How to Paint Exterior Brick on a House Safely: 1 Minute to Freshen Up Your Brick Home: Practical Steps & Industry Tips

Ever looked at outdated brick and wondered how to paint exterior brick on a house without wrecking curb appeal or risking structural issues? That question haunted me after moving into my 1970s bungalow—a place with charm, yes, but also some very tired brick. If you’ve ever felt stuck with red or brown you didn’t choose, let’s get hands-on about transforming your exterior—while boosting value, not headaches.

Before I picked up a roller, I wanted to visualize the end result, so I relied on design platforms to see a realistic rendering of your home's new look before committing. Trust me, it beats repainting after a regretful decision. But before you dip that brush, there are crucial prep steps you can’t skip. Let’s walk through it.

Exterior Brick Painting Preparation Steps

Painting exterior brick isn’t like slapping color on drywall. First, you need to clean the surface thoroughly, removing years of grime with a stiff brush, water, and mild detergent. You’d be amazed how much grit brick can hold onto! If you skip this, even the fanciest paint won’t stick. Cracks or damaged mortar? Patch those up first—the paint seals best on solid surfaces.

Pressure washing is gold for this stage, but let the brick dry for a few days afterward. Dampness lurking in bricks invites peeling paint—and trust me, nobody wants to deal with that after all your effort. If you want to test different colors or finishes virtually, tools like visualizing curb-appeal updates in 3D can help avoid expensive mistakes.

Choosing the Right Paint and Primer for Brick

Think exterior, think durability. Opt for high-quality, 100% acrylic latex paint designed for masonry. Before painting, always apply a masonry-specific primer—this seals porous brick and ensures long-lasting adhesion. Avoid oil-based paints; they trap moisture and may cause flaking over time.

If your brick is previously painted, lightly sand glossy areas so the new coat adheres better. Not sure which undertone will work? I recommend trying samples on an inconspicuous area. It’s a simple step, but it’s saved my clients from heartache countless times.

Applying Paint to Exterior Brick—Step by Step

Start with a quality brush for mortar lines, then use a thick-nap roller for smooth, even coverage on brick faces. For large homes or multi-level facades, renting a paint sprayer will save your arms and achieve professional results. Apply at least two coats, letting each dry fully—patience is the secret sauce to a flawless finish. Bonus hack: Paint in mild weather (50-85°F), never direct sunlight or rain.

My own project taught me—don’t rush those coats! Layering too soon can trap moisture or cause streaks. For DIYers, mapping out your project using tools like organize your DIY exterior painting plans visually streamlines the process. It’s a step often overlooked but keeps you on track.

Real-Life Case Studies: Smart Exterior Brick Makeovers

Case Study 1: A client’s 1920s cottage needed to lose its dated orange brick. We deep-cleaned, primed, and went with soft white. It instantly popped against black trim and lush landscaping, raising the home’s value and earning huge neighbor envy.

Case Study 2: My own fixer-upper started gloomy brown. After prepping and two coats of classic greige, the house felt modern and inviting. And yes—neighbors asked which pro did the job (spoiler: it was me, fueled by iced coffee and podcasts).

Common Exterior Brick Painting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Don’t paint over wet or dirty brick—paint peels. Use only breathable paint to let moisture escape. Skip latex house paints or “all-purpose” mixes. Never rush drying between coats, and always inspect for missed spots on sunny or rainy days, as light changes can fool your eye.

Interactive prompt: Have you tackled an exterior brick project? Share what you learned—or ask me anything about your paint plans below!

FAQ

Q1: Is painting exterior brick a good idea?

A1: Yes, if prepped properly and using breathable masonry paint, painting can enhance curb appeal and protect brick.

Q2: What paint is best for exterior brick?

A2: Use 100% acrylic latex paint formulated for masonry, paired with a masonry primer. Avoid oil-based paints.

Q3: How do I maintain painted exterior brick?

A3: Inspect annually, wash gently with water, and touch up chips early to prevent moisture damage.

Q4: Do I need to remove old paint from brick before repainting?

A4: Not always—if existing paint is sound, just clean and sand lightly. If peeling, remove loose areas first.