Paint Brick House: 5 Inspiring Ideas: Practical, creative ways I’ve painted brick homes (with real tips and pitfalls)

I once had a client insist their 1920s red brick bungalow become “Scandi-pink” — I nearly laughed, then realized pink could work if done right. That near-miss taught me that painting brick is as much about restraint and prep as it is about courage; small choices often remake the whole house. If you want to visualize the before-and-after quickly, I like to visualize it in 3D before committing a single brush stroke.

1. Soft whitewash: brighten without losing texture

I love whitewashing because it lightens a dark exterior while letting the brick’s texture show through — great for tight streets where you need more light. The upside is humility: it modernizes without erasing character; the downside is it’s semi-permanent and shows wear unevenly, so plan touch-ups every few years.

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2. Full coverage matte: contemporary and clean

Going for a full, matte paint on brick gives a sleek, modern finish that hides stains and creates a uniform backdrop for landscaping. It’s forgiving and makes accents pop, but expect a longer prep time—cleaning and a good masonry primer are non-negotiable. Budget tip: buy quality acrylic masonry paint; it saves money on repainting down the road.

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3. Accent-painted sections: highlight architectural lines

Painting selected areas—window surrounds, a porch or a kitchen bump-out—lets you play with contrast without overwhelming the whole facade. I once recommended a charcoal band across a front elevation that read like a frame; dramatic, but it demands careful color balancing inside and out. If you’re thinking about color near the cooking areas, try a kitchen accent wall mock-up in context so the hues coordinate with cabinets and counters.

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4. Limewash or translucent stain: breathe with nuance

Limewash and translucent stains are my go-to when clients want a change that still breathes like historic masonry. These finishes let moisture move through the wall better than impermeable paints, but they fade and require reapplication; they also need clean, sound masonry to start. I once used limewash on a cottage and loved how the mortar lines softened — it looked lived-in in a good way.

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5. Interior painted brick: cozy focal walls

Interior brick can be heroic: paint it moody for a reading nook or light and airy for an open-plan living area. Inside, painted brick is easier to maintain, but be mindful of sealing and ventilation where you live — a poorly ventilated room can make fresh paint feel heavy. If you want to plan layout shifts and exterior tweaks together, it helps to map out exterior changes before painting.

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FAQ

Q1: Can you paint exterior brick?

A: Yes, you can paint most exterior brick, but the success depends on sound masonry and proper prep: cleaning, repairing mortar, priming, and choosing the right paint.

Q2: What paint is best for brick?

A: Use a high-quality acrylic latex masonry paint or specialized masonry coating. According to Sherwin-Williams, a masonry primer followed by 100% acrylic exterior latex paint provides durability and breathability: https://www.sherwin-williams.com/homeowners/how-to/paint/exterior/how-to-paint-brick.

Q3: Will paint damage brick?

A: Paint itself won’t necessarily damage brick, but impermeable coatings can trap moisture and cause spalling over time. Choosing breathable masonry paint and proper surface prep reduces that risk.

Q4: How long does painted brick last?

A: Expect 5–15 years depending on paint quality, exposure, surface prep, and local climate. High-UV or wet climates shorten that span.

Q5: Can you remove paint from brick later?

A: Yes, but removal can be labor-intensive and may require chemical strippers, abrasive methods, or professional services; some older bricks may not return to original appearance.

Q6: Do I need a primer for brick?

A: Absolutely—use a masonry primer to ensure adhesion and to seal porous brick. Skipping primer is a false economy that often leads to premature failure.

Q7: What’s a rough cost estimate?

A: Costs vary widely by region and condition, but budget-minded DIYers might spend $2–$6 per sq ft for materials; professional jobs often run $6–$15+ per sq ft depending on prep and repairs.

Q8: Are there alternatives to painting?

A: Yes—options include limewash, translucent stains, tuckpointing, or cleaning and sealing to refresh the brick without covering it up.

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