Painting Exterior Brick for Your Home to Make It Look Attractive

Last Updated: March 29, 2025

Introduction

Painting exterior brick is an easy and cost-effective way to make your home look more attractive. With the right preparation and products, a well-painted brick exterior will give your home a fresh, clean look that stands out from the rest. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color, or just want to give your home a well-maintained appearance, painting your brick exterior can make all the difference. By taking the time to properly prep the surface and select the right paint, you can create a stunning and enduring look that will last for years to come.

First and foremost, you’ll need to determine if the condition of your brick is suitable for painting. Brick that has been damaged may need to be repaired before it can be painted. If the brick has been painted before there will be a different process needed to prepare it for new paint. To determine if your brick is suitable for painting, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional.

Next, you’ll need to choose the right type of paint for your exterior brick. There are several types of paint that can be used on brick, including mineral paint, masonry latex paint, and elastomeric paint. Each type of paint has its own unique characteristics and is best suited for different types of brick and different weather conditions. Choosing the right paint will ensure that it adheres well to the brick and provides the best possible protection.

Preparation of the Surface for

Preparing the surface of exterior brick for painting is an essential step that will ensure that the paint adheres properly and lasts a long time. Here is a general overview of the process:

Clean the brick: Use a stiff-bristled brush and a solution of trisodium phosphate (TSP) to scrub the brick and remove dirt, grime, and any loose or flaking paint. Rinse the brick thoroughly with a garden hose and allow it to dry completely.

Repair any cracks or holes: Use a masonry patching compound to fill in any cracks or holes in the brick. Allow the compound to dry completely before proceeding.

Prime the brick: Apply a masonry primer to the brick using a paintbrush or roller. This will help the paint adhere better and will also help to hide any imperfections in the brick surface. Allow the primer to dry completely before applying paint.

Apply paint: Use a paintbrush or roller to ap

ply paint to the brick. Two coats of paint are generally recommended, with the second coat applied after the first coat has dried completely. Use a paint that is designed for use on masonry surfaces, and recommended by the brick manufacturer.

What Are the Benefits of Painting Exterior Brick?

Painting the exterior brick of your home can offer a range of benefits, both in terms of aesthetics and practicality. Here are some of the key benefits of painting your home’s exterior brick:

Improved Curb Appeal: A fresh coat of paint can give your home a new and updated look, making it more attractive and improving its curb appeal. This can be especially important if you’re looking to sell your home, as an updated and well-maintained home can fetch a higher price on the market.

Increased Property Value: Along with improved curb appeal, a well-maintained and updated home can increase its overall property value. This can be a major advantage if you’re looking to sell in the near future or simply want to make a smart investment in your home.

Protection from the Elements: Paint acts as a protective barrier for the brick, helping to keep it safe from the elements, such as rain, wind, and sun. This can help to prolong the life of the brick, by shielding it from the ravages of time and weather and reducing the need for costly repairs.

Customization: Painting your exterior brick allows you to customize the look of your home and create a unique look that sets it apart from others in your neighborhood. You can choose from a wide range of colors and finishes, making it easy to find a style that suits your home and personal taste.

Weatherization: Using a proper type of paint for your brick and weather condition can improve the energy efficiency of your home. You can use white paint to reflect more sunlight, reducing heat absorption and insulation of the brick from cold weather. This can result in lower energy bills and increased comfort inside your home.

Is Painting Exterior Brick a Good Idea?

Pros:

Aesthetics: Painting exterior brick can change the color of the brick or update the look of the home.

Preservation: Painting can breathe new life into older brick that will look unattractive after repairs.

Flexibility: Painting exterior brick can allow you to change the color of your home without having to replace the brick.

Concealment: If your brick is in poor condition, painting can conceal damage and improve the overall appearance of the home.

Cons:

Maintenance: Painting brick requires regular maintenance to keep it looking good. The paint can fade, peel, or blister over time, and will need to be repainted or touched up periodically.

Weather: If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, such as very high heat or cold temperatures, the paint may not last for a long time.

Home value: Painting exterior brick can make your home stand out positively, but it’s important to keep in mind that it may not be to everyone’s taste and may not be considered a positive change by potential buyers if you plan to sell your house in the future.

Unnatural Look: Painted brick can look artificial and may not have the same warmth and character as natural brick.

As you can see, painting exterior brick can be a good idea for some homeowners, but it’s essential to consider the maintenance, weather and home value implications before making a decision. You should always consult a professional paint contractor or a masonry specialist for further guidance and a proper assessment of your particular situation.

Finishing Touches and Maintenance of Painting Exterior Brick

When finishing touches are needed after painting exterior brick, it is essential to first allow the paint to dry completely before removing any masking or painter’s tape. This will ensure that the paint is set and that any tape or masking will not pull off any fresh paint. Once the paint is dry, inspect the surface for any drips or missed spots and touch them up as needed. 

Proper maintenance is crucial to ensure that the painted exterior brick continues to look great over time. Regularly inspect the painted brick for any cracks or peeling and touch them up as necessary. Clean the surface of the brick as needed using mild detergent and water, being careful not to overwet the brick or to use any abrasive tools. In cases of heavy traffic and exposure areas, it is recommended to repaint every 5–7 years to avoid peeling or flaking. Keep an eye out for any signs of water infiltration, such as efflorescence, which can indicate that water is penetrating the brick and possibly damaging the paint underneath. By taking proper care and maintaining your painted exterior brick, you can ensure that it will continue to look great for many years to come.

Conclusion

Painting the exterior brick of your home can be a great way to update its appearance and make it look more attractive. The process of preparing the brick surface, applying the paint, and finishing touches and maintenance, are all important steps to ensure that your home looks great. By taking the time to properly prepare the surface, use high-quality paint and the right brush, and properly maintaining the paint, you can make sure that your home’s exterior brick will look beautiful for years to come. Additionally, regular inspections and touch-ups of the painted surface can ensure the longevity and durability of the paint job. By following these guidelines, you can give your home the makeover it deserves and increase curb appeal with freshly painted exterior brick.

James Scott

James Scott was born in Missouri and studied at the University of Central Missouri. Currently working as Manager at ActoutLoud, James Scott helps readers learn the fields of Law, Marketing, Construction, Education, Health, etc hone their skills, and find their unique voice so they can stand out from the crowd.

Written by James Scott

James Scott was born in Missouri and studied at the University of Central Missouri. Currently working as Manager at ActoutLoud, James Scott helps readers learn the fields of Law, Marketing, Construction, Education, Health, etc hone their skills, and find their unique voice so they can stand out from the crowd.