What are the pros and cons of painting a brick house? That is really something you should think about before you make the final decision. Are there reasons to paint or not to paint? I’m a pretty big fan of painted brick, but it is not for everyone. Plenty of homeowners insist that brick, like stained wood, should not be painted. Still others argue that a fresh coat of paint dramatically alters its appearance, giving your home a whole new lease on life! So, let’s look at the upside and the downside so you can make the decision that is right for you.
CONS
It is permanent. Once you paint the brick there is no going back to the original exterior. It will need to remain painted. There is an upside though… you can change the color when its time to repaint. That gives you a ton of options in the future.
Moisture can cause paint to chip. Over time, excessive moisture can cause the paint to chip, especially near the ground. This is easily dealt with if you repaint every 7 – 10 years, which is the usual amount of time between paintings whether your home is brick or siding. Just don’t ignore it when you first notice any chipping.
You may need to clean your exterior more often. Natural brick doesn’t show dirt and mold quite as much as paint. Therefore, you may need to do a quick pressure washing regularly to keep your home looking its best.
Before
After
PROS
Increase your curb appeal. Painting your brick home a classic white or gray will give your home great visual appeal! Adding a pop of color on the front door will create a designer look, too! This will totally upgrade your exterior look and set you apart from your neighbors’ homes. When painted brick is done well it gives a modern and sophisticated look.
You’re not stuck with one color. Painting your brick home presents great creative opportunities. Most people choose one color for the brick and one or two other contrasting but complementary colors for sills, door and door jambs. Not only that, but when you are ready to paint again – a few years down the line – you can change the entire color scheme if you so choose!
Paint offers protection. A coat of fresh paint acts as a sealant for the brick. It will help protect against rain, harsh weather and seasonal damage – all of which can reduce the color of unpainted brick.
Its low maintenance. The good thing about painted brick is that it is easy to clean. The paint provides a smoother surface than natural brick. You can easily clean it with a quick power wash and restore its beauty. Without paint, the brick is porous and catches a lot of dirt and grime.
For more gallery pictures from Pinterest, click here!
If you are considering painting your brick home or just the window sills, soffits and doors, ColaTown Painting will be happy to come to your home, assess the project and give you a free, no-obligation estimate. Call Britt 803-603-6486 or e-mail ellisb@colatownpainting.com. You’ll get professional results without lifting a finger!
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