Painting a brick house exterior is a major decision that transforms your home's appearance but requires careful consideration of the benefits, drawbacks, and proper techniques. Brick is one of the most durable building materials, and painting it changes both its aesthetics and maintenance requirements permanently. At Weatherguard Construction, we have 25+ years of experience as a family-owned exterior painting specialist, guiding homeowners across Stillwater, Woodbury, and Minneapolis through this important decision.
Pros of Painting Brick Exterior
Dramatic Curb Appeal Transformation
Painting brick delivers one of the most dramatic exterior transformations possible. Dated red or brown brick can be updated to modern white, gray, or charcoal tones that completely refresh your home's appearance. Many older Minnesota homes feature brick that looks tired and outdated, and a fresh coat of paint brings them into the current decade.
Cover Discoloration and Staining
Over decades, brick absorbs moisture, develops efflorescence (white mineral deposits), and accumulates stains from rust, mildew, and environmental pollutants. Paint covers all of these imperfections, creating a uniform, clean appearance that is difficult to achieve with cleaning alone.
Unified Exterior Appearance
Homes with mixed materials — brick on the first floor and siding on the second, for example — can look disjointed. Painting the brick to coordinate with the siding creates a cohesive, intentional design. This is particularly effective on split-level and bi-level homes common throughout Woodbury and the Twin Cities suburbs.
Protection Against Moisture
Quality masonry paint adds an additional moisture barrier to your brick, helping prevent water infiltration that causes interior damage and freeze-thaw spalling in Minnesota's harsh winters.
Cons of Painting Brick Exterior
Ongoing Maintenance Commitment
Once you paint brick, you commit to repainting every 10 to 15 years. Unpainted brick is virtually maintenance-free for its entire lifespan. Painting creates a film that eventually peels, chips, and fades, requiring periodic refreshing. This long-term maintenance cost should be factored into your decision.
Difficult to Reverse
Removing paint from brick is extremely labor-intensive and expensive. Chemical strippers, pressure washing, and sandblasting can damage the brick surface and rarely return it to its original appearance. Consider painting brick a permanent commitment.
Moisture Trapping Risk
If the wrong type of paint is used, or if preparation is inadequate, paint can trap moisture inside brick. In Minnesota, trapped moisture freezes and expands, causing spalling — where the face of the brick flakes off. This structural damage is costly to repair and is one reason professional application is critical.
Proper Preparation for Painting Brick
Cleaning
Brick must be thoroughly cleaned before painting. Power washing removes dirt, mildew, efflorescence, and loose mortar. The brick must then dry completely — typically 24 to 48 hours — before any primer or paint is applied. Painting over damp brick guarantees adhesion failure.
Repairs
Cracked mortar joints must be repointed and damaged bricks replaced before painting. Paint will not bridge gaps or hide structural problems, and water infiltration through compromised mortar joints will quickly undermine the paint job from behind.
Priming
A high-quality masonry primer is essential. The primer seals the porous brick surface, provides a uniform base for the topcoat, and helps prevent efflorescence from bleeding through the paint. Skipping primer on brick is a recipe for premature failure.
Best Paint for Exterior Brick
Use a premium 100% acrylic latex paint specifically rated for masonry and brick surfaces. These paints are formulated with the flexibility and breathability that brick requires. Elastomeric coatings are another excellent option — they form a thicker, more flexible membrane that bridges hairline cracks and provides superior waterproofing.
Avoid oil-based paints on brick. They lack the breathability that masonry requires and will trap moisture, leading to peeling and spalling. At Weatherguard Construction, we use only premium masonry-rated products that are proven to perform in Minnesota's freeze-thaw climate.
Popular Brick Paint Colors in Minnesota
- White and off-white — The most popular choice for a clean, modern farmhouse aesthetic
- Light gray — Sophisticated and contemporary without being as stark as white
- Charcoal and dark gray — Bold and dramatic, especially with white trim
- Greige (gray-beige blend) — Warm and welcoming, complementing natural landscaping
- Limewash effect — A European-inspired finish that allows some brick texture and color variation to show through
Cost of Painting Brick Exterior
Painting brick typically costs 20 to 40 percent more than painting wood or vinyl siding due to the additional preparation required. The porous surface demands more primer and paint, and the mortar joints require careful attention. Professional painting ensures proper product selection and application techniques that protect your investment.
Contact Weatherguard Construction at (651) 439-4320 or schedule your free consultation to discuss painting your brick exterior. We serve homeowners across Minnesota, Schaumburg, IL, and Centennial, CO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a good idea to paint a brick house?
It depends on your goals. If you want a dramatic transformation and are willing to commit to future maintenance, painting brick can be an excellent choice. If your brick is in good condition and you prefer a maintenance-free exterior, leaving it natural may be better. Weatherguard Construction can help you evaluate both options during a free consultation.
How long does paint last on exterior brick?
Quality masonry paint on properly prepared brick typically lasts 10 to 15 years in Minnesota. Premium elastomeric coatings may last even longer. Proper preparation and professional application are the biggest factors in achieving maximum longevity.
Can you paint brick in cold weather?
Brick should only be painted when temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and when no rain or frost is expected within 48 hours. In Minnesota, this typically limits brick painting to May through October. Our team carefully schedules brick painting projects during optimal weather windows.
Does painting brick decrease home value?
Not typically. Well-executed brick painting with quality materials and professional application often increases home value by modernizing the appearance. However, a poor-quality paint job with peeling or improper products can negatively impact value. Professional application by an experienced company like Weatherguard Construction ensures the best outcome.
