Thinking about giving your home's outside a fresh new look? Well, exterior brick paint colors can really change everything, you know? Whether you want to refresh your curb appeal or increase the value of your property, picking the right shade for your brick home is a pretty big decision. It’s not just about what looks good right now, but also how it holds up over time and what kind of feeling it gives off. A new paint job can totally transform an older house, making it feel modern and inviting, so.
Choosing the perfect color for your brick exterior can feel a bit overwhelming, to be honest, with so many options out there. You might be wondering what shades are popular these days or what will make your house stand out in a good way. It's about finding that balance between what you like and what makes sense for your specific home and neighborhood.
Luckily, there are tons of ideas to explore, and we're here to help you sort through them. From bright, airy tones to deep, moody hues, the right exterior brick paint colors can make your house feel completely different. We’ll look at what’s trending and give you some good tips for making a choice you’ll love for years to come.
Table of Contents
- Why Paint Your Brick Home?
- Things to Think About Before You Start
- Picking the Perfect Paint Color
- Beyond Solid Paint: Other Ways to Update Brick
- Choosing the Right Paint and Getting It On
- Keeping Your Painted Brick Looking Good
- Frequently Asked Questions About Exterior Brick Paint Colors
- Bringing It All Together
Why Paint Your Brick Home?
Painting your brick house can totally change its whole vibe, you know? One of the biggest reasons people choose to paint is to refresh their curb appeal. An older brick home might start to look a bit tired or dated, and a fresh coat of paint can really breathe new life into it, making it look crisp and inviting.
Beyond just looks, painting brick can actually help increase the value of your property. A well-maintained, updated exterior often appeals more to potential buyers, making your home more attractive on the market. It’s a way to give your house a modern feel without having to do a huge renovation, more or less.
Plus, painting offers a chance to personalize your home in a big way. If you’ve always wanted a certain color scheme or a different style, paint gives you that freedom. It lets you bring your vision to life and make your house truly feel like your own, which is pretty cool, actually.
Things to Think About Before You Start
Before you grab those paint brushes and pick out your favorite exterior brick paint colors, there are some really important things to consider. Painting brick is a pretty big commitment, and you want to make sure you’re ready for it. Getting it right from the start saves you a lot of headaches later on, obviously.
Getting the Surface Ready
Prepping the brick properly is, like, super crucial. You can’t just paint over dirty or damaged brick. You’ll need to clean the surface thoroughly, usually with a power washer, to get rid of any dirt, grime, or mildew. Any loose mortar or cracks need to be fixed too, so the paint has a smooth, sound base to stick to.
If you skip this step, the paint might not stick well, or it could peel and chip pretty quickly. That would be a real bummer, after all that effort. A clean, repaired surface helps the paint last longer and look its best, which is what you want, right?
Knowing Your Brick
Not all brick is the same, you know. Some older bricks might be more porous, meaning they soak up more moisture. This can affect how the paint behaves and how many coats you might need. It’s a good idea to understand the type of brick you have and its condition before you begin.
Also, once you paint brick, it’s a very, very hard thing to undo. Removing paint from brick is a huge job and can even damage the brick itself. So, be really sure about your decision before you start painting, because it’s kind of permanent.
Weather Considerations
The weather plays a big part in how well your paint job turns out and how long it lasts. You don’t want to paint when it’s too hot, too cold, or too humid. Extreme temperatures can make the paint dry too fast or too slow, leading to problems like bubbling or uneven finishes.
A dry, mild day with no rain in the forecast is usually best for painting outside. Check the weather predictions for several days, not just one, to make sure the paint has plenty of time to cure properly. This step is pretty important for a good, lasting result, you know.
Picking the Perfect Paint Color
Now for the fun part: choosing those exterior brick paint colors! This is where you get to express your style and really make your house shine. There are so many amazing options, and what looks good often depends on your home’s architecture and its surroundings, in a way.
The Ever-Popular White and Off-White Looks
White and off-white shades are, like, consistently popular for brick homes, and for a really good reason. They give a house a clean, fresh, and timeless appearance. A crisp white can make an older home feel instantly modern and bright, almost new, actually.
Think about shades like creamy whites, soft beiges, or even light greiges. These colors reflect light beautifully, making your home seem larger and more open. They also provide a fantastic backdrop for landscaping and colorful front doors, so.
