How do you like exterior brick painted?

Debbi
by Debbi
  13 answers
  • K. Rupp K. Rupp on Sep 23, 2020

    Hi Debbi, I love it!!! This post has me sold on it:


    https://www.hometalk.com/diy/paint/exteriors/how-i-painted-my-ranch-style-brick-house--21426516


    I do love red brick but sometimes some of the lighter brick can be dated. Here is an example. This post brightens everything up.

  • I like it. It's a great way to update a house.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Sep 23, 2020

    Hello. I think it is a great way to add light and a new life to a brick house. I was very impressed with this bloggers results. Here is a link.


    I hope you get personal experience is here to help you make an informed decision.


    https://www.blesserhouse.com/limewashed-brick-exterior-makeover-reveal/

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Sep 23, 2020

    It's mixed!

    I've never really understood why people feel the need to paint red brick or make red brick look distressed and paint over it with different techniques. The red brick looks fine to me, in fact we have it on our house, inside and out. There is enough through efflorescence to make the bricks more interesting. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Those tan bricks mentioned in the link by K Rupp are improved with paint.

    Best to you.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Sep 23, 2020

    It depends on the brick and the house. Unless I hated the brick, I probably wouldn't paint it because of maintenance. But that's for my long run game. I like the look of lime wash, especially over some of the brick. My sister has "bessemer gray" brick and I would NEVER paint it.

  • GrandmasHouseDIY GrandmasHouseDIY on Sep 23, 2020

    Red brick especially has become really dated so, personally, I really like it when its painted. Gray or black brick on the other hand can still have a modern feel is applied well.

  • Oliva Oliva on Sep 23, 2020

    Most brick experts advise never to paint it, unless you'd like to shorten the life of the brick. Brick is supposed to breathe, and painting inhibits this.

    While it may look nice on some homes, the actual maintenance can be a nightmare. Just do adequate research before you undertake this project.

  • Mogie Mogie on Sep 23, 2020

    Benefits of Painting Exterior BrickIf your home has an outdated red, orange, or yellowed brick exterior, a paint refresh can provide many advantages.

    • Boosts curb appeal. Painting brick is a great way to upgrade curb appeal and increase your home’s value. Using a dark color like slate grey or even a classic white can create a major visual impact when painted correctly.
    • Provides protection from the elements. When your brick house is properly updated with new paint, the paint will act a sealant to protect your home from precipitation and other seasonal weather changes. Paint can also help reduce fading and deterioration of your home exterior.
    • Easy to keep clean. Brick is naturally porous, so when left unpainted, dirt and debris can become trapped and difficult to clear away. Painted brick provides a smooth surface that is much easier to clean with occasional power washing.
    Painting Exterior Brick: Things to ConsiderPainting exterior brick can certainly be beneficial, but it’s also a task that comes with some important considerations.

    • Painted brick is permanent. After you paint your brick house, you can’t go back to its original brick exterior. Professional painters know that once brick is painted, it needs to stay painted. And the process of even trying to remove paint from brick can be very costly. The good news is that you can change the paint color as often as you’d like, so you don’t have to be married to one hue forever.
    • Moisture can cause paint to chip. This is true for many home exteriors, but excess moisture can be a valid concern with painted brick especially near the ground. Simple repaints every 7-10 years can help prevent this, however. Occasional repaints will also keep your exterior brick looking fresh at all times.
    • You may need to clean your house exterior more often. While painted brick is easier to clean than a natural brick exterior, dirt and mildew are much more visible on painted exteriors. Opting for an occasional professional power washing can keep your brick exterior crisp and clean. This service is very affordable and typically only costs a few hundred dollars.


  • Peggy L Burnette Peggy L Burnette on Sep 24, 2020

    Hi Debbi, personally I like the natural brick and since I am a bit lazy, you don't have to keep it painted. Good luck with what ever you choose.

  • Annie Annie on Sep 24, 2020

    Yes it's all personal according to your taste. I am with Peggy on this one, because once you paint it you are going to have to maintain that. Maybe you can inject some colour another way? With your front door, window trim?

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Sep 25, 2020

    depending on the color of your house siding etc if you have that but white washing is a great idea for brick you can use white, light grays, etc

  • Lindsay Aratari Lindsay Aratari on Sep 28, 2020

    Personally, I really like it!

  • It can look great for sure but it needs to be maintained. The house across from us doesn’t keep it up and it’s peeling off like mad.