Should You Paint Your Brick House? Pros, Cons, and Costs
- Karrie Combs
- Jun 10, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 27, 2025
If you're considering painting your brick house, you're not alone. It's a question that many homeowners face as they look for ways to freshen up their home's appearance and increase curb appeal. In fact, painting brick exteriors has become a growing trend for many reasons, but like any home improvement decision, it comes with pros, cons, and costs. So — should you paint your brick house? Let’s break it all down.
Should You Paint Your Brick House? A Smart Investment or a Regret?
Why Homeowners Are Asking This Question More Than Ever
Brick homes have been a staple of residential architecture for decades, but recently, homeowners are looking for a change. I’ve had friends who live in older homes with that classic red brick, and while they love the durability, they feel that the color just doesn’t match their modern style. It's easy to see why painting has become a popular option. A freshly painted brick exterior can completely transform the look of your home.
Beyond just looks, painting brick can also help boost home value. When done correctly, a painted brick exterior can give your property an edge in today’s competitive housing market. But before you decide, it's important to weigh both sides.
Key Factors to Consider Before You Decide
Before you rush to schedule a paint job, consider these important factors:
Brick Condition: If your brick is damaged, crumbling, or highly porous, painting may not be your best option. Repairs may be needed first.
HOA or Historic Guidelines: Always check neighborhood or historical restrictions before making permanent changes to your home’s exterior.
Long-Term Commitment: Painted brick is permanent. Once you paint, you're committing to future maintenance and repainting down the road.
The Pros of Painting a Brick House
Instantly Modernize and Beautify Your Exterior
One of the biggest reasons people choose to paint brick is the instant transformation. I recently watched a neighbor take their 1960s dark red brick home and turn it into a crisp, light gray showpiece. The difference was night and day — it looked like a brand-new house.
Paint allows you to update your home’s style without a major renovation. Whether you prefer modern whites, cool grays, or warmer taupes, painting gives you design flexibility that bare brick simply can’t offer.
Added Protection from the Elements
Brick is durable, but it’s also porous. Over time, moisture can seep into untreated brick, leading to stains, mildew, or even internal damage. When painted correctly with breathable masonry paint, you’re adding an extra layer of protection against rain, humidity, and dirt. For homeowners in wetter or more humid climates, this added defense can help extend the life of your home’s exterior.
The Cons of Painting a Brick House
It’s Permanent — and Not Easily Reversible
This is the biggest hesitation for many homeowners. Once you paint your brick, it’s extremely difficult—and often very expensive—to remove the paint and return to the natural look. I know someone who regretted painting their brick after a few years, only to find that reversing it would cost thousands and could damage the brick permanently.
Risk of Moisture Trapping if Done Incorrectly
Brick needs to breathe. Using the wrong type of paint, or failing to properly prep the surface, can trap moisture inside the brick. This can lead to flaking paint, mold growth, or even structural damage. That’s why hiring a contractor experienced in brick painting is so important—they know the products and prep work required to keep your home safe long-term.
How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Brick House?
Brick House Painting Cost Breakdown
While every home is a little different, here’s a general idea of what you can expect when painting a brick exterior:
Home Size | Estimated Cost (Professional Contractor) | What This Typically Includes |
Small Ranch (1,200–1,500 sq ft) | $4,000 – $6,500 | Power washing, prep, 2 coats of breathable masonry paint, cleanup |
Mid-Sized Home (1,600–2,500 sq ft) | $6,000 - $9000 | Full exterior prep, minor repairs, premium paint, multiple colors if needed |
Large 2-Story Home (2,600–4,000+ sq ft) | $9,000 – $15,000+ | Extensive prep, ladder/scaffolding work, high-end materials, detailed trim work |
Keep in mind:
Complex architecture, multiple colors, damaged brick, or difficult access points can increase costs.
High-quality masonry paint and professional prep are key to long-lasting results.
Professional contractors also carry insurance, so your home and property are protected during the job.
👉 Pro Tip: The cheapest estimate isn’t always the best. Look for companies that use the right products for brick, offer solid prep work, and stand behind their work with a warranty.
Is Painting Your Brick House Worth It?
When It Adds Value — and When It Doesn’t
In many cases, painting your brick home does add value — especially if your current exterior looks dated, stained, or mismatched to the rest of the home. If you’re planning to sell in a competitive market, fresh exterior paint can make your home more attractive to buyers.
However, it may not always make sense for every home. Some buyers still prefer the natural look of brick, especially in certain architectural styles. Consider your neighborhood, the style of your home, and how long you plan to live there before making the final call.
How to Know If It’s the Right Move for You
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself:
Do I plan to sell in the near future?
Am I ready for future repainting and upkeep?
Will painted brick complement the overall look of my home and neighborhood?
Ready to Transform Your Brick Exterior?
Why Homeowners Trust Professional Painters
When you're investing in a project like this, experience matters. Professional painters bring proper prep, premium products, attention to detail, and insured crews who protect your property throughout the entire process. The right team ensures your brick painting project is done safely, correctly, and beautifully.
Schedule a Free Estimate Today
If you're ready to explore your options, we’re here to help. Schedule a free consultation today and let’s discuss how we can transform your brick home into something you’ll love for years to come.
I love the look of a painted brick home.