Can You Paint the Bricks on the Exterior of Your House? (and should You)
Key Takeaways
Whether brick homes can be safely and effectively painted
The pros and cons of painting exterior brick
How Southern Oregon’s weather affects paint adhesion and longevity
What to know about surface prep, paint types, and long-term maintenance
Painting a brick home can completely transform its appearance, offering a fresh, modern look while protecting the masonry from weathering. But it’s not a decision to take lightly. Brick behaves differently than wood or siding—it’s porous, moisture-sensitive, and permanent once coated.
This guide walks you through what to consider before painting, how to do it right, and why working with professionals ensures a lasting, beautiful result for your Southern Oregon home.
Can You Paint a Brick House?
Yes — but it requires the right preparation and products. Brick can be painted successfully, provided it’s clean, dry, and structurally sound. Because brick is porous, moisture can get trapped behind paint if it’s not applied properly, leading to peeling or efflorescence.
When Painting Brick Makes Sense
- The brick is faded, stained, or uneven in color
- You want a modern, updated exterior style
- The surface has previously been painted and you want a refresh
When You Should Avoid Painting Brick
- The brick is retaining moisture or has visible efflorescence (white chalky residue)
- There are signs of crumbling or spalling (flaking brick faces)
- You’re unsure about future maintenance — painted brick is a permanent change
Pros and Cons of Painting Exterior Brick
Before committing, it’s important to understand both the advantages and trade-offs.
Advantages of Painting Brick
Painting your brick home can be a game-changer for curb appeal and protection:
- Dramatically modernizes the home’s appearance
- Helps seal small cracks and gaps from weather exposure
- Reduces mildew and moss buildup in damp Southern Oregon conditions
Drawbacks to Consider
While paint can protect, it also changes how brick breathes and weathers:
- Once painted, the brick must always remain painted
- Paint can trap moisture if applied incorrectly
- Requires occasional maintenance to prevent chipping and fading
Best Paint for Exterior Brick
Not all paints are created equal for masonry surfaces.
For lasting results, use elastomeric or mineral-based masonry paints—they flex with temperature changes and allow the surface to “breathe.” High-quality products from trusted brands also offer UV resistance and mold protection, essential for the Rogue Valley’s sunny summers and damp winters.
Recommended Paint Characteristics
- Breathable and moisture-permeable
- UV-resistant for color retention
- Formulated for masonry or brick exteriors
- Primer and topcoat designed to work together
Proper Preparation Before Painting Brick
Preparation makes or breaks a brick paint job. Power washing alone isn’t enough—surface repair and drying time are key.
Surface Prep Steps
- Inspect and clean: Remove dirt, mildew, and loose debris.
- Repair: Patch cracks and damaged mortar.
- Dry thoroughly: Brick must be completely dry before painting (often 24–48 hours after cleaning).
- Prime and paint: Use a masonry primer before applying two coats of paint.
Tip: Learn more about drying time after washing in our “How Long After Power Washing Can You Paint” guide.
How Long Does Painted Brick Last?
With proper prep and high-quality paint, a professionally painted brick home can last 10–15 years before needing touch-ups, whereas painted wood siding lasts 7-10 years. Longevity depends on the paint used, local weather exposure, and how well moisture is managed around the home.
Should You Hire a Professional to Paint Brick?
Painting brick requires experience, the right tools, and timing. Professionals understand how to prep porous surfaces, select breathable coatings, and work within Southern Oregon’s unpredictable weather windows.
Hiring an expert ensures your investment enhances—not harms—your home’s exterior.
Bring Your Brick to Life with Pacific Home Painting
If you’re considering painting your brick home, trust Pacific Home Painting for expert preparation, quality products, and results built to last. We’ve helped homeowners across Southern Oregon—from historic brick cottages to modern builds—refresh their exteriors with precision and care.
Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how the right paint can elevate your home’s beauty and protection for years to come.
FAQs
Yes, painting a brick house can be a great idea if your brick is in good condition and you want a cleaner, more modern look. It also adds a protective layer against Southern Oregon’s wet winters and summer sun. However, once brick is painted, it’s permanent—you’ll need to maintain it every 10–15 years.
A properly painted brick home can last 10–15 years when prepped and painted with high-quality masonry paint. Longevity depends on the quality of the paint, weather exposure, and whether the surface was allowed to dry completely before painting.
For the best results, use elastomeric or mineral-based masonry paints. These paints allow moisture to escape (so the brick can breathe) while still protecting against UV rays, rain, and mildew—ideal for homes in Southern Oregon’s mixed climate.
Yes. A masonry primer helps seal the brick’s porous surface and ensures the topcoat adheres properly. Skipping primer can lead to uneven coverage and premature peeling.
Absolutely. Power washing removes dirt, mildew, and loose material so the paint adheres properly. Just make sure the brick dries completely—typically 24 to 48 hours—before applying primer or paint.
Not if done correctly. Damage usually occurs when non-breathable paint traps moisture, leading to peeling or efflorescence. Using breathable paint and proper prep prevents these issues.