Brick homes have a stately look that says this house is secure. Bright red brick in its new, pristine status is regal but after a few seasons, the brick can lose its luster. Updating bricks is necessary for look and maintenance. You have a few options to undergo this process. Should you choose brick staining or brick painting? What colors work best for brick home exteriors? Did you know that you can modify the look of your brick while adding a protective layer? It’s true! Both painting or staining bricks will add a new luster to the color and protect your home from the elements. In this article, our local Pittsburgh professionals dive into all you need to know about your options for a brick home exterior. 

Brick Painting

Painting bricks can completely change the color of the stones with an opaque option. This gives you many options for colors but must be precisely done to create lasting results. Bricks must be completely clean to allow the paint to adhere to it. This requires a rigorous brushing with trisodium phosphate. If the bricks were painted prior to this, it will need to be completely sandblasted off. 

Next, apply a stain-blocking, oil-based primer to create a good tooth for the paint. This will protect the brick from dirt and soot, especially if you are painting a fireplace. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to apply a layer to the entire area. After the primer has dried completely, put at least two coats of exterior paint appropriate for bricks on the stones. Bricks are not a smooth surface and have quite a few porous traits. Two coats might not cover each uneven surface. Do not be afraid to add another layer. 

Pros and Cons of Brick Painting

Painting bricks allows you to protect the surface of the stones. Also, because more colours are available, you’ll have a wider selection to choose from. Once bricks are painted, they will likely need to be redone every five years or so. So in a few years you will need to remove the paint and start over. The bricks can hold onto moisture so it’s imperative to allow the stones plenty of time to dry. Otherwise, painting will only trap the moisture inside. This could cause the paint to peel off prematurely. Using paints made for porous bricks will help alleviate this problem.

Brick Staining

The second option to change the look of your bricks is with staining. This will preserve the natural look while protecting it from environmental factors.

Again, you’ll need to completely clean the bricks with a mild detergent. Follow that up with a water-based stain. These options are easy to apply and allow the brick to breathe, preventing the moisture build up we see with paint. When you shop, inform your salesperson that this is for a porous brick. 

Pros and Cons of Staining

Stain is the best option to maintain and protect bricks while allowing the natural porous nature to continue. To determine if your bricks can be stained, throw water on the bricks. If it runs off without absorbing, it’s likely already sealed. This means you’ll have to remove the sealant with thinner or brick sealer stripper before proceeding. Always test a small patch first to make sure the bricks won’t be ruined. 

Best Colors for Brick

If the bricks have lost their luster, or never really had it, you have a lot of options to add color to the brick portion of your home. Change the color with a perfectly painted solution. Whether you paint your brick exterior with natural hues, or something a little more vibrant, there are no color rules. Here are a few of our favorite hues: 

• White: White can bring a sophisticated feel to a traditional brick home exterior, and is a great choice. The mortar texture can really add style to the white painted bricks. When paired up with another color for trim or the rest of your home’s exterior, white bricks go well with most colors.You can even use the white painted brick theme inside in the form of a fireplace. 
• Black: While black seems counterintuitive, it’s the perfect way to showcase your bricks. Using the black against a bright brick creates the feeling of muted charcoal rather than strictly black. If you are considering a deep color like this in our area, remember the sun tends to leach pigments from colors. This will work best if your home is more shaded and protected from the sun. When paired with bricks, it is a timeless and secure look that will last through many seasons. 

Get the Best Brick Home Exterior Painting 

If you need help with your brick painting project, call CertaPro Painters® of Pittsburgh East! We are expert brick painters in the Pennsylvania area, we always stay on budget and on time, and we can start your exterior painting project today. To get in touch with one of our professionals, call 412-443-5939 or fill out our free, no-obligation form. We look forward to working with you!