Exterior Painting
Should You Paint Your Brick House? Pros, Cons and What to Expect
Thinking about painting brick? The pros and cons, why breathable masonry coatings and prep matter, and the questions to ask before you commit.
By Andrés R. Paz Barillas, Owner 3 min readPublished · Updated
Quick answer
Painting brick can modernize a home and cover mismatched or worn brick, but it is a long-term commitment: once painted, brick is very hard to return to its natural look and will need repainting over time. Done right, it starts with cleaning, mortar repairs and full drying, then a breathable masonry coating that lets moisture escape.
Painted brick is one of the biggest exterior trends in metro Atlanta, from classic white two-stories to dark, modern colors. It can transform a dated house. It's also one of the few painting decisions that's hard to undo, so it's worth thinking through.
The pros
- A fresh, updated look. Painting can turn orange or multi-tone 1970s–90s brick into a clean, cohesive exterior.
- Hides patchwork. Additions, repairs and replaced bricks that don't match disappear under one color.
- Ties the house together. Brick, siding and trim can finally work as one design.
The cons
- It's close to permanent. Stripping paint from brick is slow, expensive and can damage the surface.
- Maintenance. Unpainted brick needs almost none; painted brick needs a repaint every several years.
- Moisture risk. The wrong coating can trap moisture inside the wall, leading to peeling and spalling (flaking brick faces).
- Neighborhood rules. Many HOAs in north metro communities require color approval before exterior changes.
Why breathable coatings matter
Brick and mortar absorb and release moisture. Coatings made for masonry are designed to let that water vapor escape. A standard film-forming paint that doesn't breathe can trap moisture, and in Georgia's humidity that shows up as bubbling, peeling or white mineral deposits (efflorescence) pushing through.
What a proper brick paint job involves
- Inspect. Look for cracked or missing mortar, damaged bricks and moisture problems like leaking gutters.
- Repair. Repoint failing mortar and address water sources first.
- Clean. Wash away dirt, mildew and efflorescence — gently, so the brick face and mortar aren't damaged.
- Dry. Brick holds water; it needs time to dry fully after washing.
- Prime and coat. Use a masonry primer where needed and a breathable masonry finish, applied in full coats that work into the mortar joints.
Questions to ask before you commit
- Is the brick in good shape, or are there moisture problems to fix first?
- Does my HOA need to approve the color?
- Am I comfortable with repainting every several years?
- Have I seen the color on a large test area in full sun and shade?
If the answers point to yes, painted brick can be one of the most dramatic upgrades for the money. Fireplaces are a lower-commitment way to try the look indoors first.
Key takeaways
- Painting brick modernizes a home and hides mismatched repairs, but it is hard to reverse.
- Painted brick needs repainting every several years; natural brick needs little upkeep.
- Use a breathable masonry coating so moisture can escape the wall.
- Repair mortar, fix water problems, clean gently and let brick dry fully before coating.
- Check HOA rules and test colors on a large area first.
Frequently asked questions
Is painting brick a good idea?
It can be, if the brick is sound, moisture problems are fixed first and a breathable masonry coating is used. It is a long-term decision, because painted brick is very hard to return to natural.
How long does paint last on brick?
It varies with the coating, prep and exposure, but painted brick generally needs a fresh coat every several years, with sunny walls needing attention first.
Can you paint a brick fireplace?
Yes. A painted fireplace is a popular, lower-commitment way to update a room. The brick is cleaned, primed with a masonry primer and finished with a heat-appropriate paint around the opening.
Related services: Brick & Masonry Painting · Exterior Painting · Pressure Washing
