Should I Paint My Brick House
Painting Your Brick House
In today's competitive real estate market, first impressions matter more than ever. As a real estate agent, I've seen countless homes transformed from outdated to outstanding with one simple update: painted brick exterior. Whether you're preparing to sell your house or simply refreshing your living space, painting exterior brick can be a game-changing renovation that delivers serious visual impact. This blog post covers everything you need to know about painting brick houses.
Benefits of Painting Brick Exteriors
Brick homes have stood the test of time for good reason—they're durable, low-maintenance, and classically appealing. However, traditional red or orange brick can sometimes feel dated, especially alongside more contemporary neighboring properties. Here's why painting brick exteriors has become increasingly popular among homeowners and home buyers:
Instant Curb Appeal: A fresh coat of paint can dramatically modernize your brick home's exterior
Increased Resale Value: Updated painted brick exteriors often command higher selling prices
Weather Protection: Quality masonry paint provides an additional barrier against moisture and weather damage
Design Flexibility: The ability to choose any color that complements your home's architectural style
Unified Look: Can help blend additions or renovations with the original brick structure
Cost-Effective Update: Painting brick is significantly less expensive than replacing brick or other major exterior renovations
Best Paint Colors for Brick Houses in 2025
The color you choose can transform the entire aesthetic of your brick property. Here are some trending options that have proven successful in the current real estate market:
Painted White Brick: Creates a clean, timeless look that brightens your property and complements any landscaping. White painted brick homes are particularly popular for farmhouse and modern designs.
Gray Painted Brick: Offers sophistication and subtlety while still providing contrast with trim work. Light to medium gray tones work well for colonial and traditional brick homes.
Black or Charcoal Painted Brick: Makes a bold, modern statement that pairs beautifully with natural wood accents. Dark painted brick exteriors are trending for contemporary architectural styles.
Sage Green Painted Brick: Provides an organic feel that harmonizes with natural surroundings. This color works particularly well for cottage-style brick homes.
Cream or Off-White Painted Brick: Softens the exterior without the starkness of pure white. These warm neutrals complement traditional brick house styles while updating the look.
Important Considerations Before Painting Brick Houses
While painted brick offers numerous benefits, homeowners should consider these key factors before proceeding:
Permanence: Once painted, brick exteriors are extremely difficult to restore to their original state
Maintenance Requirements: Painted brick surfaces will require periodic cleaning and eventual repainting every 5-7 years
Historical Considerations: Some historic neighborhoods or HOAs may have restrictions on painting original brick facades
Property Value Impact: While usually positive in most markets, some buyers specifically seek unpainted brick homes
Proper Preparation: Skipping necessary prep work can lead to paint failure, peeling, and moisture issues. I do not recommend DIY’ing this! A 2,500-3,000sq feet home will run you about $10,000 when done the correct way by professionals.
Breathability Concerns: Using incorrect paint types can trap moisture within brick, potentially causing damage
Climate Factors: Your local climate should influence paint selection and application techniques
Before and After Transformations
In 2022, my husband and I decided to move to Charlotte, North Carolina. We sold our 1960s ranch home in Brentwood, Tennessee and bought an adorable 1950s split level, mid century modern home in an established neighborhood in South Charlotte. It was the last home we saw on our whirlwind housing hunting trip and I instantly knew it was “the one.” We even beat out multiple other offers and got the house! This house needed a little bit of TLC and the first place we started was the outside. I knew I wanted to paint the brick and we chose a soft white. I’m not one that over analyzes paint colors. I told the painter I wanted a white, “that’s not too bright and not cream” and let him pick. Look at this transformation. You can’t tell me this house wasn’t begging to be painted white. We also replaced all the old gutters with five inch more modern black gutters.
Before: The first time we saw the house and knew it was ours!
Yes, that is the same house. What a glow up.
In 2024, we moved to Paducah, Kentucky and bought another red brick home. We opted not to paint the outside and instead, focused on remodeling the inside. I put on my real estate hat and evaluated the ROI. Most likely, painting the brick won’t get me an extra $10K back when we go to sell in this housing market. So that is something to consider when deciding if painting the brick is right for your home.
Would you like to discuss how painted brick might transform your property? As your local real estate expert specializing in home renovations that maximize market value, I'm happy to provide personalized advice for your specific situation. Contact me to schedule a free consultation about updating your brick home!
Jessica,
Your local Paducah Realtor with The Epic Group/eXp Realty
