Pros and Cons of Painting Exterior Brick

Many houses built in the late 20th century have a standard red brick that many, but not all, people love. If you own a brick home and are getting a little weary of the look, you may be asking, “Should I paint my brick house?” And that’s the all-important question. There are pros, cons, and pitfalls you should be aware of before starting this project. So, don't pick up the paintbrush just yet! Here’s what you need to know about painting a brick house.

What Should I Consider Before Painting My Brick House?

One of the biggest downsides to painting brick is that there’s no going back; once you paint it, you can never return to that authentic brick look. So the first thing you should consider before painting your brick house is whether you’re in it for the long haul. 

Of course, you can always swap out the paint color for something new down the road, but if you start longing for those natural earth tones and texture of the brick once again, you’ll be out of luck. 

Another thing to consider? If you live in a neighborhood under an HOA, you should review your HOA’s painting guidelines and may need approval from the local architectural review committee before painting your exterior. 

Pro tip: Take clean pictures and create a visual rendering of your painted brick home to help the review committee speed the process along; going the extra mile will also help you get a good idea of how your paint project will turn out and if you really want to follow through with this DIY.

Pros of Painting Brick

Whether you're in the early stages of deciding between leaving your existing brick as is or giving it a facelift, there are several advantages worth considering. Check out these pros of painting a brick house.

Paint Seals Your Home

Bricks are very porous, making them more susceptible to water seeping in and breaking down the bricks over time. Painting your brick house can provide a top-to-bottom seal to your home to protect it from damage in the long run.

Paint Protects the Bricks

Just as painting bricks with masonry paint protects your home from water damage, it also improves the integrity of the brick by protecting it from the elements. Your home is better shielded from rain, hail, snow, and sun damage when painted using the right techniques, materials, and preparation work. 

Paint Modernizes a Dated Exterior

Adding a fresh coat of paint to faded and outdated brick has a way of turning even the dullest brick home into a stunning exterior worth driving up to at the end of a long day. Your house will look unrecognizable once you cover up that dull red with a transformative solid color. White is a popular go-to for livening up a brick home, but gray, brown, greige, and more can modernize your brick house.

You Can Fully Customize Your Brick House

Unlike staining your brick house or leaving the bricks as is, paint allows you to choose virtually any color palette for your brick home. You're no longer limited to red, brown, pink, or orange, which opens the doors to more varieties for your shutters, exterior door, garage door, columns, and even your roof.

Paint Is Easier to Clean

Painted brick is far easier to clean than unpainted brick. The smooth surface makes for an easier time removing debris and pollen compared to the rough and bumpy surface of bare brick. You can also power wash the surface of your painted brick without risking damage to the surface.

Cons of Painting Brick

Painting brick may be an absolute must for anyone looking to change up the appearance of their home’s exterior, but it's not for everyone. You'll want to consider the following disadvantages of painting a brick house.

It’s Irreversible 

Painting a brick house is a permanent decision. You’ll never see the original bricks again. While this may deter some DIYers, you can always paint over the brick if you change your mind about the color choice—if you’re willing to invest extra into the cost of new paint materials and hiring an exterior painter near you.

Improper Painting Can Damage the Bricks

You must make sure that you properly prepare your bricks for painting to prevent trapped water from deteriorating the structural integrity of the bricks over time. Only use masonry paint on bricks—not standard acrylic exterior paint—and ensure that the bricks are completely dry before painting your home's exterior. 

In most cases, you’ll want to work with a professional painter to do this job, as one wrong move could result in a poor paint job that doesn't last and can seriously damage your home.

Materials Can Be Costly

Speaking of investing in the cost of paint and painters, painting a brick house ranges between $3,500 and $10,500 on average. This is significantly more than the typical cost to paint exterior home surfaces that aren’t brick, as brick is absorbent and rough, meaning it requires more paint and time to complete the job.

There’s More Maintenance

While painted brick is easier to clean than unpainted brick, that doesn't necessarily mean that it's easier overall to keep clean. Painted surfaces can make for an eyesore if dirt and pollen collect on the surface—especially if you choose a light-colored paint. You'll need to clean painted brick more frequently to remove visible debris from the surface. 

You'll also need to repaint the brick every 10 years or so, which adds to your maintenance list and overall cost to maintain a painted brick house.

HOA Restrictions May Prevent It

Even if you’ve decided on a paint color and have budgeted for a brick paint project, some circumstances may prevent you from painting your brick home. Local HOAs and neighborhood associations may have restrictions on different colors or painting over natural brick. It's important to check your local regulations to ensure you can paint your brick house before you get set on a paint color and a new appearance.

Alternatives to Painting Exterior Brick 

If painting brick feels too expensive or intense, there are other ways to update your brick exterior. You can stain your brick exterior, which is more affordable than painting, or opt for a limewash or German schmear to brighten up brick surfaces with a layer of white. Covering a brick exterior with siding is a more permanent choice if you’re ready for a larger transformation. 

You can also provide your home with a nice refresh simply by hiring a masonry professional to go in and repair any minor cracks or dents in the existing brick—you’d be surprised to see the difference these simple repairs can make in your home’s visual appeal.

How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Brick House?

The average cost to paint a brick house is $7,000. Choosing a higher quality primer that’s masonry specific and adding a nice finish coat will add to the total expense, as will painting eaves, porches, and decks as part of the project. Whitewashing brick, a technique using a paint and water mixture, is slightly less expensive, as it requires adding diluted material to let the brick show through, with a cost range between $2,225 and $4,000 for a 2,500-square-foot house.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Painting a brick house is a job best left to the pros due to the equipment and expertise it requires. Hiring a local paint pro is more expensive than doing it yourself, but it’s safer—for you and your home. Painting a home exterior means working atop ladders and scaffolding, which can be very dangerous if you’re unpracticed. Brick is also an unforgiving material that is easily damaged when cleaning and painting.  

If you choose to go the DIY route, ensure you do your research, take your time, and practice safety as you reach every corner and crevice of your brick exterior.

Kristin Luna and Allie Ogletree contributed to this piece.