How to Paint Outside Brick House Like a Pro: 1 Minute to Prep Your Exterior Brick for Flawless Painting

Painting an outside brick house isn’t just about curb appeal—it’s about protecting your investment for years to come. Many homeowners hesitate, worried their efforts will chip away with the first freeze. But with the right approach, exterior brick painting is both practical and transformative. Here’s what makes the process work: it’s all in the prep, product choice, and post-paint protection. In this guide, you’ll find field-tested tips, tool recommendations, and real-world case studies to help you avoid common failures and achieve a lasting, impressive finish. Start strong by using an online exterior planning tool—mapping your surfaces and materials prevents costly mistakes and keeps your project organized. Try this free facade planning app for instant results.

Key takeaways up front: Prepping brick correctly is mandatory—ignore this, and no amount of fancy paint will stick. Specialized elastomeric or masonry paint is your best friend for weatherworn surfaces. The right sealant and maintenance routine ensure years of flake-free beauty. And, a thoughtful color choice, previewed on your own facade using digital rendering tools, guarantees results you’ll love every day. Dive in below for a full, step-by-step expert process and insider strategies.

Immediate Advice: Start your project planning a week in advance, checking both weather and supply availability. Don’t skip the surface inspection—it uncovers issues that threaten both paint longevity and safety. Leverage online project mappers to chart every step, so nothing falls through the cracks. For U.S. homeowners, be sure to review local codes and HOA guidelines before making exterior changes—they can affect your paint options.

How to Paint Outside Brick House: End-to-End Guide

Step 1: Inspect and Prep Carefully

Begin with a full assessment—broken, spalling bricks and efflorescence (white salt buildup) signal repair needs. Remove loose material, mold, and dirt with a pressure washer on a gentle setting—avoid damaging historic or soft brick by switching to hand-scrub brushes if needed. Allow cleaned brick to dry thoroughly (24–48 hours is ideal), as painting over damp surfaces guarantees premature peeling. Sketch repairs or material needs on a digital project planner to avoid return trips to the hardware store.

Step 2: Repair and Prime

Fill cracks, missing mortar, or spalled areas with appropriate exterior-grade filler (lime mortar for heritage homes, elastomeric caulk for modern houses). According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), this step directly impacts the durability of exterior finishes (NAHB). Next, use a breathable masonry primer to even out absorption and protect against moisture migration. Many pros rate primers as essential on older or weather-exposed brick; skip it only on newer, sealed masonry.

Step 3: Choose Durable Exterior Paint

Select a dedicated masonry or elastomeric exterior paint, formulated for expansion and contraction to resist cracks, even in extreme climates. High-quality options like Sherwin-Williams Loxon or Behr Masonry, Stucco & Brick paint meet ASTM standards for exterior coatings. For eco-sensitive homes, look for low-VOC formulas listed by GreenGuard (UL GREENGUARD). Always confirm that your product meets applicable local environmental regulations (check your state EPA guidelines).

Step 4: Apply Paint the Professional Way

Use a thick-nap roller to cover broad brick surfaces, switching to an angled sash brush (2–2.5") for mortar joints and corners. Aim for two thin, even coats, allowing full drying between layers (as recommended by the American Institute of Architects, AIA Best Practices). For maximum protection, avoid working in direct sun or temperatures lower than 50°F. If painting more than 300 sq. ft., rent a professional-grade sprayer to speed up the process and deliver smoother finishes.

Step 5: Seal for Weatherproofing

Once paint fully cures (typically 7 days), apply a breathable silane/siloxane sealant. This step is critical according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) brick rehabilitation guidelines (HUD Masonry Repair), especially in freeze-thaw-prone areas. Regularly reapply sealant every 3–5 years for best protection and maintain caulking at windows and corners to prevent moisture ingress.

Tips 1: Optimize Your Finish and Maintenance

- Consider LEED-compliant, low-odor paints for projects in urban or densely inhabited neighborhoods (reference: USGBC/LEED).

- Test colors and finishes using a digital render before committing—try out virtual 3D planning here.

- For historic or landmarked properties, consult local preservation boards for paint/color restrictions before starting.

Real Client Example: Modernizing a 1920s Colonial

A Boston client’s 1920s home suffered from faded brick and water intrusion. After mapping repairs with a free online tool, they repointed failed mortar, primed, and used an elastomeric acrylic paint finished with a siloxane-based sealant. The end result: dramatically improved curb appeal and zero water issues through two New England winters. Supply plan mapping prevented overbuying and kept waste below 8%—proving that methodical prep isn’t just about looks, it’s about long-term savings.

Tips 2: Navigating Regulations and Codes

- Verify municipal paint and material codes (some cities restrict color palettes or VOC levels).

- ADA compliance: In multi-unit homes, maintain required contrast for exterior doorways and steps (see ADA guidelines).

Tips 3: Troubleshooting Common Pitfalls

- Peeling or bubbling paint after a season? Usually, this means trapped moisture—improve drainage and check for foundation leaks.

- Streaky finishes often result from skipping primer or painting in poor weather.

- Mold or mildew reappearing? Choose mildew-resistant coatings and maintain landscaping to promote airflow around your home’s perimeter.

FAQ

Q: How should I prep exterior brick before painting?

A: Thoroughly clean brick, let it dry fully, and repair all damage. Apply a high-quality masonry primer for best adhesion.

Q: What’s the most durable paint for outside bricks?

A: Elastomeric or 100% acrylic masonry paints resist cracking, fading, and moisture. Always pick formulas with proven exterior performance credentials.

Q: Do I need to seal painted brick?

A: Yes. Applying a breathable sealant is critical for moisture management and extending your paint’s lifespan, especially in variable or humid climates.

Q: Is DIY painting allowed for all exterior brick homes?

A: Most single-family homes allow it. Check HOA agreements or local landmark ordinances if your home is in a historic district or condo community.

Q: How often should I repaint exterior brick?

A: High-quality systems last 7–15 years, provided you clean, maintain, and inspect regularly. Reapply sealant every 3–5 years as a best practice.

Wrap-Up: Plan, Prep, Paint, and Protect

Painting outside brick house walls is a rewarding upgrade—if you commit to thorough prep and smart product choices. Remember to check local regulations, use recommended tools, and plan your color strategies digitally in advance for the best possible outcome. Track your supplies, map your surfaces, and streamline your workflow with free online planning tools before swinging a brush. Share your project photos, ask questions, or seek expert advice in our comment section—together, we can ensure your home stands out in any season. Ready to start? Visualize your ideal facade here and make your fresh curb appeal vision reality.