Painted brick gives a home a bright, classic exterior with the texture and solidity of masonry, and it pairs especially well with dark windows and a dark roof. The trade-off is upkeep. Unpainted brick needs very little maintenance; painted brick needs periodic attention, can trap moisture if the wrong paint is used, and is hard to undo. If you want the look, use a breathable product made for masonry, or choose brick intended for painting from the start.
That guidance comes straight from the people who make brick. The Brick Industry Association’s do’s and don’ts of painting brick warns that standard paint can trap moisture in a porous wall, recommends mineral paints that bond to the brick without forming a film, and notes that removing paint later is “a laborious and expensive process.”
Below, we cover the pros and cons, how to do painted brick right, and how to pair a classic painted brick exterior with warm interiors, using a custom home we designed in Athens, Alabama.
The short version:
- Decide whether you want painted brick for the look or to fix existing brick.
- Use a breathable finish: mineral paint, limewash or stain.
- Pair it with dark windows, a dark roof and a strong entry.
- Balance the crisp exterior with warm wood and brass inside.
- Carry the painted brick onto the porch and outdoor fireplace.
Painted brick pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Bright, classic look that pairs well with dark windows and roofs | Adds maintenance that unpainted brick doesn’t need |
| Unifies mismatched or dated brick | The wrong paint can trap moisture and damage the brick |
| Keeps brick’s texture and shape while changing its color | Hides brick’s natural color variation |
| Lets you choose an exact exterior color | Hard and expensive to reverse |
How to do painted brick the right way
Brick is porous and lets moisture vapor move through it. A standard film-forming paint can seal that moisture in, where it can freeze, crack the brick’s face and encourage mildew behind it. The Brick Industry Association’s guidance comes down to a few rules:
- Use a breathable product. Mineral paints bond with the brick instead of forming a film, so the wall can still release moisture.
- Prepare the surface. Clean the brick, let it dry completely and use a primer made for masonry.
- Wait on new brick. On new construction, the BIA advises not painting sooner than 28 days after the brickwork is finished, or using brick made to be painted.
- Treat it as a long-term decision. Paint is costly to remove, so choose the color and product carefully.
There are also softer alternatives to full paint coverage:
| Finish | Look | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral paint | Solid, even color | Breathable; the closest to a painted look done right |
| Limewash | Soft, chalky, slightly translucent | Lets some brick show through and wears gradually |
| Brick stain | Changes color, keeps texture and variation | Soaks in rather than coating the surface |
| German smear | Old-world, partially covered brick | Mortar is smeared over the brick; hard to reverse |
Pair painted brick with dark windows and a strong entry
A light painted brick exterior needs contrast to keep it from looking flat. Dark window frames, a dark roof and one strong entry feature give it definition.
The Athens home follows that formula. Its classic painted brick exterior is set off by dark windows and a dark roof, and arched iron entry doors give the front of the house a clear focal point. Steep gables and a few arched window openings add traditional character without fussiness.
Balance the crisp exterior with warmth inside
A painted brick home can feel cool and crisp from the street. The interiors are where you add warmth, through wood, brass and texture.
Inside the Athens home, the arched iron entry doors open to a foyer framed by French doors, and white oak floors carry through the main living spaces.
The kitchen anchors the plan. A stained wood island sits under a tray ceiling wrapped in matching wood, with brass lighting and hardware against white cabinetry. A full working pantry sits behind the range wall.
The dining room adds texture with wainscoting and a brass drum chandelier, and the owner’s suite continues the material story with a marble-wrapped shower and brass-trimmed vanities.
Carry the brick onto the porch
Painted brick doesn’t have to stop at the exterior walls. On the covered back porch, a painted brick fireplace sits under a wood-clad ceiling, tying the outdoor room back to the house. It overlooks the yard and is built for year-round evenings outside.
Walk through the home
Take a video tour of the finished house, from the entry and main living spaces to the owner’s suite and outdoor living.
Painted brick in North Alabama neighborhoods
Two local considerations are worth raising early. First, North Alabama’s humidity makes breathability even more important, so the choice of paint or finish matters. Second, many neighborhoods have architectural review rules for exterior colors and materials, so check your HOA’s requirements before committing to a painted finish.
Before you design: a painted brick checklist
- Do you want solid color, or would limewash or stain give you the look with less upkeep?
- Is the product breathable and made for masonry?
- On new construction, is the brick made for painting, or will you wait the recommended time?
- Do your HOA rules allow it?
- What will add warmth inside to balance a crisp exterior?
Frequently asked questions
Is painting brick a good idea?
It can be, if you want the look and accept the upkeep. Use a breathable product made for masonry and prepare the surface properly. If you love natural brick, consider stain or limewash, which change the color with less risk.
Does painted brick need maintenance?
Yes. Unpainted brick needs very little upkeep, but painted brick needs periodic touch-ups and recoating over time. How often depends on the product, the color and the home’s exposure to sun and weather.
What is the difference between painted brick and limewash?
Paint gives solid, opaque color. Limewash is a softer, slightly translucent finish that lets some of the brick show through and wears away gradually over time.
Can you paint new brick?
Yes, but not right away. The Brick Industry Association advises waiting at least 28 days after brickwork is complete. Another option is to choose brick made specifically to be painted.
Does Oak River Design work with my builder?
Yes. Oak River Design works with homeowners and builders across Huntsville, Athens and North Alabama and produces construction documents builders can price and build from. See how our design process works.
See the full project: more photos of this home are in our portfolio as Athens Residence II.
Planning a custom home in Athens, Huntsville or North Alabama? Start a conversation with Oak River Design or call (256) 424-3700.
