Q&A for How to Paint a Brick House

I would recommend using a masonry primer since it's formulated for brick surfaces.

Sometimes, yes. However, if you're using a high-quality paint, you may not need a primer.

In the U.S., the average cost to have it done professionally is around $7,000. However, the cost can vary depending on factors like the size of your home, how much preparation is required for the job (such as power washing or clearing away obstructions), and what kind of paint you want.

There are pros and cons to painting brick. If the brick is outdoors, painting it can actually be damaging, since it prevents the brick from “breathing” and can trap moisture in the bricks. It’s also very hard to remove the paint once it’s there. However, some types of brick (such as very old or handmade brick) actually benefit from a layer of paint. Painting indoor brick is a safer bet, since that brick isn’t as vulnerable to the elements.

If the brick is properly sealed and painted, then it’s easier to maintain than raw brick. Painted brick is much easier to wash because it’s less porous. You will need to repaint the brick occasionally, however.

This depends on what type of paint product you use. There are mineral-based paints made for masonry, as they are breathable, extremely durable and will last twice as long as acrylics. Those can last 15-20 years.

I waited 24 hours. Brick is porous, so giving it 24 hours will make sure it is dry enough for the paint to adhere.

Grays and blues are tricky. When picking out a paint. you need to view the swatch in outdoor light, not the fluorescent store lighting.

Paint it one time with the exterior latex acrylic color of your choice. Add a second coat of the same paint for coverage if needed.

Using exterior acrylic paint, coat until you have good coverage. Usually, one to two coats will do the job.

Any kind of white paint should be fine. A white wash is achieved by mixing equal parts of paint and water. If you want it to be more translucent, use more water. If you want it to be more opaque, use more paint.

Mortar joints are similar to the grooves you're talking about, so grooved bricks can be painted just well as flat ones.

A high heat spray paint will do fine. I used Rustoleum on mine. Just be sure to clean it thoroughly beforehand.

Whitewashing is simply diluted latex paint (usually equal parts paint to water) to give a desired translucent effect. Limewash uses real hydrated lime with water. It too can be translucent however, as it is lime and it doesn’t have the same textures as latex. It allows for brick to breathe. but it can fade much quicker than latex. Schmeering is almost a combination of the two. It’s mixing acrylic latex with a type-s mortar and a ration of water for the desired effect.

It can be but it is very hard to keep clean. If you want minimal shine, try an eggshell or satin finish instead.

Yes! Brick is very porous and needs to be primed to that the paint will adhere and not chip off.