Is It Okay to Paint a Brick House Exterior?
A quality paint system refreshes aging masonry while shielding against moisture and rot.
Painting the exterior of a brick home can dramatically change its appearance, increase curb appeal, and offer homeowners creative flexibility. Yet, this seemingly simple decision has lasting consequences and deserves careful consideration. In this guide, we’ll examine the pros and cons of painting brick, detail the process and maintenance, review expert opinions, and provide answers to common questions so you can make an informed decision about transforming your home’s brick exterior.
Table of Contents
- Advantages of Painting Exterior Brick
- Disadvantages and Risks
- How to Prepare Exterior Brick for Painting
- Best Practices: Paint, Process, and Professional Advice
- Maintenance and Care of Painted Brick
- Alternatives to Painting Brick
- Frequently Asked Questions
Advantages of Painting Exterior Brick
Painting your home’s exterior brick can offer a fresh, distinctive look and a range of potential benefits.
- Boosts Curb Appeal: A newly painted brick façade—especially in trending colors like white or deep gray—can modernize a dated exterior and make your property stand out in the neighborhood. It can also help prospective buyers see a home in a new light, potentially translating to higher market value.
Popular colors: White, light gray, charcoal, and other neutrals are most requested today. - Weather Protection: High-quality masonry paint provides a protective barrier against wind, rain, snow, and harsh sunlight, preventing moisture intrusion and resisting UV damage.
- Easy to Clean: Unlike unpainted brick, painted surfaces are smoother, making them easier to wash. Dirt and surface stains can be rinsed away with mild pressure washing, which is especially practical for white-painted homes.
- Creative Expression: Painting allows creative customization—choose colors that complement landscaping, use contrasting tones for architectural accents, or apply faux finishes for unique texture.
- Conceals Imperfections: Painting can hide discoloration, uneven surfaces, or patched repairs in old brickwork, resulting in a more uniform appearance.
Disadvantages and Risks
Despite the allure, painting exterior brick carries significant downsides that every homeowner must consider.
- Permanence: Once brick is painted, it’s very difficult—sometimes impossible—to restore it to its original state. While repainting for color changes is possible, stripping paint is labor-intensive and rarely restores bricks to their pre-painted look.
- Moisture Problems: Brick is porous and designed to “breathe,” allowing moisture to evaporate from within. Standard paint can trap water inside the wall, leading to efflorescence (white powdery deposits), brick deterioration, and increased risk of mold and mildew.
- Potential for Damage: Flaking, peeling, and cracking paint can occur if poor-quality paint is used or if the brick isn’t properly prepared. Damage can also result from freeze-thaw cycles if trapped moisture expands inside the wall.
- Maintenance Overhead: Painted brick requires periodic maintenance and repainting. Dirt and mildew can be more visible on lighter paints, demanding frequent cleaning.
- Reduced Lifespan: Painting can reduce the brick’s natural durability. Paint acts as a membrane, potentially shortening the brick’s effective lifespan by trapping contaminants and moisture.
- Warranty Voidance: Some brick manufacturers and installers may void warranties if the surface is painted.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Enhances curb appeal, modern look | Irreversible: Difficult to return to original brick |
| Protects against harsh weather | Potential moisture trapping and brick deterioration |
| Smoother surface, easier to clean | Requires regular repainting and upkeep |
| Covers discoloration and stains | Risk of peeling, cracking |
| Creative color options | May void manufacturer warranties |
How to Prepare Exterior Brick for Painting
Preparation is crucial for a lasting, quality finish on painted brick. Skipping critical steps can lead to premature paint failure and costly repairs. Here’s what’s involved:
- Inspect and Repair: Evaluate the condition of the brick and mortar. Patch any cracks, holes, or damaged sections. If there’s moss, mildew, or efflorescence (white deposits), these must be removed first.
- Clean Thoroughly: Dirty brick won’t hold paint well. Use a wire brush and gentle detergent, or low-pressure power washing, to remove dirt, grease, algae, or loose mortar. Allow several days for the surface to dry completely.
- Check for Moisture: Ensure bricks are bone dry before painting—trapped moisture is a common reason for bubbling or peeling paint down the line.
- Prime: Apply a high-quality masonry primer, designed to adhere to porous surfaces and block potential stains or water.
- Select the Right Paint: Only use specialty masonry paint—never standard latex or acrylic. Elastomeric, mineral-based, or 100% acrylic masonry paints are recommended for their breathability and long-term flexibility.
Best Practices: Paint, Process, and Professional Advice
Many experts advise hiring a professional painter for exterior brick due to the intricacies of surface preparation, weather conditions, and the methods required for a high-quality, resilient result.
