Painting brick is a popular way to modernize a space, improve curb appeal, and personalize your home’s look. It’s something that a lot of homeowners are considering these days, as evidenced by all the photos of beautiful, modern painted brick floating around online.

Before you commit, it’s worth taking a closer look at what it actually involves. In this post, we’ll walk you through the upsides, the potential pitfalls, and a few alternatives if you’re not quite ready to go all-in.

Why So Many People Are Painting Brick

Brick has charm- no doubt about it. But sometimes, that classic red or orange tone just doesn’t fit the image you have of what you want your home to be. Maybe it’s that it makes your home feel darker than you’d like, or that you’re tired of an outdated, unappealing fireplace that sucks the life out of an otherwise stylish room.

Painting brick can completely change the feel of a space. It lets you modernize, brighten things up, or just make the space feel more “you.”

The Pros of Painting Brick

1. Improves Appeal

One of the biggest advantages of painting brick is the immediate transformation it provides. If you’re flipping a home or just want your place to stand out on the block, a new coat of paint on the brick exterior of a house can modernize the entire look.

2. Customization

Painting brick allows you to match your home’s aesthetic or interior design more easily. You’re not limited to the natural red, brown, or orange tones of traditional brick- you can go for soft neutrals, bolder darks, or the increasingly popular choice, white.

3. Conceals Imperfections

Older brick often comes with blemishes, uneven coloring, or mortar discoloration. Painting can provide a uniform finish that hides years of discoloration.

4. Added Protection (When Done Right)

Using the correct type of paint can help protect exterior brick from moisture damage and mildew. This aspect is especially important in Oregon’s rainy climate, where moisture control is key.

The Cons of Painting Brick

1. It’s Permanent

Once you paint brick, there’s no going back. Removing paint from brick is extremely difficult and costly, and is rarely successful without damaging the brick underneath. So if you’re even slightly unsure, consider a reversible option like limewash (we’ll talk more about that later).

2. Ongoing Maintenance

Unlike bare brick, which ages naturally, painted brick needs ongoing upkeep. Chipping, fading, and moisture damage can all occur over time, especially on exteriors that are exposed to the elements. You’ll likely need to repaint every 5–10 years, depending on conditions and paint quality.

3. Moisture Risks

Brick is porous and needs to “breathe.” Using the wrong type of paint, especially anything non-breathable like latex or oil-based, can trap moisture inside the brick, leading to damage, mold, or flaking paint. That’s why it’s essential to use a breathable masonry paint and prep the surface properly.

4. Not All Brick Should Be Painted

If your brick is crumbling, spalling (flaking), or has been previously sealed, painting it may cause more harm than good. Always check the condition of the brick and consult a pro if you’re unsure.

Painted brick requires consistent maintenance, or else it flakes off and looks distressed

Why You Can’t Use Regular Paint on Brick

Brick is different from most surfaces in your home- it’s porous, which means it soaks up and releases moisture over time. If you use standard paint, like latex, oil-based, or other common types you might see on our shelves at Forrest Paint, you can end up trapping moisture inside the brick. That trapped water has nowhere to go, so it can cause the paint to bubble up, crack, or peel; in the worst cases, it can damage the brick and mortar.

The solution is to use paint made for masonry. Masonry paints are breathable, letting moisture escape while still giving you a durable finish that sticks properly to the textured surface. It’s the kind of product that helps your painted brick look great for years, instead of just a season or two.

Alternatives to Painting Brick

If you're not 100% ready to commit to painting brick, here are a few alternatives that still allow you to change the look of your space:

Limewash

Limewash is a technique that creates a soft, chalky finish while allowing the texture and imperfections of the brick to show through. It’s breathable, non-toxic, and ages beautifully. Plus, you can often wash it off within the first few days if you change your mind.

Whitewash

Whitewashing brick involves diluting paint with water to create a semi-transparent look. It tones down the brick color without completely covering it. This technique gives you more of a rustic, worn-in charm and is often used for interior brick walls and fireplaces.

Staining

Brick stains penetrate the surface without covering the natural texture. Staining offers a more natural look than paint while still allowing you to change the color. It's also breathable and typically requires less maintenance.

When Painting Brick Makes Sense

If you’re dealing with brick that’s in good shape, and you’ve done your homework on products and prep, painting brick can be a great move. It’s especially worth considering if:

You want a cleaner, more modern look
You don’t mind the idea of occasional upkeep
You’re using the right type of paint and tools for the job
You’re really sure about the decision, because remember- it’s nearly impossible to take back

Pro Tips for Painting Brick the Right Way

Clean thoroughly first: Dirt and mildew will prevent paint from adhering correctly.
Check for damage: Repair crumbling or cracked bricks before painting.
Use breathable paint: This allows moisture to escape and prevents trapped water damage.
Don’t skip the primer: A masonry primer will help your top coat stick better and last longer.
Pay attention to the weather: Avoid painting in extreme heat, cold, or humidity.

Final Thoughts

Painting brick isn’t the best choice for everyone, but it can completely transform a space when it’s done well. Take your time deciding, explore alternatives if you’re not ready to commit, and if you do go for it—make sure you’re set up for success with the right prep and paint.

Still need a bit of clarification? If you’re in the Eugene/Springfield area, stop by Forrest Paint or give us a call- we’re always here to answer questions, recommend products, and help you turn your vision into reality.

Should You Paint Brick? Pros, Cons, and Alternatives