces while creating an ideal foundation for topcoats.
For topcoats, best paint for exterior brick options include:
- Loxon XP Waterproofing Masonry Coating
- Sherwin-Williams Duration Exterior
- Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior
Step 5: Professional Application Techniques
How to paint brick house exteriors requires specialized techniques. We use a combination approach:
Spray Application: Delivers consistent coverage and penetrates surface texture efficiently. Use airless sprayers rated for heavy-bodied materials.
Back-Rolling: Immediately after spraying, roll with thick-nap rollers (3/4″ to 1″) to work paint into surface irregularities.
Brush Work: Detail areas around fixtures, trim, and mortar joints with high-quality brushes.
Apply thin, even coats rather than attempting single heavy coverage. Two moderate coats outperform one thick application every time.
Color Selection Strategies
Painted brick colors dramatically impact your home’s character. Popular choices include:
Classic White Options
Paint brick house white remains the most requested transformation. White offers timeless appeal and works with virtually any architectural style. Consider these variations:
- Pure White for contemporary looks
- Antique White for traditional styles
- Off-White for subtle warmth
Sophisticated Gray Palettes
Gray brick paint colors provide modern sophistication without stark contrast. Popular shades include:
- Charcoal for dramatic statements
- Light Gray for understated elegance
- Warm Gray for welcoming appearances
Bold Color Statements
Don’t overlook dramatic options. Navy blue, deep green, and rich black create stunning painted brick exterior appearances when executed properly.
Maintenance and Longevity Planning
Painted brick homes require ongoing maintenance. Plan for:
- Annual cleaning with mild detergent solutions
- Touch-up work every 3-5 years
- Complete repainting every 8-12 years
Quality materials and proper application extend these intervals significantly.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Painting brick exterior projects fail for predictable reasons:
Inadequate Surface Preparation
Rushing preparation work guarantees problems. Clean thoroughly, repair properly, and allow complete drying.
Wrong Material Selection
Regular exterior paint lacks the specialized characteristics needed for masonry surfaces. Invest in proper products.
Poor Weather Timing
Avoid painting during temperature extremes, high humidity, or windy conditions. Optimal conditions produce optimal results.
Insufficient Coats
Skimping on material coverage creates uneven appearance and reduces longevity. Apply recommended coat thickness.
Advanced Techniques for Special Situations
New Construction Applications
Paint for exterior bricks on new construction requires patience. Allow minimum 28 days curing time. Consider purchasing “painter” bricks designed for coating applications.
Historic Property Considerations
Research local preservation guidelines before proceeding. Some areas restrict exterior modifications on historically significant properties.
Problem Brick Solutions
Severely damaged brick might benefit from alternatives to painting brick. Consider professional assessment before committing to paint solutions.
Getting Started
Ready to transform your home’s appearance? Start with thorough planning and honest assessment of your capabilities. Whether you choose DIY or professional installation, following proven techniques produces lasting, beautiful results.
Painting brick house exteriors represents significant investment in time, money, and ongoing maintenance. Done properly, it creates stunning results that boost property values and provide years of enjoyment.
The key to success lies in understanding the process, selecting appropriate materials, and executing with patience and attention to detail. Your transformed home will thank you for the effort.
Remember: good preparation prevents poor performance. Take time to do things right, and your painted brick exterior will reward you with beauty and durability for years to come.
