Your home is one of the biggest investments you will ever make. Because of that, it’s important that you keep it well maintained and updated. But over time, even brick homes can get outdated and tired looking. If you’re not happy with the way your home’s brick exterior is aging, but don’t know what to do about it, consider painting.

Painting brick can be a great option to give your home an on-trend, fresh face. There are pros and cons to the idea though that you should carefully consider before you hire a brick painting company to do the job.

Benefits of Painting a Brick Home

It enhances the curb appeal. Painted brick can make your home a standout in the neighborhood and a place people passing by notice and admire. Done correctly, it can add serious value to your property and allow you to ask top dollar for it if you decide to sell.

The color you decide on depends on your personal preference and the impression you want to make.

Bright white will give your home a classic yet modern and fresh look. It gives contrasting shutters and doors that extra pop that is so striking.

Off White gives the feel of European, old-world charm that is warm and inviting.

Greige is not gray and not beige, but a beautiful taupey combination of the two. If you’re looking for something light, but not white, greige could be a great alternative.

Black brick is a good choice for the homeowner looking for an edgy, modern exterior. Surrounding it with showy, bright greenery it a great way to create stunning contrast.

Dark, Grey-blue will give your home the drama you want without the starkness and edge of black. Consider pairing it with contrasting, natural wood doors and shutters for a bold statement that is still warm and inviting.

Light Grey gives a warm look to your home. If you are a fan of the monochromatic look and have a slate roof, grey is a natural selection. Metal planters beside a slate grey door and slate grey shutters on the windows will complete the picture.

It’s easy to maintain. Brick is a porous material. That means over time dirt and debris get lodged in the brick making it hard to restore it to its original, pristine condition. By contrast, painted brick only needs the occasional power washing to restore its luster.

It protects your home from the elements. Paint acts as a sealant protecting the brick from all kinds of weather conditions. The paint will also help your home’s exterior from deteriorating and fading.

What you need to consider before you make your decision

Painted brick is a permanent fix. Once your home’s exterior has been painted, you can’t change your mind and return it to the original brick. Brick painters know trying to remove the paint will end up costing you a lot of money. And you probably won’t be satisfied with the results.

The good news is that if you decide to paint your brick exterior, you can repaint and change the color as often as you want. A professional residential paint contractor is a good source of suggestions for what colors will most easily paint over your current color.

Painted brick is not maintenance-free. Painted brick has to be cleaned regularly to keep it looking fresh. Dirt and mildew are more noticeable on paint than on natural brick. Having a professional come out and power wash the exterior periodically is all you need. This can be done easily and affordably, usually costing just a few hundred dollars.

Painted brick can chip due to moisture. A lot of exteriors will do this, but painted brick is prone to this especially close to the ground. The solution is to repaint every 7 – 10 years with occasional touch-ups as necessary to keep your home looking spotless.

Dos and don’ts to think about when painting brick

Homebuyers tend to choose brick because of its durability and built-in color. Many assume its luster will last forever. When you realize your brick exterior needs a facelift however, painting it can be an affordable and attractive solution. Before you paint, there are some dos and don’ts that have to be taken into consideration.

Don’t paint deteriorating or damaged brick. You can’t hide dirt, mold, chipped, or deteriorated brick with a paint job. Compromised brick is a magnet for moisture. When you paint it, you are only exaggerating an already serious problem. A good residential painting contractor can assess the condition of your home’s exterior and recommend a solution that works for you.

Don’t paint until you are positive this is the change you want to make. Once you paint brick, you can’t turn back the clock. Before you take the huge step of painting your whole house, consider smaller, less permanent changes. You might try painting the shutters, trim, and doors a bright color that is a pleasing contrast to the current brick color.

The change this makes may be all you need to create a fresh, modern, and on-trend appearance that pleases you and impresses your neighbors. Don’t forget about your roof. It’s a big part of your home. Be sure the colors you pick are compatible with the type and color of your roof.

Do use the right paint. You can’t use just any old paint on brick. A high-grade masonry exterior paint, including primer, is imperative if you expect long-lasting, successful results. A professional brick painting company will send a residential painting contractor to your home to discuss your project and explain how to choose the best primers and paint.

Do consider staining instead of painting. If you really like the texture of brick and are afraid you will lose that look if you paint, staining can be a good alternative. The prep work is similar to painting but has longer-lasting results. On the positive side, stains don’t chip or peel. Staining is a less dramatic solution to reviving your home’s look than an overall paint job. It can also be a less expensive solution that requires less maintenance than paint.

Do hire experienced professionals to do the job. Even if you are an experienced do-it-yourselfer, this is not a job you want to tackle on your own. Painting a brick house is a huge project that requires prepping with the proper tools and materials. You need the services of experts in the business to do a job that meets the high standards you expect.

Chrave Davis Painting specializes in residential and commercial painting projects. They will come to your home and discuss what you want to accomplish to create a new and vibrant exterior to one of your most important assets, your home. They can help you choose the exact color you want and finish the job with the attention to detail you have the right to expect. Chrave Davis Painting provides Ramsey MN homeowners with skillful, trustworthy, and fully licensed and insured brick painters who pride themselves on their superior craftsmanship. Using a variety of paint options and finishes, combined with superior customer service, these professionals will guarantee you a stress-free home improvement experience. Call today for a free, comprehensive analysis. 612.405.8002.