how to paint a brick house

Want to refresh or update your home exterior but not sure how to paint a brick house? Then this is the blog post for you. Painting over brick is a fantastic way to get some colour into your home, and can even add value onto the property – which might be why UK homeowners spend 25 per cent of their DIY budget on home exterior improvements.

But, as with most paint jobs, there are a few tips and tricks you should know about how to paint exterior brick walls. There are also a couple of scenarios when painting brick might not be the best idea, so we’ll run through those as well.

can you paint exterior brick walls?

Painting over exterior brick walls can be a quick win. You can add some welcome colour to the property, get it looking fresh, or even transform it entirely. But – as with interior painting – the key is in the prep.

Depending on the exact kind of wall, you might need to use specialist paints and cleaning products to get the best results. You’ll want it to stay weather-proof and vibrant for years to come – not to mention eco-friendly. For those reasons we’d usually recommend a water-based masonry paint or exterior walls paint, keeping your colours shining for years to come while doing their bit to fight climate change.

is painting brick always a good idea?

But is it always a good idea to paint brick? The short answer is no. There are some times when it’s a really good idea not to paint brick at all. New brick walls do not take paint well – they give out a powdery substance and need time to cure (at least a month) before painting might be doable.

It’s also not a good idea to paint really dirty or damaged walls, so get prepping first. Some homes can also be subject to rules and regulations around which types of paint or paint colours are used, so check if these might apply to you.

what’s the benefit of painting exterior brick walls?

So, when should you paint your outside walls? It can be a great way to:

• Increase your house’s kerb appeal if you’re looking to sell or rent, and can even make your home worth more.
• Get a new colour scheme going. Tired of your old colour or naked bricks? Then adding a splash of colour can help.
• Protect your brickwork. Painting your brickwork can sometimes protect the underlying wall from the elements, especially if you use waterproof paints with great colour retention.
• Keep maintenance low. Freshly painted walls can also be a lot easier to keep clean than brick. They won’t let dirt and mould get in like bricks can, and just need a little TLC every now and then.

To get all of these benefits, it’s all about using the right exterior paints – after you’ve scrubbed the walls nice and clean of course.

the keys to painting brick

There are four main steps to painting your brick house:

1. Prep exterior walls
2. Clean exterior walls
3. Use a good primer
4. Paint the walls

All that’s left after that is to sit back, relax, and admire a job well done.

how to prep exterior walls for painting

When learning how to paint a brick house, it’s tempting to go ahead and search for external house colours and themes. But the first step should always be prep. Good, solid prep will get your walls ready for action and give your paint the best chance of looking its best.

A good start is to check your brick walls for holes and cracks, using adhesives and fillers to get things up to scratch. Sanding after filling will help get the surface nice and even before cleaning.

how to clean exterior walls before painting

We know it’s not the most fun step, but getting your exterior walls gleaming will get you better results when all’s said and done. Start by removing any loose paint, debris and grease. Then use a cleaner (we recommend Bartoline Sugar Soap) with a pressure washer for a fast and easy way to get rid of dirt.

how to seal exterior brick

Surfaces like brick then need a good primer before you add any paint. Think of it like a glue that helps the paint stay in place. We’d highly recommend a stabilising primer to seal and bind the surface – getting it ready to help your chosen paint do its job. You can apply this with a long roller, giving it plenty of time to dry.

how to paint exterior brick wall

Now for the fun part! Once you’ve prepped, cleaned and primed, your exterior wall is ready for action. Get your best water-based eco-friendly paint and start applying. It’s a good idea to use tape to protect things you don’t want paint on, like windows, doors and gutters – then simply apply around it. Allow plenty of time to dry and apply as many coats as needed.

If you need a little colour inspiration, we think pairing a strong blue, green or grey with a white can give your exterior great character. Maybe choose a bold colour for the front door to finish the look!

taking diy outdoors

Painting an exterior brick wall is a brilliant way to refresh your home. You’ll want to prep, clean and seal first, before applying your favourite shade of exterior wall paint. If you take the time to get the wall ready and use high-quality paint, you’ll be rewarded with a vibrant finish that stays its best for years. For more paint tips and tricks, check out our blog.