Painting a brick house is one of the easiest ways to give your home a fresh, modern look. With proper prep and the right paint, you can transform dull, outdated brick into a sleek, weather-resistant surface without hiring a contractor. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you paint your brick house like a pro.
🧼 Step 1: Clean the Brick Surface
Use a hose to rinse off loose dirt. For tougher stains, scrub with a mix of dish soap and water or use a solution of ½ cup trisodium phosphate per gallon of water. For mildew, apply a 1:3 bleach and water mix, let sit 30 minutes, then scrub with a wire brush. Avoid acid cleaners—they can ruin the finish. For large areas, rent a 1500 PSI pressure washer.
🪟 Step 2: Protect Windows and Fixtures
Cover doors, windows, trim, gas meters, and any unpainted surfaces with painter’s tape and newspaper or plastic sheeting.
🧱 Step 3: Repair Cracks
Widen cracks slightly with a scraper, clean out debris, then fill with acrylic caulk. Smooth with a putty knife and let dry for at least 5 hours.
🎨 Step 4: Apply Masonry Primer
Use a roller to coat the brick in a masonry-specific primer. Start at the bottom, rolling upward and overlapping strokes. Apply extra coats to areas with prior efflorescence (white salt deposits). Allow the primer to fully dry before painting.
🖌 Step 5: Choose the Right Exterior Paint
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Elastomeric paint: Best for durability, especially in harsh climates. It fills cracks and resists water, sun, and temperature changes. Apply 2 coats.
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Acrylic latex: A more affordable option that allows the brick to breathe and prevents mildew. Typically needs just 1 coat unless coverage is thin.
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Semi-gloss or high-gloss: Ideal for moisture-prone areas and easy to clean. Best for accentuating texture but harder to touch up.
🧹 Step 6: Apply the Paint
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Roller: Great for smaller areas. Use a roller with thick nap to reach uneven brick texture. Roll in overlapping sections from bottom to top.
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Paint sprayer: Ideal for large surfaces. Hold the sprayer 6–12 inches from the wall and spray side-to-side with 50% overlap. Maintain a steady pace and avoid arcing. Use a brush to smooth drips as needed.
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Brush: Use for detail work near windows, doors, or trim.
⏱ Step 7: Dry Time and Second Coat
Check your paint label for drying times. Latex paints usually dry in 1 hour and can be recoated after 4 hours. Oil-based paints may need 6–8 hours to dry and 24 hours for recoating. Only apply a second coat if the manufacturer recommends it.
✅ Conclusion
Painting your brick house can boost curb appeal and protect your exterior when done right. By following these expert-backed steps—cleaning, prepping, priming, and using the right exterior paint—you can give your home a fresh, long-lasting finish without the cost of professional painters.
