Painting exterior brick can be is a simple way to give your home a fresh, on-trend look. There are many reasons why homeowners opt to paint brick houses, but is it ever a good idea to paint brick?

While it may be a practical solution for some, there are pros and cons to painting exterior brick that you should keep in mind before moving forward with your exterior painting project.

Pros of painting exterior brick
Reviving your tired brick home can be easier than a new fireplace, outdoor area and more gratifying than simply painting a wall, with paint can be a relatively inexpensive and easy way to make a big impact on your home’s kerb appeal. You can utilise the colour chart, transforming a red, orange or yellow brick home with brick paint, containing an array of colour schemes like grey to create drama, or use a classic white for a crisp, clean, Scandinavian look. You could even attempt a whitewash look with a thinner coat of paint.

Cons of painting exterior brick 
Like a tattoo, painting a brick home is all but permanent, and as some like to see it as a makeover, it is important to be confident in your decision to paint your home, irreversibly. Once completed, it’s nearly impossible to reverse. If you try to take it off, it will be costly.

Maintenance

You also need to consider the maintenance of painted brick homes. Dirt, debris and mildew are more visible on painted brick, so you will need to power wash your home more frequently.

Durability

Moisture is also a concern with painted brick. Water can seep through brick pores, windowsills and other gaps, which can cause the bricks to deteriorate and paint to chip. To help prevent this, it is often recommended to repaint your brick every five to seven years, depending on exposure to sun and rain.

How to paint exterior brick yourself

Although experts typically suggest that you hire a professional to paint the exterior of your brick home instead of the DIY approach, it is possible to do it yourself if you take the right precautions and use the appropriate tools.

The most vital step to take to ensure a flawless outcome is prepping the brick for paint, or even rendering the brick itself. If you don’t properly prep the brick, it could end up not only looking bad, but it could also be extremely detrimental to the integrity of your home.

Step 1

Prepping

  • First, you should use a brick cleaner, using a high-pressure water cleaner set between 1,500 and 2,000 PSI. 
  • Allow the brick to dry for at least three to five days.

Step 2

Repairing

  • Repair the bricks if damaged using premixed acrylic mortar patch and then using a latex masonry primer, prime every part of the brick and mortar.
  • Caulk any area that can let water in, then finally, paint. 

Step 3

Painting

  • Breathable paint is recommended for brick such as 100 percent acrylic latex paint, from Taubmans, who have a range of distributors in Australia. Apply two coats for the best look.
  • Products can be applied by sprayer or roller, and it’s best to consult the specifications for each product, taking into consideration the amount of surface area to be painted.

Cost

The average cost to paint a brick home is about $7,000 but can range from $3,500 to $10,500 for a 2,500-square foot home. The per square foot cost generally falls between $1.40 and $4.20. The cost may vary based on labor and paint prices. The project may also require the rental of power washing equipment which can range from $40 to $150.