For a classic look, a pure white with dark trim can be absolutely stunning. If you want something a little softer, an off-white with warm undertones can create a cozy, inviting feel. These colors are versatile and tend to look good in pretty much any setting.
Cool Grays and Modern Charcoals
If you’re aiming for a more contemporary or sleek vibe, grays and charcoals are definitely worth considering for your exterior brick paint colors. These shades offer a sophisticated and grounded feel, especially when paired with natural wood accents or bright white trim.
Light grays can give a subtle, calming effect, while deeper charcoal or even black paints create a bold, dramatic statement. These darker colors are really trending right now, offering a striking contrast against green foliage and blue skies, you know.
A dark gray brick house with white window frames and a vibrant front door can look incredibly stylish and modern. It’s a choice that shows confidence and a clear design vision. Just remember that darker colors absorb more heat, so that’s something to keep in mind, too.
Earthy Tones and Natural Shades
For homes that want to blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings, earthy tones are a fantastic choice. Think about soft greens, warm browns, or muted terracotta shades. These colors can make your house feel like it’s part of the landscape, very organic and peaceful.
A gentle sage green, for instance, can look amazing on a brick home surrounded by trees and gardens. It creates a harmonious and welcoming atmosphere. Similarly, a warm taupe or a deep, rich brown can give a house a very grounded and classic feel, almost like it’s been there forever.
These natural exterior brick paint colors are particularly good if your home has a lot of natural wood elements or if you live in a more rustic or suburban area. They tend to be less flashy but offer a quiet elegance that really lasts, you know.
Bold and Unexpected Hues
While classic colors are always a safe bet, sometimes a bold choice can really make a statement. Think about deep blues, vibrant greens, or even a rich burgundy. These colors are not for everyone, but for the right home and the right person, they can be absolutely stunning.
A deep navy brick house, for example, can look incredibly elegant and unique, especially with white trim and a bright red door. It’s a way to show off your personality and make your home truly memorable. Just be sure to consider how it fits with the neighborhood, in a way.
If you’re thinking about a bold color, it’s really, really important to test it out extensively first. What looks good on a small swatch might be overwhelming on a whole house. But if you get it right, a bold choice can be truly rewarding, basically.
How Light Affects Color
This is a big one, honestly. The way light hits your house throughout the day and in different seasons can totally change how exterior brick paint colors appear. A color might look bright and airy in the morning sun, but then appear darker and more muted in the evening shadows.
Consider your home’s orientation. A north-facing house will get less direct sunlight, so colors might appear cooler and darker. A south-facing house will get a lot of bright light, which can make colors seem warmer and lighter. It’s a subtle thing, but it makes a difference, you know.
Always look at paint samples on your actual house, at different times of day, and under various weather conditions. This will give you the most accurate idea of how the color will truly look once it’s on the whole house. Don't just pick from a tiny chip, obviously.
Looking at Your Surroundings
Your home doesn't exist in a bubble, right? The colors of your roof, your trim, your landscaping, and even your neighbors’ houses can influence your choice of exterior brick paint colors. You want your house to feel like it belongs, not like it’s sticking out in a bad way.
Consider the fixed elements of your home first, like the roof color, stone accents, or pathways. These elements have their own colors and undertones that should work well with your chosen paint color. A warm-toned roof might clash with a very cool gray paint, for instance.
Also, think about your landscaping. Green trees and shrubs can make certain colors pop, while others might get lost. You want your home to look harmonious with its garden and the surrounding environment, essentially.
Testing Colors Out
This step is absolutely, totally non-negotiable. Before you commit to gallons of paint, buy sample pots of your top few exterior brick paint colors. Paint large swatches directly onto your brick in a few different spots around the house.
Live with these samples for a few days, observing them at different times of day and in various weather conditions. This will give you the best sense of how the color truly behaves on your home. It’s a small investment that can save you from a very expensive mistake, you know.
You might even want to paint a piece of large poster board and move it around your house. This lets you see the color in different light without actually painting your brick yet. It’s a pretty smart trick, honestly.
Beyond Solid Paint: Other Ways to Update Brick
While a solid coat of paint is a popular choice for exterior brick paint colors, it’s not the only way to give your brick a fresh face. There are other techniques that offer a different kind of look, often with a more rustic or textured feel. These can be really appealing if you like a bit of character.
