How to Paint a Brick Home: 5 Practical Tips: Pro tips from a decade-long designer for painting brick exteriors with style, durability, and smart prep

I once agreed to paint a client’s little brick cottage and showed up with a color chip I loved — only to be told their parrot would judge every shade. True story: color decisions can get weird fast, but that’s the fun of it. Small projects like that reminded me that small spaces can spark big ideas, and a brick exterior is the same — limited palette, huge impact. I’ll share practical room planning tricks I use to visualize the result before the first brush stroke. room planning tricks

Tips 1:

1. Go Classic: Crisp White for Timeless Contrast

Painting brick white instantly modernizes a home while letting landscaping and hardware pop. I’ve used matte masonry acrylics for a breathable, long-lasting finish on several cottages; the look is clean and forgiving of uneven brickwork. Downside: white shows dirt and may need more frequent cleaning or power washing in humid areas.

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2. Embrace Warm Neutrals: Soft Grays and Greiges

Soft gray or greige tones feel contemporary without yelling for attention — great if you want curb appeal that ages well. They hide mortar imperfections better than pure white and pair beautifully with wood accents. The challenge is picking the right undertone; test large swatches at different times of day.

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3. Make a Statement: Deep Hues for Impact

Deep blues, forest greens, or charcoal can make a brick facade feel intentional and dramatic. I recommend painting a smaller section first — like an entry wall — so you can live with the intensity. Budget tip: darker colors may need more coats to achieve full coverage on brick.

When I’m planning bolder options, I also create quick layout mockups so clients can see proportions and accents before committing. layout mockups

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4. Two-Tone & Accents: Paint Trim, Keep Texture

Painting window surrounds, lintels, or a band of brick a contrasting color adds depth without covering everything. It preserves some brick texture while modernizing the overall look. A caution: mismatched mortar can read too busy, so keep accent colors simple and cohesive with your roof and door colors.

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5. Go Light with Limewash or Whitewash for Texture

Limewash and whitewash thin the paint so the brick’s texture and variations still show, creating a rustic, breathable finish. It’s less uniform than full paint — that’s the charm — but it can fade more quickly and may need touch-ups. I’ve tried this on cottages and small townhouses and loved the lived-in character it gives.

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Final Prep & Practical Notes

Prep beats paint: clean with a masonry cleaner, repair damaged mortar, and test adhesion with a patch coat. Use breathable masonry paints or mineral-based coatings if your brick is old or moisture-prone. If you’re on a tight budget, prioritize prep on visible elevations and postpone full repainting until seasons and funds align. For adventurous clients I sometimes run AI-assisted design experiments to preview color combos quickly. AI-assisted design experiments

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FAQ

Q: Do I need to prime brick before painting?

A: Usually yes — a masonry primer improves adhesion and seals porous brick. For new mortar or very chalky surfaces, a primer is essential.

Q: What’s the best paint type for brick exteriors?

A: Acrylic latex masonry paints are popular for durability and breathability. Mineral paints or silicate-based coatings are excellent where moisture breathability is critical.

Q: Can I paint over old flaking paint?

A: You must remove loose paint and feather edges before priming. If the old paint is oil-based, test adhesion and consider full removal or an appropriate bonding primer.

Q: How many coats will I need?

A: Typically 2 coats for full coverage on brick, sometimes 3 for very dark-to-light transitions. Porous brick soaks up more paint, so factor that into quantities.

Q: Will painting brick trap moisture?

A: It can if you use non-breathable coatings. Choose breathable masonry paints and fix underlying moisture issues first (poor grading, leaking gutters).

Q: How long does painted brick last?

A: With good prep and quality masonry paint, expect 8–15 years before significant touch-ups, depending on climate and exposure.

Q: Should I hire a pro or DIY?

A: DIY is doable for small areas if you’re comfortable with ladders and prep work. Hire a pro for high walls, historic brick, or moisture problems — they’ll assess substrate and choose proper coatings.

Q: Where can I find technical guidance on masonry paints?

A: Check paint manufacturer technical bulletins for product-specific recommendations; for example, Sherwin-Williams provides detailed guidance on masonry coatings and preparation. (Source: Sherwin-Williams technical guide)

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