Paint Brick House Exterior: 5 Inspiring Ideas: Practical, stylish ways to transform your brick exterior with paint — from subtle limewash to bold color blocks

I once had a client insist we paint their Victorian brick neon pink — I negotiated down to a blush and learned a lot about respecting texture and history while still having fun. Small façades and narrow porches are like tiny canvases: they force you to make decisive choices, and often that yields the most creative results. If you want to preview bold options before committing, I often mock them up with 3D home renderings to see how color, shadow and trim play together.

1. Keep it subtle with limewash or whitewash

I love limewash because it lets the brick’s texture show through while brightening the façade; it ages gracefully and feels less permanent than full paint. The downside is more frequent reapplications and the need for proper surface prep, but for historic homes it’s a gentle compromise that preserves character.

2. Paint trim and accents, leave the brick

Sometimes the smartest move is contrast: leave the brick natural and paint window trim, cornices, shutters and the front door a saturated color. It’s budget-friendly and reversible, though you must pick paints that handle sun and moisture so the trim doesn’t peel faster than the brick settles in.

save pin

3. Go bold with a full color coat

When you want a modern, unified look, a full paint coat on brick can be transformative — dark charcoal or deep navy can make a small house read larger and sleeker. It’s high-impact but also high-commitment: expect more intensive prep like repointing and a breathable masonry primer/paint to avoid trapping moisture. If the painted wall faces an outdoor kitchen or back patio, coordinate with your kitchen layout ideas so inside and out feel cohesive.

save pin

4. Try partial paint or color-blocking

Half-painted façades, painted chimneys, or a band of color at the base can add architectural interest without overwhelming the whole house. It’s playful and lower cost, but the junctions between painted and unpainted areas need careful execution to avoid a patched look over time.

save pin

5. Use texture and accents to enrich painted brick

Stencils, faux mortar highlighting, or a subtle limewash layered over paint can add depth so the surface reads like crafted stone rather than a flat coat. These techniques take more labor and are best tested on small areas first; I often sketch options on a plan and try them virtually before rolling a single brush.

Budget tip: I always recommend testing a small area and planning for proper prep (cleaning, repointing, primer) — paint is the easiest thing to change visually, but the hardest to fix when moisture issues appear. If you want to map sightlines and sight-stops from the street, a simple free floor plan creator can help you visualize how a painted façade reads from different angles.

save pin

FAQ

Q1: Can you paint exterior brick?

I’ve painted many exteriors: yes, you can paint exterior brick, but it requires cleaning, repairing mortar, and using breathable masonry paint. Skipping these steps often leads to premature failures.

Q2: What type of paint is best for brick?

Use high-quality acrylic latex masonry paint or elastomeric coatings designed for exterior brick; they allow some vapor permeability and resist cracking. Avoid non-breathable oil-based paints that can trap moisture.

Q3: Will painted brick trap moisture?

If you use a non-breathable paint or paint over damp, unprepared brick, moisture can get trapped and cause peeling or spalling. Proper prep and choosing breathable masonry products minimizes that risk (and if in doubt, consult a preservation guide).

Q4: Should you paint historic brick?

Be cautious: the U.S. National Park Service advises that painting historic masonry is a significant change and recommends understanding the building’s history and materials before painting (see NPS Preservation Briefs for masonry). Follow local preservation guidelines when applicable. (Source: U.S. National Park Service, https://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/2-maintain-masonry.htm)

Q5: How long does paint on brick last?

With proper prep and quality products, expect 10–15 years on average; limewash and breathable masonry finishes may need touch-ups more often but weather more gracefully. Environment and sun exposure make a big difference.

Q6: Do I need to power wash before painting?

Yes — cleaning removes dirt, efflorescence and loose paint; gentle pressure washing is typical, but avoid blasting mortar out. Let the wall dry fully before priming.

Q7: Can you remove paint from brick if you change your mind?

Paint removal is possible but labor-intensive; chemical strippers or gentle mechanical methods work, though sandblasting can damage the brick and is not recommended. Budget for removal if reversibility matters.

Q8: How should I choose a color for painted brick?

I pick sample boards and view them at different times of day — consider the roof, trim, and landscaping so the brick anchors the palette. Test large swatches before committing to the whole façade.

save pin