Like other types of masonry, brick is a high-quality cladding that never seems to go out of style. It’s more expensive than steel, vinyl, wood, or composite siding and it’s always in demand. Some of today’s finest homes boast brick cladding, but it’s not hard to find homes with painted brick if you look around. For many, the preference for bare or painted brick is a matter of personal style. Before you get out a bucket of paint and a brush, however, read on to understand why so many cringe at the idea of painting over brick.
Maintenance
Once painted, brick siding becomes a maintenance issue. Paint is not a permanent fix—it must be repainted when it begins to show wear. This means giving up a couple of weeks during the summer every three to five years to repaint the house. If you’re not prepared to tackle the task yourself, expect to pay around $2,500 for a professional paint job.
Beyond the time and cost, repainting brick isn’t as simple as slapping on a new coat. The surface needs proper prep—pressure washing, repairing cracks, and sometimes priming—to ensure the paint adheres well. Skipping these steps can lead to peeling or uneven finishes, which defeats the purpose of painting in the first place. And if you’re thinking of changing the color down the line, that’s another layer of complexity, as darker shades often require multiple coats to cover properly.
Moisture Issues
Brick is porous, but paint is not. Exterior paint forms a seal over the brick’s surface that will prevent any moisture in the bricks from evaporating and drying out. Trapped moisture, which can come from a leaky window or pipe, is a prime source of mold and mildew growth. What’s more, moisture in the bricks can cause the paint to release and peel off.
This moisture problem isn’t just about aesthetics. Over time, trapped water can weaken the brick itself, leading to crumbling or spalling, where the surface flakes away. In colder climates, freeze-thaw cycles can make this worse, as water trapped inside expands when it freezes. If you’re in a humid area or somewhere with heavy rainfall, think twice before painting—unless you’re ready to invest in high-quality, breathable paints designed specifically for masonry, which can mitigate some of these issues but come at a premium.
Buyer Beware
Coming across a freshly painted brick home while house-hunting should send up a red flag. Paint camouflages a host of problems, including cracks in mortar joints, soft mortar, or the presence of efflorescence—a powdery white substance that indicates high levels of moisture within the brick. Before buying a painted brick home, have a reputable home inspector check for potential hidden problems beneath the paint.
It’s worth noting that some sellers paint brick to boost curb appeal, but this can backfire. Savvy buyers know that a fresh coat might be hiding something, like deteriorating mortar or even structural issues. A good inspector will look for signs like uneven surfaces or subtle discoloration that could hint at underlying damage. If you’re set on a painted brick home, budget for a thorough inspection—it could save you thousands in repairs later.
Resists Restoration
In general, natural brick is more desirable to homeowners than painted brick, but attempting to remove the paint and restore the brick to its original grandeur is labor-intensive and cost-prohibitive. Clearing away the paint requires blasting with sand or silicone beads, which must be done with the greatest caution to avoid damaging the underlying bricks. Expect to pay an average of $3 per square foot, or more, to have the paint safely removed.
Restoration isn’t just about cost—it’s a gamble. Even with careful blasting, some bricks may end up pitted or discolored, especially if they’re older or softer. Chemical strippers are an alternative, but they’re messy and can still harm the brick if not applied correctly. If you’re considering painting, ask yourself if you’re okay with the brick staying painted forever, because going back is rarely worth the effort or expense.
When It’s Acceptable
Painting natural brick can reduce a home’s value, but there are occasions when it’s acceptable or even necessary. If the existing brick was repaired and the new bricks don’t match the old ones, painting can create a more uniform look. Additionally, some types of older handmade bricks (before 1870) require a coating of paint to protect the surface. Only certain types of paint are suitable for brick cladding, so consult with a masonry expert before choosing a paint type.
For example, if your home has a mix of brick types due to repairs or additions, painting can tie everything together visually. Older bricks, especially those from the 19th century, might be too fragile to withstand weathering without a protective layer. In these cases, using a mineral-based or limewash paint can be a smarter choice than standard latex, as they allow some breathability while still offering protection. Always test a small area first to see how the brick reacts—some absorb paint differently, and you don’t want surprises.
Indoor Brick Is Less Controversial
Your friends may gasp at the idea of painting over your home’s brick exterior, but few will care if you paint a brick fireplace or interior accent wall. It’s more acceptable to paint interior brick, and maintenance isn’t a factor indoors either, since the brick isn’t subject to rain and moisture retention.
Indoor brick, like a cozy fireplace or a loft-style accent wall, can be a great canvas for creativity. A fresh coat of paint can modernize a dated look or tie the brick into your interior decor. Whitewashing is a popular option here—it softens the brick’s texture while letting some of its natural character show through. Just keep in mind that even indoors, you’ll want to use a paint suited for masonry to avoid issues like cracking or peeling over time.
Plane Grace readers line up on both sides of this renovation controversy, as revealed in the comments on the Instagram post above. If you have an opinion on painted brick, we’d love to hear it!