Should You Paint Your Brick House? Pros and Cons

Brick is one of the oldest and most popular building materials used in homes today. Many people adore the rustic look of brick houses as well as the timeless qualities that brick can provide. However, others can’t help but consider the endless design possibilities that an exterior paint job could offer. If you’re unsure what to do with your brick, you’ve come to the right place. This article will consider the design potential for each option and will help you make the right decision for your home.

Pros to Painting Your Brick

Your House Will Stand Out

If you’re trying to sell you house, or maybe just keep up with your neighbors… painting your brick is a sure way to boost your home’s curb appeal. Brick is so common that oftentimes, a standard brick house can come off a little dull or uninteresting at first glance. There are definitely exciting ways to compliment brick, but if you feel this way about your home, consider a paint job. Try painting your brick with a color that highlights the best parts of your home while complimenting the existing design.

Your House Will be Easier to Clean

When it comes to ridding your home’s exterior of dirt and debris, it will always be easier to clean painted brick. On its own, brick is porous and rough, while paint is moisture resistant and smooth. A power wash is always effective with the proper chemicals, but you will find that painted brick stays cleaner longer. If you live in the woods or someplace similar, consider how this pro could be a game-changer.

Your House Will be Safer

As silly as it sounds, paint provides a valuable layer of protection to your home. A piece of wood with a couple layers of paint will last years longer than an untouched one. The same is true for brick! Because of paint’s water resistant properties, dangerous weather and temperatures are rendered less effective. Strong winds pelt your exterior with debris while cold weather cracks foundations and makes your life difficult. A simple paint job can extend the lifespan of your property for years longer, so consider it for your home.

Cons to Painting Your Brick

It is Permanent

Once your brick is painted, it will be that way forever. You can’t un-paint a brick house. Some people may actually view this as a pro, but I decided to put it under the cons list purely based on your risk as a homeowner. You cannot change your mind once your brick is painted. There will always be the option to repaint, but your house will never look the same as it did before. With that being said, if any part of you thinks that this desire to paint your brick could just be a phase, take careful thought before you make a final decision.

Trapped Moisture Could Be Devastating

Another considerable risk when painting brick is that, due to the porous nature of brick, moisture tends to hang around inside of it for a while. If any moisture is trapped inside the brick after it’s painted, it will start to chip and the paint will fail. A masonry primer is required when applying paint to brick. We recommend using Loxxon by Sherwin-Williams. This will coat the brick and allow the paint to adhere properly and effectively.

Get a Professional Opinion

If you still aren’t sure whether or not you want to paint your brick, maybe it’s time to consult a professional. Elite Pro Painting provides personal project planners for each and every customer. They are always available to answer questions and contribute insight for your project. Contact us for a free quote!