Painting brick exteriors has become one of the most popular exterior renovation trends, and for good reason. A fresh coat of paint on brick can completely transform your home''s appearance, turning dated red or brown brick into a modern, eye-catching facade. But painting brick exteriors is a decision that comes with both significant benefits and important considerations. At Weatherguard Construction, our family-owned team has 25+ years of experience helping homeowners in Stillwater, Woodbury, and Minneapolis make informed decisions about painting brick.
Why Homeowners Are Painting Brick
The painted brick trend has exploded in popularity as homeowners seek to modernize homes built in the 1950s through 1980s with orange, brown, or red brick that feels outdated. Neighborhoods across the Twin Cities feature thousands of brick homes that are structurally excellent but aesthetically stuck in another era. White, cream, charcoal, and greige painted brick can instantly modernize a home and increase its curb appeal dramatically.
Beyond aesthetics, some homeowners choose to paint brick to address cosmetic issues like efflorescence, staining, patched mortar, or mismatched brick additions. Paint unifies the appearance and creates a clean, cohesive look.
Pros of Painting Brick Exteriors
Dramatic Curb Appeal Transformation
No other exterior improvement delivers as dramatic a visual change as painting brick. A home that blends into the neighborhood with standard red brick can become a stunning standout with a carefully chosen paint color. Homeowners in Eagan, Bloomington, and throughout the metro have seen their homes completely transformed.
Unlimited Color Options
Bare brick limits you to whatever color the brick happens to be. Painted brick opens up virtually unlimited color choices. Coordinate your brick with shutters, trim, doors, and landscaping for a cohesive design that reflects your personal style.
Added Moisture Protection
Quality masonry paint creates a breathable barrier that helps repel water while allowing moisture vapor to escape from within the wall. In Minnesota, where freeze-thaw cycles drive moisture into porous brick, this added protection can reduce spalling and deterioration.
Conceals Imperfections
Decades of weathering, mortar patches, efflorescence stains, and minor repairs leave brick surfaces looking inconsistent. Paint creates a uniform appearance that hides these imperfections and gives your home a fresh, clean look.
Cost-Effective Alternative
Compared to removing and replacing brick or installing new siding over brick, painting is significantly more affordable. A professional brick painting project costs a fraction of a full exterior renovation while delivering equally impressive visual results.
Cons of Painting Brick Exteriors
Permanent Decision
Once brick is painted, returning to its natural appearance is extremely difficult and costly. Paint removal from brick typically requires chemical strippers or abrasive blasting, both of which can damage the brick surface. Consider this a long-term commitment before proceeding.
Ongoing Maintenance Required
Painted brick requires maintenance repainting every 7 to 12 years depending on paint quality, preparation, and weather exposure. Unpainted brick in good condition requires virtually no maintenance beyond occasional power washing. You are trading maintenance-free brick for a maintenance commitment.
Moisture Trapping Risk
If the wrong paint is used or preparation is inadequate, paint can trap moisture inside the brick, leading to accelerated deterioration. This is especially critical in Minnesota where freeze-thaw cycles can cause trapped moisture to expand and crack the brick from within. Using breathable masonry paint and ensuring proper preparation is absolutely essential.
Surface Preparation Is Critical
Brick must be thoroughly cleaned, repaired, and allowed to dry completely before painting. Efflorescence must be removed, mortar joints must be sound, and any moisture issues must be resolved. Painting over dirty, damp, or deteriorating brick leads to rapid paint failure.
Best Practices for Painting Brick in Minnesota
Choose Breathable Masonry Paint
Never use standard exterior house paint on brick. Instead, use paint specifically formulated for masonry that allows moisture vapor to pass through the paint film. Mineral-based masonry paints and elastomeric coatings are excellent choices for Minnesota brick homes. These products flex with the brick as it expands and contracts through temperature cycles.
Professional Surface Preparation
The brick surface must be power washed to remove dirt, mildew, efflorescence, and loose material. Allow the brick to dry for at least 48 to 72 hours after washing. Repair any cracked or deteriorating mortar joints with fresh mortar that matches the existing joint style. Fill any holes or chips with appropriate masonry filler.
Apply Masonry Primer
A quality masonry primer is essential before painting brick. Primer seals the porous surface, improves paint adhesion, and provides additional stain blocking. We use premium masonry primers that penetrate deeply into the brick and mortar for a lasting bond.
Two Coats Minimum
Always apply at least two coats of masonry paint over primer. Brick and mortar joints are highly porous and textured, and a single coat will not provide adequate coverage or protection. Two coats ensure complete, even coverage and maximum durability.
Timing Matters
Paint brick when temperatures are between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit with no rain expected for at least 48 hours. Avoid painting brick in direct, intense sunlight as it can cause the paint to dry too quickly and not bond properly. In Minnesota, the ideal window is typically May through September.
Popular Brick Paint Colors for Minnesota Homes
The most popular painted brick colors we see across the Twin Cities include warm white, soft cream, charcoal gray, greige, navy blue on accent areas, and sage green. White and cream painted brick creates a classic, timeless look, while darker tones add drama and sophistication. Our color consultants help homeowners choose the perfect palette during complimentary consultations.
Ready to transform your brick exterior? Contact Weatherguard Construction at (651) 439-4320 or book your free estimate. We serve homeowners across Minnesota, Schaumburg, IL, and Centennial, CO.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does painted brick last?
With proper preparation and quality masonry paint, painted brick can last 7 to 12 years before needing a maintenance coat. Using breathable masonry paint and professional application extends the lifespan significantly.
Does painting brick decrease home value?
Not if done well. A professional brick painting job with a modern, appealing color can actually increase curb appeal and home value. However, a poor-quality paint job or an unappealing color choice could deter some buyers who prefer natural brick.
Can you paint brick in cold weather?
Most masonry paints require temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit for proper curing. In Minnesota, this limits brick painting to roughly May through October. Painting in cold or damp conditions leads to adhesion failure and premature peeling.
Is limewash better than paint for brick?
Limewash offers a more natural, Old World appearance and is fully breathable. However, it is less durable than masonry paint and requires more frequent reapplication. Paint provides better protection and longer intervals between maintenance. Your choice depends on the aesthetic you prefer and your maintenance tolerance.
