Painting Brick Houses: 5 Inspiring Ideas: Practical, stylish approaches to transform brick exteriors — with real-world tips from a pro designer

I once had a client who insisted their 1920s red brick house should look like a Scandinavian cabin — she brought photos, a mood board, and a single phrase: “make it feel soft.” That project nearly derailed me, but it taught me that small interventions on brick can feel dramatic. If you want to visualize the finished look before committing, you’ll save time and headaches.

1. Go monochrome for a modern, unified facade

Painting all the brick and trim the same soft neutral creates a clean, contemporary silhouette. The upside is an instant modern upgrade and easier future touch-ups; the downside is that texture can look flat if you ignore shadows and finish sheen.

Tip: choose matte for imperfection-hiding and satin for depth — and always test a full-size patch in different light.

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2. Keep character: paint the mortar, not the brick

Instead of covering brick, paint the mortar lines a contrasting color to sharpen patterns and make the brick pop. It’s surprisingly subtle and preserves most of the masonry feel, though it’s a fiddly job and needs a steady hand or a pro.

Budget note: more labor equals more cost, but you’ll avoid the long-term issues of fully sealing brick with opaque paint.

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3. Two-tone treatment — light on top, dark below

A classic trick I used on a tight budget: paint the lower third of the facade a deeper hue and leave the upper brick lighter or limewashed. It grounds the house and hides scuffs at street level. Expect extra prep at the transition line to keep it crisp.

Before you roll, test different color options digitally or with small painted panels — real life can surprise you.

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4. Embrace partial paint: highlight architectural details

Use paint as an accent — paint window sills, lintels, or a porch wall while leaving field brick untouched. This approach gives drama without committing to full coverage, but you must balance tones so the painted accents read intentional, not patchy.

Handy trick: pick an accent color from an existing material like door paint or roof trim to anchor the palette.

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5. Try limewash or stain for a breathable, layered look

Limewash soaks into brick and ages beautifully; stains add tint without full opacity. Both let the masonry breathe, reducing moisture problems that heavy latex paints can cause. They’re slightly more technical to apply and may need reapplication sooner than high-quality exterior paints.

If you want to calculate costs and materials ahead of time, measure your facade and budget for a test area first — that one patch will teach you more than spreadsheets.

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FAQ

Q1: Is it OK to paint brick houses?

Painting brick houses is fine if the brick is in good condition and properly prepped. Consider breathable coatings like limewash if moisture is a concern, and always test a patch.

Q2: How do I test if paint will stick to my brick?

Clean a small area, apply the chosen paint or limewash to a 1–2 sq ft patch, and observe over a few weeks through wet and dry conditions. This reveals adhesion and color behavior in real light.

Q3: What are the prep steps before painting brick?

Prep typically includes cleaning (pressure-wash carefully), repairing damaged mortar, priming if using opaque paint, and masking adjacent materials. Proper prep prevents peeling and moisture traps.

Q4: Can painted brick cause moisture problems?

Yes—non-breathable paints can trap moisture. For older or porous brick, choose breathable finishes like silicate paints or limewash, and ensure good flashing and drainage.

Q5: How often will painted brick need maintenance?

Maintenance varies: high-quality exterior acrylic paints can last 10–15 years, while limewash and stains may need refreshing every 5–7 years depending on exposure.

Q6: What about lead paint risks on old houses?

If your house was built before 1978, assume lead-based paint might be present and follow EPA guidance for testing and abatement. See the U.S. EPA lead information at https://www.epa.gov/lead for official recommendations.

Q7: Should I hire a pro or DIY?

If your facade has structural issues, lots of height, or you’re using specialized finishes like limewash, hire a pro. For simple color updates on sound brick, a confident DIYer can handle it with proper prep.

Q8: What’s the best way to choose a color?

Look at your roof, landscaping, and neighboring homes for context. Create several physical test patches and observe them at morning and evening light before deciding.

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