Discover Your Dream Home Transformation
Exterior Brick
Embarking on a home exterior makeover? Painting your exterior brick can be a transformative project, infusing your home with a fresh, modern aesthetic. This guide offers a comprehensive exploration of the process, from understanding the “why” to diving into the “how.” We’ll also delve into the latest design trends and provide practical tips to ensure a successful project.
Tim Fears, and his design partner Blair, have been helping homeowners and business owners together for many years. If want to a quote or want to learn more click one of the options below.
Now, let’s get to learning about painting exterior brick!
Why Paint Exterior Brick?
Freshly Painted Brick Can Transform Your Home's Look
Beyond the obvious aesthetic appeal, painting exterior brick offers several advantages:
- Protection: A well-applied coat of paint shields your brick from harsh weather conditions, preventing deterioration and preserving its integrity.
- Enhanced Curb Appeal: A fresh coat of paint can instantly elevate your home's exterior, making it more visually appealing and potentially increasing its value.
- Personalization: Painting allows you to express your personal style and create a unique look that reflects your taste. Do you enjoy modern farmhouse, contemporary, industrial, or classic?
- Increased Property Value: A fresh coat of paint can significantly boost your home's curb appeal and, consequently, its market value. Potential buyers are often drawn to homes with well-maintained exteriors.
- Moisture Damage: Paint acts as a protective barrier, shielding your brick from moisture that can lead to mold, mildew, and structural damage.
- Reduced Maintenance: Painted brick is generally easier to clean and maintain than unpainted brick. A simple power wash can keep your home looking its best.
Exterior Paint DOs & DONTs
DO'S
Prepare the Surface: Thoroughly clean the brick to remove dirt, grime, and efflorescence. Repair any cracks or damage. Contact a masonry if necessary for professional results.
Prime the Brick: Apply a high-quality primer specifically designed for exterior brick to ensure proper adhesion and durability.
Choose the Right Paint: Opt for an exterior paint formulated for brick to withstand the elements. A good quality brand such as Sherwin-Williams is always recommended.
Hire a Professional: If you're unsure about the process, consider hiring a professional painter for a flawless finish. Masonry experts are still abundant and have the skills to get the job done perfectly.
DON'TS
Paint Over Wet Brick: Ensure the brick is completely dry before applying paint. Wet bricks will not allow the paint go on smoothly and you could lock in moisture leading to damage later on.
Use Interior Paint: Interior paint is NOT suitable for exterior use. Interior paint lacks to stability to handle harsh weather conditions where exterior paint is produced to withstand it.
Skip the Primer: Priming is essential for a long-lasting and durable finish. Even when the paint states there is a primer in it, we recommend all exteriors still use a primer.
Paint in Direct Sunlight: Painting in direct sunlight can cause the paint to dry too quickly and unevenly. It can also make it harder to spread giving you mixed results.
Exterior Paint Colors
Blair's Design Ideas: Choosing the Perfect Colors
Blair suggests these additional colors to personalize your home and complement the dark grays: soft greens for a calming and inviting atmosphere, earthy browns to blend seamlessly with your natural surroundings, and crisp whites for a clean and classic look that never goes out of style.
Urbane Bronze
Iron Ore
Gauntlet Gray
Urbane Bronze (SW 7048)
This sophisticated blend of gray and brown is a modern, timeless choice that Blair often recommends. Its warm undertones create a cozy and inviting atmosphere while its neutral hue complements a variety of architectural styles.
Iron Ore (SW 7069)
Blair loves this dramatic, almost black gray for those seeking a bold and striking statement. It creates a sophisticated and modern look that can transform the appearance of your home.
Gauntlet Gray (SW 7019)
This versatile gray is a classic choice that Blair frequently recommends. Its neutral tone creates a balanced and timeless appearance that can enhance the architectural features of your home.
We couldn’t find a local image of Gauntlet Gray brick, so here’s a similar example from Sherwin-Williams.
Conclusion
Painting exterior brick can be a rewarding project that transforms the look of your home. By following these guidelines and incorporating the latest design trends, you can achieve a stunning result. Remember, the key to success lies in careful preparation, the right products, and a touch of creativity.
References
Sherwin Williams Color Links:
- Urbane Bronze (SW 7048): https://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us/color/color-family/neutral-paint-colors/sw7048-urbane-bronze
- Iron Ore (SW 7069): https://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us/color/color-family/neutral-paint-colors/sw7069-iron-ore
- Gauntlet Gray (SW 7019): https://www.sherwin-williams.com/en-us/color/color-family/neutral-paint-colors/sw7019-gauntlet-gray
Bob Vila:
- How to Paint Brick, According to a Pro Painter: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-paint-your-home-exterior/
Family Handyman:
- How to Paint the Exterior of a House: https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-paint-exterior-house/
This Old House:
- How to Paint Brick, MDF, Metal, and Plastic: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/painting/21018628/how-to-paint-brick-mdf-metal-and-plastic
The Spruce:
- 16 Painted Brick Houses With Before-and-After Photos to Inspire You: https://www.facebook.com/thespruceofficial/posts/paint-can-give-a-dated-brick-house-a-new-identity-while-upping-its-curb-appeal-c/805516601609317/
