Painting Bricks: 5 Fresh Ideas: Small changes to brick can transform a house — five practical, creative approaches I use with clients

I once had a client insist we paint their century-old brick because "white looks cleaner," and I almost lost my cool when the mortar tests came back delicate — lesson learned: brick is opinionated, and even small exterior tweaks can spark huge design wins. To help them (and myself) I produced a 3D render of the home to preview color choices before anyone touched a brush, and that calmed nerves instantly.

1. Full whitewash for a modern-cottage feel

Whitewashing brick lightens the whole facade without completely hiding texture, so you keep that wonderful depth while achieving a fresh look. It’s budget-friendly and forgiving — but if your mortar is crumbly or the brick is historic, you’ll need a conservation approach or it can look patchy.

save pin

2. Two-tone: paint trim, leave field brick

My favorite quick-win is painting window trim, sills, and the porch fascia while keeping the main brick untouched; it feels like a full makeover for a fraction of the cost. It highlights architectural details and helps curb appeal, though matching paint sheen and ensuring clean edges takes patient taping or a steady brush hand.

save pin

3. Dramatic matte black or deep charcoal

On a small house, going dark on brick can make the structure read as one bold volume and visually shrink cluttered surroundings—trust me, I used this on a narrow lot and everyone raved. Downsides: dark colors show dust and can make a home overheat in very sunny climates, so consider breathability of masonry paints and ventilation.

save pin

4. Accent panels or painted courses

Rather than painting everything, pick a band, the corner quoins, or a single gable to paint a contrasting color — it’s playful, less risky, and reversible if you dislike it. It requires careful planning so the accent feels intentional, and the effect is best when balanced with landscaping or painted doors.

save pin

5. Preserve texture with translucent masonry stains

If you love the look of brick but want color consistency, translucent stains tint without covering texture; I used this on a rental property to modernize the facade while keeping maintenance low. Stains can be pricier and a little harder to reapply, but they age nicely and reduce the risk of peeling that full-coverage latex paint sometimes shows on masonry.

Practical tip: always do a small test patch in different weather — I sketch options, then make a mockup on an inconspicuous wall, and sometimes even create a virtual layout mockup so homeowners can live with the color a week before committing.

save pin

FAQ

Q1: Can I paint brick myself?

A: Yes, with preparation. Clean thoroughly, repair damaged mortar, prime with a masonry primer, and use breathable masonry paint. For old homes, consider professional assessment to avoid trapping moisture.

Q2: Will painting brick damage it?

A: If done improperly—especially with non-breathable paints—moisture can get trapped and cause spalling. Choosing masonry-specific, breathable coatings reduces that risk.

Q3: How long does painted brick last?

A: With good prep and quality masonry paint, expect 8–15 years before significant touch-ups; exposure and climate shorten or extend that range.

Q4: Is painting brick cheaper than replacing it?

A: Generally yes — painting or staining is far less expensive than replacing brick. But factor in long-term maintenance and potential extra prep if the brick is in poor condition.

Q5: Do I need permits to paint brick?

A: Usually no for most residential areas, but if your home is in a historic district or subject to HOA rules, you may need approval—always check local regulations first.

Q6: How do I pick colors that won’t date quickly?

A: I lean toward neutrals with one bold accent; test swatches at different times of day and consider surrounding materials like roofing, stone, and landscaping.

Q7: Are there environmental or health concerns?

A: Yes—if your home was built before 1978, lead paint may be present; follow the EPA’s Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule and consult https://www.epa.gov/lead for guidance.

Q8: Can I preview the look before painting?

A: Absolutely — I often use a 3D render of the home to show clients color options and scale, which saves time and decision anxiety.

save pin