Thinking about giving your brick home a fresh coat of paint? You’re not alone. This is a popular question homeowners grapple with, and for good reason – a painted brick house can totally transform a property. But, can you paint brick homes? What factors should influence your decision? This article dives into the details of painting exterior brick, weighing the pros and cons to help you make the right call. If you are looking for a painter in Spring House, PA or surrounding area give us a call today!
Is Painting Your Brick Really the Right Choice?
Before diving into the “how-to’s,” let’s hit pause. Deciding whether or not to paint your beautiful brick facade is a big decision. On one hand, the idea of a refresh can be tempting. On the other hand, the permanence of painting brick might make you hesitate.
Advantages of Painting a Brick House
Let’s be real – a fresh coat of paint can do wonders for curb appeal. A revitalized brick exterior can make a world of difference, giving your home a modern facelift and potentially increasing its market value.
It’s an excellent way to visually enhance your home’s best features and downplay any imperfections in the brick. For example, you can’t go wrong with a fresh coat of Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore.
Painting your porous brick also gives it an extra layer of protection against harsh weather conditions like rain, snow, and even those harmful UV rays, helping to prolong its lifespan.
Possible Drawbacks of Painting a Brick House
However, it’s not all sunshine and roses. It’s critical to acknowledge that painting brick IS a significant commitment – once done, it’s very hard to go back.
Removing paint from brick can be an expensive, time-consuming process that can damage the brick itself. It can also affect the structural integrity of the brick.
As Mike Palmer, owner of Remlap Construction and president of the upstate New York chapter of the Mason Contractors Association of America aptly puts it, “Once you put a membrane [like paint] over the brick, it can no longer breathe.” And while not as breathable as bare brick, the right kind of paint for the job can address some of these concerns. However, traditional brick doesn’t peel.
Then there’s maintenance. Painting might seem low maintenance in theory, but it often requires repainting every 3-5 years to prevent chipping, peeling, and fading, particularly in climates prone to extreme temperature swings. Frequent touch-ups will be required.
Making a Confident Decision
So, how do you weigh it all up? Well, it comes down to these key factors. There isn’t one right answer for every homeowner.
1. Your Home’s Condition
Assess the current state of your brick. Is it newish and in great shape? Then a good cleaning to remove dirt might be all it needs.
However, if the brick is older, has existing issues, or if its current color really clashes with your design aesthetic, painting could be a viable solution. Consider consulting with a professional who can give an honest assessment of your brick’s condition.
2. Local Climate
This matters A LOT. Remember what we were discussing about moisture? Painting brick in humid climates can exacerbate problems with mildew and premature deterioration, requiring even more frequent maintenance.
On the flip side, sunny climates present the challenge of fading and you’ll find yourself needing to repaint often. Thinking through your regional weather patterns helps in choosing suitable paints or alternative solutions.
3. Future Plans
Thinking long-term, how long do you plan to live in your home? Painting may affect resale value.
If you anticipate selling soon, it’s worth understanding whether painted brick would appeal to your target market. And even if selling isn’t on the immediate horizon, you should think of their exterior choices as part of the bigger picture.
4. Personal Preference
Ultimately, can you paint brick homes comes down to this. What aesthetic are you going for?
If you’re after a sleek modern vibe or crave a change from drab, outdated brick, painting might be the answer. It’s about finding what resonates with your vision. So, trust your instincts. It’s your space, after all.
So You’ve Decided to Paint – Now What?
Decided that painting your brick house is the way to go? Awesome. Let’s go over the steps for successfully painting your brick home’s exterior. You’ll be painting your home’s exterior in no time.
Choosing the Right Paint
Remember how we said porous brick needs to breathe? This is where choosing the right type of paint becomes critical.
To let that moisture escape and prevent those nasty peeling issues, using a breathable paint is super important. You’ll want to opt for a high-quality acrylic latex paint specifically designed for masonry.
Acrylic latex paints allow for better breathability and flexibility than standard exterior paints, which is super important because brick experiences expansion and contraction with those pesky temperature changes. Now, if you’re working with interior brick, you’ve got more leeway – latex paints are a go-to, but always remember that proper ventilation is key.
Color Selection Tips for Painted Brick
Choosing the right shade is critical. I’ve found these tips especially helpful when guiding my clients:
- Light vs. Dark: Consider the Light Reflectance Value (LRV) of a paint color. Lighter shades, like Sherwin Williams Alabaster, with its high LRV of 82, will keep your home cooler by reflecting more sunlight. Darker shades absorb heat, impacting energy efficiency. Think about the overall aesthetic and practicality when making your selection.
