Painting Brick Exteriors: Should You Do It in Minnesota?

Painting brick exteriors is a growing trend among Minnesota homeowners looking to modernize their home''s appearance, but should you do it? The decision to paint brick is significant because once brick is painted, it requires ongoing maintenance forever. At Weatherguard Construction, our family-owned team has 25+ years of experience working with brick exteriors across Stillwater, Woodbury, and Minneapolis. We help homeowners make informed decisions about whether painting their brick is the right choice.

Why Homeowners Paint Brick

Modernizing Outdated Brick Colors

Many Minnesota homes built in the 1960s through 1990s feature brick colors that feel dated, including oranges, yellows, and browns that no longer match current design preferences. Painting these brick surfaces in contemporary colors like white, cream, charcoal, or navy instantly updates the home''s appearance and dramatically improves curb appeal.

Creating a Uniform Look

Homes with mixed materials, such as brick combined with siding and trim, sometimes look disjointed. Painting the brick allows homeowners to create a cohesive color scheme that ties all exterior materials together for a polished, intentional design.

Covering Repairs and Mismatched Brick

Over decades, brick repairs using non-matching replacement brick can create a patchwork appearance. Paint covers these inconsistencies and creates a uniform surface that looks clean and intentional.

The Pros of Painting Brick in Minnesota

Painting brick offers several compelling benefits. It provides a dramatic visual transformation that can make a dated home look brand new. It increases weather protection by adding an additional barrier against moisture penetration. Painted brick is easier to clean than unpainted brick because the smooth painted surface doesn''t harbor dirt and mildew the way porous brick does. It also allows homeowners to choose any color they want rather than being limited to the original brick color.

The Cons of Painting Brick in Minnesota

The decision to paint brick should not be taken lightly. Once painted, brick requires repainting every 5 to 7 years to maintain its appearance. Paint on brick can trap moisture inside the masonry, potentially causing spalling, cracking, and efflorescence in Minnesota''s freeze-thaw climate. Removing paint from brick is extremely difficult and expensive if you change your mind. Additionally, some historic homes in areas like Stillwater may be subject to preservation guidelines that discourage or prohibit painting original brickwork.

Essential Preparation for Painting Brick

Proper preparation is even more critical for brick than for other surfaces. At Weatherguard Construction, our brick painting process includes these essential steps.

Inspection and Repair

Before any paint touches the surface, we thoroughly inspect the brick and mortar for cracks, deterioration, and moisture issues. All mortar joints are repointed where needed, and any damaged bricks are repaired or replaced. Painting over deteriorating masonry only accelerates the damage.

Cleaning

Brick must be thoroughly cleaned before painting. We use a combination of power washing and specialized masonry cleaners to remove dirt, mildew, efflorescence, and other contaminants. The brick must be completely dry before priming, which in Minnesota''s humid summers can take 48 to 72 hours.

Priming

We use a high-quality masonry primer designed specifically for brick and concrete surfaces. This primer penetrates the porous brick, seals the surface, and provides a foundation for the topcoat to adhere properly. Skipping primer on brick is a recipe for premature paint failure.

Best Paints for Brick Exteriors

Not all exterior paints work well on brick. We recommend elastomeric paints or high-quality acrylic latex paints specifically rated for masonry surfaces. Elastomeric coatings are particularly effective because they create a thick, flexible membrane that bridges hairline cracks and resists moisture penetration. Sherwin-Williams Loxon and Benjamin Moore Aura Exterior in a flat or matte finish are excellent choices for Minnesota brick homes.

Limewash as an Alternative

For homeowners who love the look of painted brick but want a more natural, breathable finish, mineral limewash is an excellent alternative. Limewash penetrates into the brick rather than forming a surface film, allowing the masonry to breathe and release moisture naturally. It creates a beautiful, slightly textured European-inspired look that ages gracefully. Limewash is reversible and can be removed with a pressure washer if you change your mind, unlike conventional paint.

Color Choices for Painted Brick

The most popular colors for painted brick in Minnesota include classic white, warm cream, soft gray, charcoal, and warm greige. White painted brick with black trim and a bold front door color is a timeless combination that works on ranch, colonial, and craftsman homes throughout Woodbury and the eastern metro.

Should You Paint Your Brick?

We recommend painting brick when the existing brick color is severely dated and detracts from your home''s value, when you want a dramatic transformation without the cost of replacing the brick, and when the brick and mortar are in good structural condition. We advise against painting brick when the masonry has ongoing moisture problems, when the home is historically significant, or when you are not prepared for the ongoing maintenance commitment.

Contact Weatherguard Construction at (651) 439-4320 or book a free consultation to discuss your brick exterior. We serve homeowners across Minnesota, Schaumburg, IL, and Centennial, CO.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does paint last on brick in Minnesota?

Quality exterior paint on properly prepared brick typically lasts 5 to 7 years in Minnesota. Elastomeric coatings may last 7 to 10 years because of their superior flexibility and moisture resistance. Regular maintenance and prompt touch-ups extend the life of any brick paint job.

Can painted brick be returned to its original unpainted state?

Technically yes, but it is extremely difficult and expensive. Paint removal from brick requires chemical strippers, pressure washing, or sandblasting, all of which can damage the brick surface. Consider the decision to paint brick as essentially permanent.

Does painting brick cause moisture problems?

It can if done improperly. Conventional paint forms a film that can trap moisture inside the brick, leading to spalling and deterioration in freeze-thaw conditions. Using breathable masonry paint or elastomeric coatings and ensuring proper drainage around the foundation minimizes this risk.

Is limewash better than paint for brick?

Limewash is better for homeowners who want a breathable, natural finish that can be removed later. Paint is better for those who want a wider color selection and a more uniform, opaque finish. Both options work well in Minnesota when applied correctly by experienced professionals like Weatherguard Construction.