If your Oregon home has a brick exterior, you might think there is little to do to update it. While it’s a timeless and earthy architectural element, it can date a home and cause it to feel old. Whether it’s a chimney or your entire exterior, you are only limited by your imagination. Stains and paints have been created to work well with the porous material. Use colors to bring new life to your bricks. Just because it is possible, doesn’t mean it is easy. Many people assume changing the brick is as simple as painting a wall. The job is a bit more intricate than that. In addition to basic painting skills and tools, you should know that there are a few things to consider before taking on this project.

Painted Brick is Relatively Permanent

Most of the time, painting can be changed and removed fairly easily. With brick, this isn’t the case. To put brick back to its natural state after painting, you’ll have to go through a complete restoration process. This sort of a process requires specialized knowledge, tools and products. Before you decide to paint your brick, be fully prepared to commit to the color and choices you make. Restoration can be cost prohibitive for many homeowners.

Choose the Right Color

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 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.

On-Going Maintenance is Necessary

Painted brick will require regular maintenance. Keeping your painted bricks in good condition will provide protection against failure and the elements. When working outside, taking UV Rays into consideration is important. Once the paint begins to fade, you’ll need to consider power washing or a repainting to protect the walls. The rain that is so frequent in Oregon is also essential to consider for your brick maintenance procedures. Fortunately, brick exterior does not have to be painted as frequently as other types of home surfaces.One way to avoid frequent repainting is to prime appropriately and use a light color. Consider colors like off-white, cream, eggshell or other white versions.

CertaPro Can Help Your Brick Exterior

If you need help to paint your brick exterior, CertaPro Painters® can help! We have dedicated color consultants that look at your space and help choose the best color for your home. Additionally, we have a variety of exterior painting services to make all of your dreams come true. Just check out our local portfolio to see for yourself! We are expert painters in the Tigard, West Lynn, and surrounding areas. Our professionals always stay on budget and finish on time. Even better, we can start your exterior painting project today! To get in touch with one of our professionals, call 971-202-8065 or fill out our free, no-obligation form. We look forward to working with you!