The Soft Look of Limewash
Limewash is a pretty old technique that’s become very popular again. It’s a mineral-based coating that soaks into the brick rather than sitting on top of it like paint. This gives it a soft, chalky, matte finish that lets some of the brick’s natural variation show through.
The look is often described as a lived-in, aged European feel. It’s breathable, so it’s good for older homes, and it naturally resists mildew. It’s a really beautiful way to lighten brick without losing all its texture and depth, you know.
German Smear for a Textured Feel
German Smear is another technique that creates a very distinct, old-world look. It involves applying a thin layer of mortar over the brick and then wiping some of it away before it fully dries. This leaves a textured, somewhat distressed finish that highlights the brick’s original lines while still giving it a whitewashed appearance.
It’s a more labor-intensive process than just painting, but the result is truly unique. It can make a newer brick home look like it has a long history, full of character and charm. If you love rustic textures and a vintage feel, this might be a great option for you, basically.
Choosing the Right Paint and Getting It On
Once you’ve settled on your favorite exterior brick paint colors, the next step is picking the right kind of paint and knowing how to apply it well. The type of paint you use matters a lot for how long your new look will last and how good it will look.
Types of Paint for Brick
For brick, you generally want to use a breathable paint. Acrylic latex paint is a popular choice because it lets moisture escape from the brick, which helps prevent peeling and blistering. It’s also pretty durable and easy to clean, which is nice.
Some paints are specifically designed for masonry, offering even better adhesion and breathability. Always look for high-quality exterior paint that’s made to stand up to the elements. Don't skimp on paint quality; it really pays off in the long run, you know.
Applying the Paint Well
For the best finish, you’ll typically need two coats of paint, sometimes even three, especially if you’re going from a dark brick to a light color. Using a good primer specifically for masonry can also help the paint stick better and provide a more uniform finish.
You can apply paint with rollers, brushes, or a sprayer. A sprayer often gives the smoothest finish, but it requires careful masking of windows and other areas. Whichever method you choose, make sure to apply the paint evenly and allow proper drying time between coats, obviously.
Keeping Your Painted Brick Looking Good
After all that work choosing your exterior brick paint colors and getting them on, you’ll want to keep your home looking great. Painted brick is pretty durable, but a little care can go a long way in making sure it stays beautiful for years.
Regular cleaning, like a gentle wash with a hose or a soft brush, can remove dirt and grime. If you notice any small chips or cracks, touching them up quickly can prevent bigger problems later. Generally, painted brick can last for many years before needing a full repaint, which is good news, right?
It’s a bit like any other exterior surface; a little attention now and then helps maintain its fresh appearance. This ensures your home continues to make a wonderful first impression, and stuff.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exterior Brick Paint Colors
Got more questions about painting your brick home? Here are some common things people wonder about.
What is the most popular color to paint brick?
Currently, white and off-white shades are incredibly popular for painted brick, giving homes a fresh, clean, and modern look. Light grays and even dark charcoals are also very much in style, offering a sophisticated feel.
Does painting brick devalue a house?
Generally, painting brick does not devalue a house if it’s done well and the color choice is appealing. In fact, a fresh, updated paint job can often increase curb appeal and property value, especially for older or dated brick homes. However, a poor paint job or an unsuitable color choice could potentially detract from value, so that's something to think about.
What color should I paint my brick house to update it?
To update your brick house, consider lighter, neutral exterior brick paint colors like crisp whites, soft grays, or warm off-whites. These shades instantly modernize the look. For a bolder update, deep charcoals or even black can provide a striking, contemporary feel.
Bringing It All Together
Deciding on exterior brick paint colors for your home is a fantastic way to give it a whole new personality and really boost its appeal. As we’ve seen, there are so many options, from timeless whites to bold, unexpected hues, and even alternatives like limewash or German Smear. It’s all about finding what feels right for your home and your style.
Remember, the key steps involve careful preparation, thoughtful color selection considering light and surroundings, and using the right materials. Whether you want to refresh your curb appeal or increase the value of your property, a well-chosen paint color can make a world of difference.
If you're looking for even more inspiration, check out Houzz's exterior ideas for a wide range of styles and looks. You can also Learn more about house exterior ideas on our site, which includes all styles, sizes, home types, and colors, and discover more design inspiration by linking to this page here.



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