Painting brick is a tried and tested way of enhancing a home’s exterior without replacing it. Some brick styles have withstood time and trends, while others have quickly become dated. Moreover, many homeowners prefer a solid color over the brick’s natural appearance.
Painting brick is a great way to update the look of a brick home, boosting curb appeal and aligning with modern trends. If you plan to paint your brick home, we have some tips to ensure your project’s success. On the other hand, you may want to hire professional painting services. They can ensure a high-quality, durable finish that enhances the home’s character while providing a lasting transformation.
Why consider painting your brick home?
Instant curb appeal boost
Painting brick offers an immediate facelift, transforming older or weathered brick into a cleaner, more modern look. It can brighten the exterior, making the home look well-maintained and fresh.
Customization and personalization
Painting allows homeowners to personalize their home’s appearance, with the freedom to choose colors that reflect their style and complement the neighborhood. Whether opting for a classic neutral or a bold statement color, the possibilities are endless.
Protection from the elements
A quality coat of paint adds an extra layer of protection to the brick, shielding it from moisture, UV damage, and environmental wear. This can help prevent cracks, deterioration, and mildew growth, preserving the integrity of the home’s structure over time.
Choosing the right paint for brick surfaces
When choosing paint for brick surfaces, select breathable masonry paints. These paints allow moisture to escape, preventing trapped moisture that can cause damage like peeling or efflorescence.
Types of paint for brick
- Acrylic latex paints are well-favored for their durability, weather resistance, and ability to expand and contract with the brick, preventing cracking.
- Mineral-based paints (such as silicate or lime-based paints) provide a more natural finish and are ideal for older or historic buildings due to their ability to work with brick’s porous nature.
Selecting the right finish
Choose matte or eggshell finishes for brick exteriors. These finishes give a natural, textured look that hides imperfections in the brick and minimizes glare while still offering protection against the elements.
Color options for painted brick homes
Neutral tones for a timeless look
Soft whites, light grays, and warm taupes are popular choices for brick homes. They offer a timeless, sophisticated appearance. These shades provide versatility, complementing diverse architectural styles and landscaping while creating a clean and elegant aesthetic.
Bold and modern choices
Dark colors like deep blues, charcoal grays, or even black can create a bold, contemporary look. These hues make a strong statement, thus highlighting the brick texture and strikingly contrasting lighter surroundings, making the home stand out with a modern edge.
Two-tone combinations
Using contrasting colors for the main brick and trim or shutters adds visual interest and depth to the exterior. A light-colored brick paired with darker trim or vice versa can enhance the architectural features of the home, providing a dynamic and well-balanced look that stands out without overwhelming the design.
Preparing brick for painting
Preparing brick for painting is crucial for achieving a durable and smooth finish. Here’s how to approach it:
- Thorough cleaning and inspection: Cleaning the brick helps remove dirt, mold, mildew, and efflorescence (white mineral deposits). These contaminants can interfere with paint adhesion. Use a wire brush or pressure washer to clean the surface, ensuring it’s free from debris and grime.
- Repairing damaged areas: Inspect the brick for any loose or damaged mortar. Repair any gaps or cracks to ensure an even surface for painting. Filling these areas prevents the paint from peeling or cracking later on and helps achieve a seamless finish.
- Applying the appropriate primer: A high-quality masonry primer is essential, especially for porous or unpainted brick. It creates a solid bonding surface for the paint, enhancing adhesion and improving the paint job’s longevity. A good primer also helps prevent paint from peeling or fading over time.
The painting process for brick exteriors
- Selecting the right tools: Professionals often use sprayers or thick-nap rollers to apply paint on brick exteriors. Sprayers are ideal for even coverage on rough, textured surfaces, ensuring a smooth application without excessive buildup. Thick-nap rollers, on the other hand, help push paint into the grooves and textures of the brick for more consistent coverage.
- Applying multiple thin coats: To avoid heavy buildup, professionals apply several thin coats of paint instead of one thick layer. Thin coats allow the paint to dry more evenly and prevent drips or streaks. Applying several layers also helps achieve full coverage, especially when painting darker or more porous brick.
- Ensuring even coverage: Achieving an even finish is essential. Painters usually work in manageable sections to avoid streaks, drips, or uneven spots with smooth, consistent strokes. When using a sprayer, maintaining the correct distance from the surface and moving steadily is essential. For rollers, professionals ensure they apply enough pressure to cover the textured surface evenly, ensuring the paint gets into all the nooks and crannies of the brick.
Maintenance tips for painted brick
- Routine cleaning and inspection: Regularly clean painted brick surfaces to remove dirt, grime, and debris that can accumulate. Use a soft brush or cloth with mild soap and water to avoid damaging the paint.
- Touch-up and repaint schedule: Inspect the painted brick every few years for signs of wear, such as peeling or fading. Perform touch-ups as needed to keep the surface looking fresh, and consider a full repaint if the paint starts to deteriorate.
- Weather protection and sealant options: For added protection, especially in regions with harsh weather conditions, applying a high-quality masonry sealant can help prevent moisture damage and extend the life of the paint. Sealants protect the paint from rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.
Benefits of hiring a professional company for brick exteriors
Hiring a professional painting company for brick exteriors offers several benefits:
Expertise with brick materials: Professionals have a deep understanding of brick’s porous and textured surface, allowing them to select the best paints and primers that adhere well, resist weathering, and ensure long-lasting results. They also know the best techniques for preparing and applying the paint.
Efficient and safe application: A professional team can complete the job efficiently, using specialized equipment and safety protocols. They minimize disruption to your home by managing the process quickly and carefully, ensuring minimal mess and a smooth finish.
Guaranteed results and long-term durability: Professionals provide an expert, even finish that enhances your home’s curb appeal and protects the surface. Their work is typically backed by warranties, offering peace of mind that the paint will withstand the elements and remain intact for years.
Parting words
Painting a brick home can significantly enhance its curb appeal, giving it a fresh, modern look while also providing important protection against the elements. The right paint can help preserve the brickwork, prevent moisture infiltration, and extend the lifespan of the home’s exterior.
Homeowners should consider consulting with a professional painting company. Our team at Custom Painting ensures we choose the appropriate colors, products, and techniques for a durable, beautiful finish that stands the test of time. If you have questions, need tips, or request an appointment, call us at 925-866-9610 or message us on our contact page. We’ll be happy to help!