Painting your home’s exterior brick can refresh and modernize its look while adding protection. But it’s not as simple as applying a coat of paint. Proper preparation, the right materials, and correct techniques are key to a long-lasting finish.
This guide covers everything you need to know to ensure your painted brick looks great and lasts.
Key Takeaways
- Proper preparation is crucial—clean, repair, and dry your brick before starting.
- Use high-quality masonry primer and durable acrylic latex paint for the best results.
- Choose tools like rollers for large areas and brushes for detailed work, depending on the surface.
- Apply multiple thin coats of paint and allow proper drying time between each layer.
- Regular maintenance, like cleaning and touch-ups, helps keep your painted brick looking fresh.
- For complex jobs, like multi-story homes or damaged surfaces, consider hiring a professional for a flawless finish.
Preparing Your Brick Surface for Painting
Proper surface preparation is the foundation of a successful exterior brick painting project. Without it, paint may peel, chip, or trap moisture, leading to damage over time.
Clean and Repair Your Brick
Start by removing dirt, mildew, and loose mortar using a pressure washer (on a low setting) or a wire brush. Pay extra attention to mortar joints where debris accumulates. If you find cracks or damaged bricks, repair them with a masonry patching compound and let them dry completely.
Allow Adequate Drying Time
Painting a damp brick can lead to peeling and trapped moisture issues. After cleaning and repairing, let the surface dry completely before applying primer or paint. It may take 24 to 48 hours, depending on the weather and your bricks’ porosity. Make sure the surface is dry to the touch before moving on.
Protect Surrounding Areas
Use painter’s tape and drop cloths to cover windows, doors, and any surfaces you don’t want painted. This prevents accidental splatters and saves cleanup time.
How to Choose the Right Paint and Primer for Brick
Transforming your home’s exterior with painted brick requires the right primer and paint. The right products will keep the brick safe from the weather.
Masonry Primers
A high-quality masonry primer ensures the paint bonds properly, preventing issues like peeling or trapped moisture. Choose a primer that:
- Adheres well to brick
- Resists alkali to prevent deterioration
- Allows moisture to escape
Exterior Paints Suitable for Brick
Opt for 100% acrylic latex paint designed for masonry. It’s durable, flexible, and breathable. Look for paint that:
- Resists fading and mildew
- Has low VOC content for better air quality
- Provides long-lasting color retention
Color Selection and Considerations
Your brick color impacts your home’s overall look. Consider:
- Your home’s architectural style
- Neighborhood aesthetics
- How the color looks in different lighting conditions
Test your chosen color on a small section before committing. This lets you see how it looks in different lights and helps you make sure you’ll love the final look.
Applying Primer to Exterior Brick
Before you start, make sure the area is ready. Use painter’s tape to cover windows, doors, and other areas you don’t want to paint. Clean, dry, and taped off, you’re set to prime.
Using the Right Tools
You can use a brush, roller, or combination to prime and paint your bricks. A brush is better for small, detailed areas but time-consuming for large areas. A roller is quicker for big, flat surfaces but may miss deep mortar lines.
Applying Primer
Apply a thin, even coat of masonry paint primer using a roller for large areas and a brush for detailed spots. Use smooth strokes and avoid too much product.
Always check the product’s instructions for drying times. Let the primer dry fully (typically 24 hours) before painting.
After drying, check for any missed spots or uneven areas. If needed, apply a second coat of primer.
Painting Techniques for Exterior Brick
Aside from a brush and roller, a sprayer can also be used for painting and offers fast, even coverage. However, it requires more prep to protect nearby surfaces.
Apply Multiple Coats
Plan on applying at least two coats of paint for exterior brick. The first coat might not fully cover the brick, but it helps the second coat stick better.
To ensure even coverage, apply multiple coats in thin layers. This helps the paint dry and prevents peeling or chipping later.
Allow Drying Time Between Coats
Always let the brick dry completely. The drying time depends on temperature, humidity, and the paint used, so follow the manufacturer’s advice.
As a rule, wait at least 24 hours between coats. If it’s cool or damp, you might need to wait longer for the paint to cure.
How to Maintain Painted Brick
To keep your painted exterior brick attractive and protected for years, regular care and touch-ups are key.
Regular Cleaning and Inspection
Gently wash your painted brick with a soft-bristled brush and mild detergent to remove dirt and debris. Avoid pressure washing, which can damage the paint. Also, check for peeling, chipping, or fading paint during cleaning.
Addressing Peeling or Chipping Paint
Fix peeling or chipping paint quickly to avoid more damage. Here’s how to touch up:
- Scrape off loose paint with a wire brush or scraper.
- Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth to remove dust.
- Apply masonry primer to the exposed brick with a small brush.
- After the primer dries, paint the area with matching exterior paint.
Repainting When Necessary
Painted brick typically lasts 5-15 years depending on climate and exposure with proper care. Repaint when you notice:
- Fading: Color appears dull or washed out.
- Chalking: A powdery residue forms on the surface.
- Cracking or Peeling: Paint begins to flake or separate from the brick.
Hiring a Professional for Exterior Brick Painting
While DIY brick house painting is possible, hiring a professional ensures a flawless, long-lasting finish.
If you don’t have the time, tools, or know-how, getting professional help is a smart choice.
When to Consider Professional Help
Think about hiring a pro for your exterior brick if:
- Your home is multi-story or has hard-to-reach areas
- The brick is severely damaged or needs a lot of repairs
- You want the job done fast and well
- You’re not sure about the right techniques or lack painting experience
Choosing the Right Contractor
To find a good painter for your brick exterior:
- Look for contractors with several years of experience
- Check if they are licensed and insured
- Read reviews and ask for references
- Get a detailed, written estimate outlining prep work, materials, and labor costs.
Understanding the Cost and Time Involved
According to Angi, the average cost of painting a brick ranges from $3,500 to $10,500, with an average of $7,000. Most jobs take 3 to 5 days, depending on size and condition.
Let’s Get Started on Your Brick Painting Project!
Transforming your home with a fresh coat of paint on your exterior brick is an excellent way to enhance its beauty and protect it from the elements. However, achieving a stunning, long-lasting finish requires expertise and attention to detail.
Looking for professional help? JR Painting specializes in exterior brick painting, delivering high-quality, long-lasting results. Let us help you achieve the beautiful, refreshed exterior you desire—without the hassle. Contact us today for a quote!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is painting exterior bricks a good idea?
Yes, painting exterior brick can enhance your home’s curb appeal and provide added protection against moisture and weather damage. However, once painted, brick requires regular maintenance and touch-ups over time. If you prefer a lower-maintenance option, alternatives like staining or limewashing may be better choices.
Can you paint over exterior brick surfaces?
Yes, but proper preparation is essential for long-lasting results. The brick must be thoroughly cleaned, repaired, and primed with a high-quality masonry primer before painting. Failing to prepare the surface properly can lead to peeling, chipping, or trapped moisture issues.
What kind of paint do you use on exterior brick?
Use 100% acrylic latex exterior paint designed for masonry. This type of paint is durable, breathable, and resistant to fading, mildew, and moisture buildup. A high-quality masonry primer should be applied before painting to ensure proper adhesion and longevity.
Is it better to spray or roll paint on brick?
Both methods work, but each has pros and cons:
- Sprayer: Covers large areas quickly and provides a smooth, even finish. However, it requires more prep work to protect nearby surfaces from overspray.
- Roller: Works well for large, flat brick surfaces but may struggle to reach deep mortar lines. It’s best combined with a brush for detailing.
For most DIY projects, a combination of rolling for main areas and brushing for mortar joints and edges provides the best results.