- Harmonize With Surroundings: Factor in the style of your house and your neighborhood. Don’t be afraid to play with trendy hues. We’re seeing beautiful brick houses painted with colors like Ashwood Moss by Benjamin Moore – it adds such a cool, modern touch.
- Test, Test, Test.: Don’t rush into a decision based on a tiny color swatch. Always try out your chosen paint color on a small, inconspicuous section of your brick first. It’s way better to experiment than commit to a color you’ll end up hating later on.
Prepping the Surface Like a Pro
Think of prepping as the most crucial step in the process – it’s all about setting the foundation for a flawless, long-lasting finish. Trust me, a little elbow grease here will pay off big time in the end.
- Clean Like You Mean It: Dirt, mildew, those stubborn moss patches? Yep, they gotta GO. This often involves a good old-fashioned scrub with a stiff brush and soapy water. If you’re tackling larger areas, renting a pressure washer can make your life way easier. Check out these tips on power washing your home. However, always prioritize using it at a low pressure to avoid damaging the brick. You want clean, not eroded.
- Repairs Are Your Friend: Examine your brickwork. Cracks, gaps in the mortar (those lines between bricks), or any signs of deterioration? Ignoring them is a big no-no. Moisture can sneak in behind the paint, wreaking havoc down the line. You can fix most minor damage using exterior-grade caulk or mortar. For bigger repairs, it’s wise to bring in a pro – better to be safe than sorry.
- Prime Time: Applying a masonry primer isn’t about being extra, it’s essential. A primer acts as a sealant, promoting better adhesion of the paint and creating a more uniform finish.
Paint Application
When it comes to the actual painting process, we relied on the Graco Magnum x5 sprayer and one coat of masonry primer, which made the job way easier. You can save money by doing the work yourself.
Exploring Alternatives: Is Staining a Better Option?
Let’s say you’re hesitant about the maintenance that often comes with traditional paint. Good news, there are alternative options that provide similar aesthetic results without the downsides. Enter: brick staining. It’s a major consideration.
Pros of Staining
First things first – brick stain seeps into the pores, preserving that beautiful natural texture.
You get the color transformation without that plastered-on look, which some homeowners, including yours truly, find super appealing. It’s perfect for those who want an updated look without totally erasing the charm of the original brick.
Plus, let’s talk longevity. Brick stains, especially those using Stayntech technology, can last way longer than paint. That’s because it becomes part of the brick instead of just sitting on top of it.
I’m also a huge fan of using eco-friendly materials whenever possible. Thankfully, brick stains, by their very nature, tend to be less harmful, with lower levels of volatile organic compounds released during and after application. Win-win, right? Plus, if you’re ever in a situation where you have leftover brick, did you know it can be really easy to recycle for other DIY projects around the house? You do now.
Things to Keep in Mind with Staining
While I’m clearly team stain all the way, it’s crucial to note that staining does have a steeper upfront cost. That being said, its durability ends up making it a worthwhile investment over time, since you won’t be shelling out for frequent repaints.
And, while DIY projects can be tempting, applying stain correctly is tricky and best left to experienced professionals to avoid unevenness, blotchiness – you name it. These staining projects should be left to the pros. Those pros have the knowledge, skills, and specialized tools to deliver consistently impressive results. They know their stuff.
FAQs About Can You Paint Brick Homes
Is it a good idea to paint your brick house?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer – it hinges on factors like your brick’s condition, your local climate, your long-term plans, and, of course, personal preference. Weighing the pros and cons can help make a more informed decision.
Does painting brick devalue a home?
It’s a mixed bag. Painting brick can lower value in some cases, particularly if it was done poorly, obscures historically significant brickwork, or if buyers in your area generally prefer natural brick. But, a high-quality paint job that complements the house could also potentially boost curb appeal and value.
Is it expensive to paint a brick house?
Painting a brick house is generally less expensive than other exterior renovations but costs vary. The biggest factor? The size of your house.
Other factors influencing price are: labor costs in your area (so location, location, location.), how much prep is involved, and if additional repairs are needed.
How long does a painted brick house last?
Ideally, with top-notch prep, the right paint specifically formulated for masonry, and consistent maintenance (think touch-ups every few years), a properly painted brick house could last 7-10 years before needing a complete redo.
But, honestly? Many factors can impact that lifespan, including those unpredictable weather events, humidity, and good ol’ fashioned wear and tear.
So, back to that big question: Can you paint brick homes? Yes, but it’s a choice best made after carefully weighing those pros and cons and considering the unique aspects of your home and your overall goals for the project. Ultimately, whether you choose to embrace a new color, freshen things up, or explore alternatives, like staining, make decisions that bring your vision to life. Give us a call if you are looking for a painter in Blue Bell, PA or surrounding area, we’re here to help!
