If you’re sick of your home’s reddish-brown brick exterior, you may be tempted to drench it in white paint and start over with a clean slate. While brick painting has been one of the defining trends of the 2020s, it’s important to take a step back and consider the pros and cons before following in your neighbors’ footsteps.
The Trouble With Trends
Turn on any home improvement show, open a magazine, or drive through your neighborhood and you’ll see a plethora of white brick houses with black trim and wood accents. While this style may be chic today, that won’t be the case forever. Trends are ever-changing, and soon enough, white brick will likely join the ranks of the 2000s McMansions and midcentury ranch-style homes of yesteryear.
There’s nothing wrong with following trends, though — just be sure you’re doing it because it’s something you really love and can see yourself being happy with years down the line, not just because you want to fit in with the crowd.
Making Informed Decisions About Brick Painting
In general, it’s best to leave brick as-is. Brick needs to breathe, and if it’s covered in paint, moisture can get trapped inside and cause water damage or mold growth. Furthermore, brick should be able to expand and contract with temperature changes. Brick painting prevents expansion and contraction, which can lead to cracking.
However, this doesn’t mean that brick painting is totally off the table; it just means you’ll have to be diligent about maintenance. Regular inspections and touch-ups are essential to keep your home’s exterior in top condition. Be prepared to call in the professionals at the first sign of cracking, bubbling, or peeling to prevent issues from escalating.
Additionally, if you decide to go with brick painting, you should ensure the paint you choose is specially formulated for masonry. Brick paint is not the same as regular exterior paint — it’s porous, durable, easy to apply, and provides superior adhesion.
Alternatives to Brick Painting
If you’ve decided brick painting isn’t for you, there are plenty of other ways to update your brick home’s aesthetics. Here are some ideas:
Pressure Washing
Believe it or not, a clean start may be just what you need to fall in love with your home’s brick surfaces. Pressure washing and soft washing are great ways to remove years’ worth of built-up dirt and grime, brightening your home’s appearance and revealing its true colors.
Brick Staining
If you’d like to change up the color of your brick, consider staining it. Because stain is less opaque than paint, it can transform the appearance of your home while still allowing the brick to breathe. However, your color options are more limited, as stain is typically only available in earth tones and neutrals.
Whitewashing
Whitewashing involves creating a thin, watered-down paint and spreading it over the surface of the brick. This transformation is more subtle, allowing the natural color variations of the brick to show through and creating interesting textures.
Mortar
Adding mortar can be a great alternative to brick painting or staining. The mortar wash technique (also known as German smear) is achieved by mixing mortar and water and spreading it onto the brick using a trowel. The random patterns and rich textures create an appearance similar to whitewashing.
Focus on Accents
Rather than changing the appearance of the brick itself, consider updating the surrounding elements. For instance, you can add wood accents to your home’s exterior, paint the trim, replace the light fixtures, upgrade your outdoor furniture, or re-stain the deck. By focusing on creating a cohesive aesthetic, you can highlight the beauty of the natural brick, allowing it to become a focal point in your home’s exterior design.
Add Greenery
Red and green are complementary colors, which means that adding greenery around the outside of your home can create a striking contrast to brick’s rusty tones. For maximum impact, plant Boston ivy or Virginia creeper and allow it to grow up the exterior walls, evoking images of a charming cottage in the English countryside.
Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal
The outside of your home is the first thing people see when they come to visit, so it’s important to ensure it reflects your unique personality and lifestyle.
At Brush Brothers Painting, we do it all — whether you’re looking for exterior painting, wood staining and sealing, or more specialized services, our experts can transform your home’s exterior, instantly boosting its curb appeal. Contact us today to get started on your exterior painting project!
