A Guide to Painting Bricks

Aren’t brick homes simply beautiful? They often resemble classic castles or grand estates. Brick is a premium material—elegant, durable, and built to last for more than 80 years. If you're aiming for a cozy, rustic charm, brick can be an excellent choice for your home's exterior.

Painting your brick house can refresh its appearance and add a layer of protection against the elements. It’s a good idea to repaint as soon as you notice signs of cracking or peeling—waiting too long could make the job more difficult and costly.

However, painting brick isn’t as simple as applying a fresh coat of color. Without the right primer, paint, and surface preparation, you might end up with patchy coverage and a peeling finish. That’s why we recommend leaving it to the professionals. With Adam’s expert painting team, you can trust that every detail will be handled with care and precision.

Is It Possible to Paint Brick Houses?

Absolutely! You can transform your brick home's appearance by painting it in a color that suits your style. Choosing the right technique not only enhances the visual appeal but also highlights the natural beauty of the brickwork. Below are some popular methods for painting bricks.

Whitewashing

Whitewashing offers a charming, weathered look that adds rustic character to your home’s exterior. This method involves using thinned-down paint to create a soft, semi-transparent layer, allowing the brick’s original color and texture to remain visible underneath.

Limewashing

Limewashing gives a timeless, aged effect. It involves brushing on a mixture of hydrated lime, water, salt, and sometimes natural pigments. This blend creates a chalky, breathable coating that partially covers the brick, maintaining its texture while offering a subtle, antique look.

German Smear

Inspired by traditional architecture in northern Germany, the German smear technique mimics the look of irregular stone and thick mortar lines. Instead of paint, a thin layer of wet mortar is applied directly to the bricks. This method softens the harsh edges of the brick layout and gives a rugged, old-world finish.

While the classic German smear typically uses white mortar over red brick, you're free to experiment with different color combinations to match your design preferences.

Painting Brick House: Step-By-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Brick Surface

Before applying any primer, make sure the brick surface is completely free from grease, dust, dirt, and loose debris. For exterior bricks, a light pressure wash will usually do the job. Indoor brick walls may require scrubbing with water and mild dish soap. Be sure to remove any flaking or peeling paint beforehand. A wire brush can help smooth out rough areas and remove any leftover mortar. Once cleaned, allow the brick ample time to dry—ideally 24 to 48 hours.

Step 2: Inspect the Surface Carefully

Examine the brickwork for any cracks, holes, or signs of damage. Use appropriate exterior-grade fillers—like caulk or putty—to patch up nail marks, gaps, or imperfections. If there’s any mold present, treat it with a fungicidal solution. To prevent unwanted paint marks, cover non-paintable surfaces with painter’s tape and lay down dust sheets. For exterior painting projects, also shield doors, windows, plants, and surrounding areas with tape and drop cloths to guard against accidental splashes.

Step 3: Apply Primer

No matter the age or location of your brick wall—indoors or outdoors—using a primer is essential. For larger surfaces, use both a roller and a brush to apply a coat of latex primer. If certain areas show signs of mildew, apply a second coat for better coverage. Make sure the primer seeps into all cracks and textures of the brick. Allow each coat to dry completely before moving on to the next layer or applying paint.

Step 4: Select the Right Paint

Elastodynamic paint is an ideal choice for brick surfaces—it’s excellent at sealing cracks and preventing future damage. For exterior walls, acrylic latex paint is also effective, as it resists mildew and allows moisture to escape. Latex-based paints dry quickly and clean up easily, while oil-based paints dry to a more durable, hard finish. Choose the paint type that best fits your needs and climate.

Step 5: Paint the Brick Surface

Once priming is done, it’s time to add color. Use both a brush and roller—switch between vertical and horizontal strokes to ensure even coverage. A brush is useful for edges and tight spots, while a roller covers larger, flat areas efficiently. Keep a cloth with paint thinner nearby to clean up any accidental splashes on doors or windows. Work in sections, and only move to the next part once you're happy with the coverage on the current area.

Step 6: Ongoing Maintenance

Painting your brick is just the beginning—keeping it in good shape matters just as much. Inspect your home regularly and clean off any buildup such as mold, mildew, or bird droppings right away. If you notice any flaking paint or cracked caulking, touch it up promptly. Regular upkeep will help your painted brick last longer and keep your home looking its best for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Giving your brick house a fresh coat of paint is a simple yet powerful way to refresh the look of both interior and exterior spaces. While natural red brick has its own classic appeal, painting it offers several benefits. It can brighten up your space, add character, and provide an extra layer of protection against weather conditions. Plus, it significantly enhances your home’s curb appeal.