Asked on Sep 19, 2018

How do I paint the existing brick without painting over the mortar?

Miss V
by Miss V

I am replacing vinyl siding with hardy plank. I had to replace them in sections, so I painted the first sets of H. P., now the paint is fading after 1.5 years. Now I am ready for the process to be completed, but now I want the brick painted the same color of the house w/out painting the mortars. What can I do so the paint does not fade on the H. P.; and the mortars on the brick still shows? Photos attached. Thank you

Changing color of brick

Faded paint on hardy plank

  7 answers
  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Sep 19, 2018

    From all of my research you cannot paint brick without also painting the mortar. Here is also an article you might want to read about why you should not paint brick. http://www.masonryofdenver.com/2014/08/shouldnt-paint-brick/

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Sep 19, 2018

    Roll the faces, cut in the sides. It’s quite tedious, so consider using a color between the brick & the mortar color, so that the cutting in of the sides doesn’t have to be perfect.


    I recommend a masonry concrete stain. It permeates the pores & will never peel. It’s runny though, so roller application will require a judicious roller prep.

  • Virginia Virginia on Sep 20, 2018

    I agree with the first poster that brick shouldn't be painted. It has to do, ultimately, with the health of the brick. When brick is open to the air, water vapor that normally goes in and out strengthens the brick (or stone) by turning the chemicals in the brick into larger and stronger crystal lattices. If you cover the pores over, you trap water inside, and instead of strengthening the stone, the water trapped inside will dissolve the stone instead, weakening it.


    If you must paint it, fine. But once you start painting bricks, you will have to repaint to keep it fresh.


    My 2¢.

  • Connie Connie on Sep 20, 2018

    Paint one brick at a time! 😀

  • Michelle Michelle on Sep 20, 2018

    I agree not to paint brick

    If you realy want to the best idea is to use a. Silicone and cover the martyr thoroughly. Paint away, once dry pull off the silicone. I wounld suggest instead just have it refinished and protected/sealed instead.

  • Daniel Murrey Daniel Murrey on Sep 20, 2018

    If you're painting your brick look at RomaBio. They have natural mineral based paints for brick and stone that eliminate all the concerns of painting brick. Their paint is porous, breatheable, doesn't trap moisture and won't fade, flake or chip. Their biodomus I product comes with a 20 year warranty. I use their products on brick every week here in Texas. If you're near DFW feel free to look up ServiceFirst Painting. We can quote the project for you or simply answer any questions you have. As for not painting mortar, I don't see that as a viable option unless you had deep mortar joints. But I promise we can make your brick look fantastic with the right product and technique.

    • Miss V Miss V on Sep 20, 2018

      Thank you so much for your insight to painting brick. I don't know if you can see the picture of the pink hardy plank, but pink is the color I want to paint the brick. What are you thoughts?

  • Daniel Murrey Daniel Murrey on Sep 20, 2018

    Other commenters have said not to paint the brick, this is true if you planned to use acrylic, however old Brook (100+ years) is often painted or limewashed to protect it. If you use a Romabio product or other slaked lime product it will not affect the health of your brick. Feel free to call us with any questions. You can find our website or Google places listing. ServiceFirstpainting.com


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    • Daniel Murrey Daniel Murrey on Sep 21, 2018

      info@servicefirstpainting.com