Doug King, Home Renovation Specialist, Weighs In
According to home improvement professionals, painting brick is not a good candidate for a quick weekend DIY project. Here are essential expert recommendations:
What others are reading
- Test First: Try painting a small patch of out-of-sight brick and observe for a few months for signs of moisture, bubbling, or poor adhesion.
- Weather Matters: Choose a season with consistent temperatures and low humidity to allow for optimal drying.
- Breathe: Use a paint system that is vapor-permeable, so moisture can escape rather than be trapped.
- When Not to Paint: Avoid painting historic bricks, severely weathered or deteriorating brick, or homes in regions with frequent freeze-thaw cycles. Consult with a masonry pro if your brick is pre-1920s or you have any doubts.
Maintenance and Care of Painted Brick
Once brick is painted, ongoing care is essential for look and performance:
- Inspect Annually: Look for signs of peeling, cracking, or mildew, especially in shaded or moist areas. Promptly touch up and seal any bare spots.
- Clean Gently: Wash with mild detergent and a soft-bristled brush or low-pressure power washer as needed. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive pads that could damage the paint film.
- Repaint as Needed: While quality masonry paint can last 7–15 years, higher maintenance may be required for lighter shades or high-traffic areas.
Alternatives to Painting Brick
If you want to refresh your brick’s appearance without the risks of paint, consider these popular alternatives:
- Limewashing: This ancient technique uses a mineral-based wash that softly tints brick while still allowing it to breathe naturally. Limewash can be applied in translucent or more opaque layers and weathers attractively over time.
- Whitewashing: Diluted latex paint creates a soft, semi-transparent effect that tones down strong brick colors and conceals defects, but with less permanence than full paint.
- Masonry Stains: These products penetrate brick pores, enhancing color rather than sitting on the surface, and typically don’t inhibit vapor transfer. Stains allow for subtle updates while retaining much of the character of brickwork.
- Brick Cleaning and Sealing: Professional cleaning can rejuvenate brick. Clear breathable sealers can provide moisture protection without altering the brick’s natural look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is painting exterior brick a good idea?
A: Painting brick can boost curb appeal and protect against weather if done correctly, but it is permanent, requires careful prep, and can cause moisture problems if the wrong products are used or the brick is in poor condition.
Q: Can you remove paint from brick later?
A: Removing paint from brick is extremely challenging, messy, and often unsuccessful. Even with specialized removers, the original brick color and texture are rarely fully restored.
Q: Does painting brick affect its longevity?
A: If moisture becomes trapped behind paint, it can lead to spalling, mold, or reduced durability of the brick facade over time.
Q: How long does painted brick last?
A: High-quality masonry paints typically last 7–15 years, but touch-ups may be needed in high-exposure areas or when light colors are used.
Q: What is the best paint for brick exteriors?
A: Only use breathable, vapor-permeable paints specifically formulated for masonry, such as elastomeric, mineral-based, or acrylic masonry coatings.
Q: What’s better: painting or limewashing brick?
A: Limewashing and staining maintain the brick’s breathability and natural appearance, with less risk of long-term complications, while paint is more opaque and permanent but carries greater risk of trapping moisture.
Expert Tips Before You Paint
- Always test paint on a small, inconspicuous section of brick before committing.
- Don’t paint new brick—let it cure for at least one year before applying paint.
- If unsure, consult a masonry or exterior paint professional, especially for historic properties.
- Maintain thorough documentation (including product data) for potential future homeowners.
Final Thoughts
Painting a brick exterior is a transformative but irreversible decision. The process requires strict adherence to best practices to avoid damaging your home, but when done with care, can bring new life and protection to tired brickwork. Consider the pros and cons, review your priorities, and always consult an expert if you have any doubts about the condition or suitability of your brick for painting. For many, alternatives like limewash, stains, or simply professional cleaning can deliver the fresh look they seek—without the risks of full coverage paint.
References
- https://rhinoshieldga.com/pros-and-cons-of-painting-my-homes-exterior-brick/
- https://www.angi.com/articles/should-paint-brick-house.htm
- https://tribblepainting.com/pros-cons-painting-brick-exterior/
- https://www.gobrick.com/resources/brick-news/post/the-do-s-and-don-ts-of-painting-brick
- https://mcgillrestoration.com/reasons-why-you-shouldnt-paint-your-brick-building/
- https://www.houzz.com/magazine/should-you-paint-your-brick-house-stsetivw-vs~94155530
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snX67Mbi2Pk
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