You Want to Change The Brick On Your House? Paint It!

If you find the right painters, you can get your home brick painted beautifully, and without looking tacky at all.

Brick homes carry a charm that’s both timeless and robust, but that doesn’t always remain the case. Sometimes bricks start to look old and endure wear and tear that simply makes it unattractive but you have options.

Painting the brick on your house will significantly alter its appearance and if it’s done with the right materials, and with the right painting company, it will definitely improve curb appeal and property value. That’s just scratching the surface.

Here are some interesting benefits of painting the brick on your home

You Get Instant Curb Appeal Upgrade

First impressions are everything and a fresh coat of paint can take your brick house from a traditional to a contemporary looking style. It makes it stand out in your neighborhood and can potentially increasing its market desirability.

Here are some highlights to upping the curb appeal:

• Architectural Highlighting: If you choose the right paint colour (your painter will be able to advise you) can accentuate the architectural features of a home. For example lighter and/or contrasting colours can be used to highlight unique architectural elements like arches, trims, or window frames. This adds depth and a little character that puts attention on the distinctive features of the house and enhances its overall aesthetic appeal.
• Landscape Harmonization: An interesting take is that the colour you choose can be harmonized with the surrounding landscape which can create a really attractive look to passersby and visitors. You can blend earthy tones with natural settings or bolder colours that might complement a more manicured or artistic landscape. Being this thoughtful about the outcome and the surroundings can significantly boost curb appeal.
• Seasonal Adaptability: There are also some colour choices that will create a versatile look in the different seasons and could enhance the property’s appeal year-round. For instance, certain shades of a colour may look particularly striking against a backdrop of autumn leaves or bright snow. If you choose colours that maintain their charm throughout the seasons, your property will always looks its best.

Protection Against the Elements

Although brick is sturdy, bare brick still is susceptible to harsh weather conditions. Paint however, acts as a sealant and provides an extra layer of protection against the elements, especially if you’re in an area that’s prone to dampness and extreme temperatures.

• Elastomeric Paint: High-quality, elastomeric paint is often recommended for brick for it’s moisture resistant qualities, and it’s resistance to cracking and chipping.
• UV Resistance for Longevity: Quality brick paint resists UV radiation and withstands harsh sunlight. This maintains the colour vibrancy and protects the brick’s surface from fading. The right paint acts like a sunblock for your home, and preserves the bricke’s lifespan.
• Weather-Proofing Benefits: Along with UV protection, you’ll do good to choose a paint that offers weather-proofing qualities that shield against heavy rains and winds to freezing temperatures. This type of protection prevents water seepage, which leads to mold and possible structural damage. A good weather-proofing paint keeps your brickwork more secure and beautiful looking, no matter what the weather throws at it and for a long time.

Great at Concealing Imperfections

Over time, bricks can develop imperfections like stains, chips, and previous repairs. A quality paint will help conceal these minor flaws, and give the brick a cleaner and uniformed appearance. Note that lighter colours can be particularly helpful in hiding irregularities and creating a more smooth cohesive look.

You Can Give it That Personal Touch

At the same time, try to make the outcome a reflection of you and your style and customize its appearance to your tastes and preferences. Remember mood matters so choose a colour or shade that truly resonates with your personality and in the end you won’t regret the choices you made.

For the DIY’er – How to Do It Right: The Painting Process

While the benefits are enticing, painting brick is no small feat. It requires following a detailed process to ensure it’s done correctly because mistakes can be difficult and costly to fix. Here’s a streamlined guide:

1. Clean the Brick: It’s vital to start with a clean slate so get out your power wash and remove all the dirt, soot, and mildew that’s built up on the brick. Be cautious of how much pressure you use because you can actually wreck your brick and the mortar. 
2. Make Repairs: Before you start painting, any cracks or damage to the bricks or mortar should be repaired first, and once that’s done, you have to wait until the surface is completely dry.
3. Prime the Surface: This is a crucial step. The priming helps seal the brick and mortar and creates a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. It’s important that you do not overlook this step.
4. Choose the Right Paint: Talk to your local hardware store professional about this, but make sure to opt for acrylic latex paint or another formula that’s specifically designed for brick. These types of paint allow the brick to breathe and prevent moisture build-up.
5. Apply the Paint: Use a roller that is designed for textured surfaces like brick and as you would paint your walls, apply the paint evenly. It’s likely that you’ll need multiple coats for uniform coverage.

Should You Do It Yourself?

 They can properly prepare and treat the surface, select the right products, and apply the paint efficiently, ensuring a polished look that lasts.

Painting your brick house can indeed be transformative, but it’s a big commitment. Given the complexity and permanence of this task, we do suggest hiring a professional painter. If you’re serious about having your brick painted, we suggest you read our article on why you should hire a professional painter. You’ll be happy you did!