Price to Paint Brick House: 5 Cost Insights: Real-world tips on costs, finishes, and clever ways to save when painting brick (inside and out)

I once agreed to help a friend who insisted his 1920s brick cottage would look "modern" if we just painted it white overnight — spoiler: it didn’t go overnight and I learned the hard way about prep, breathable masonry paints, and hidden repairs. I still laugh about the paint-streaked boots, but that job taught me how cost drivers really add up. If you want to preview my ideas before committing to a contractor, I often mock up options to avoid surprises preview my ideas.

1. Full exterior repaint: budget and reality

Painting an entire brick exterior is the most dramatic change and the biggest expense. Expect costs to vary with house size, scaffold needs, and whether the brick must be cleaned or sealed first — it’s efficient but can reveal mortar repairs that raise the bill.

Why I recommend it: consistent curb appeal and weather protection. The downside: higher upfront cost and longer timeline; you’ll want to build a contingency for tuckpointing and primer.

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2. Whitewash or limewash: lighter cost, big impact

Whitewashing or limewashing is a softer route that keeps texture visible and can be cheaper than full opaque paint. It’s great for that modern farmhouse vibe and usually needs less prep, but it can fade unevenly on very porous brick.

My tip: test a small patch in different light — I’ve had clients love the look but then ask for touch-ups after a year, so plan annual checks if you live in a harsh climate.

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3. Accent walls and interior brick ideas

Painting only a fireplace or one interior brick wall gives huge style payoff for a modest budget. This is where small spaces can spark big creativity; a single painted brick wall can reset a whole room.

I often sketch ideas with clients so they can see scale and color before we roll paint — if you want to sketch a layout quickly, simple plan previews help avoid costly mistakes sketch a layout.

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4. Two-tone or mortar highlighting

Instead of full coverage, painting the mortar a lighter or darker tone or doing a two-tone brick treatment adds depth without losing texture. It’s a mid-range cost and looks bespoke, though it requires a steady hand or masking work that can drive labor time up.

In practice I warn clients: the look is subtle but striking — it’s a bit more labor-intensive, so factor painting hours into your budget rather than just material cost.

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5. Partial paint + preserved brick sections

Combining painted sections with exposed brick preserves character while freshening areas that feel tired. This hybrid can save money and highlight architectural features, but the joins between painted and unpainted surfaces must be carefully detailed to avoid a patchy look.

For kitchens and smaller zones I’ll also plan finishes around appliance layouts so the paint complements cabinetry — if you want help to plan your kitchen flow while deciding finishes, I sometimes pair paint choices with layout studies plan your kitchen flow.

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FAQ

Q1: What is the typical price to paint a brick house?

A: Prices vary widely by size and condition, but many homeowners pay between $2,000 and $7,000 for exterior jobs depending on prep and repairs. Interior accent walls are often under $500 when labor is minimal.

Q2: How does brick condition affect cost?

A: Very porous or crumbling brick needs cleaning, sealing, or tuckpointing first, which can add several hundred to several thousand dollars. I always inspect for repairs before quoting a final price.

Q3: Is painting brick a permanent solution?

A: Paint on brick can last 10–20 years with proper prep and breathable masonry products, but you’ll likely need touch-ups or repainting sooner in harsh climates.

Q4: Can I paint brick myself to save money?

A: DIY is possible for small interior projects, but exterior work often needs ladders, pressure washing, and knowledge of masonry primers — hire pros when safety or large surfaces are involved.

Q5: What paints are best for brick?

A: Use masonry-grade paints and breathable primers so moisture can escape; alkyd primers or elastomeric coatings might be needed for damaged surfaces.

Q6: How much does prep add to the cost?

A: Prep (cleaning, repairing mortar, priming) can add 20–50% to labor costs. I always carve out budget for prep because skipping it usually costs more later.

Q7: How long does a typical exterior brick paint job take?

A: Small homes can be done in a week or two; larger jobs with repairs or scaffold work may take several weeks. Weather windows are a big scheduling factor.

Q8: Where can I find average cost estimates?

A: For national averages and breakdowns, HomeAdvisor publishes cost ranges and contractor rates which are useful benchmarks (see HomeAdvisor at https://www.homeadvisor.com for current figures).