Should You Paint Brick?

Painted brick has become a popular way to update the look of a home, especially on older ranches and traditional houses around Atlanta. But painting brick is a long-term decision that's hard to undo, so it's worth understanding the tradeoffs first.

Reasons to Paint Brick

• A dramatic update. Paint can modernize dated or mismatched brick, especially orange or multi-tone brick from past decades.
• A unified look. Paint can tie together brick, siding, and additions that don't match.
• Hiding repairs and stains. Patched mortar and stains disappear under a uniform color.

Reasons to Think Twice

• It's essentially permanent. Removing paint from brick is difficult, expensive, and can damage the surface.
• It adds maintenance. Unpainted brick needs very little upkeep. Painted brick will eventually need repainting, often every 10 years or so.
• Moisture concerns. Brick and mortar absorb and release water. The wrong coating can trap moisture, leading to peeling, efflorescence (white salt deposits), and damage to the brick face.

Breathability Is Critical

The most important decision when painting brick is the type of coating. Brick needs a breathable product that lets water vapor escape. Good options include:

• Masonry-specific acrylic paints designed to allow vapor transmission
• Mineral (silicate) paints, which bond chemically with masonry and are highly breathable
• Limewash, which soaks into the brick and gives a soft, weathered look

Standard exterior paint or elastomeric coatings applied over brick can trap moisture and fail.

Limewash and German Smear

If you want a lighter, updated look without a solid painted finish, limewash and German smear (a mortar wash) are worth considering. They let some of the brick texture and color show through. Limewash also gradually wears over time, which some homeowners like for its aged character.

Prep for Painting Brick

Brick should be cleaned to remove dirt, mildew, and efflorescence, and allowed to dry thoroughly. Cracked or missing mortar should be repaired first. New brick and fresh mortar need time to cure, often at least a month, before coating. The right masonry primer, when required by the coating system, helps with adhesion and even coverage.

The STRIPES Takeaway

Painting brick can transform a home, but it's a long-term commitment that requires the right breathable coating and careful prep. If you're unsure, limewash or mineral paint offers a more natural-looking middle ground.

Planning an Exterior Painting Project in Atlanta?

STRIPES PAINTING CO. paints and protects home exteriors throughout the Atlanta area, with careful prep and quality products. Contact us to schedule a free estimate.

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