Can Bricks on a House Be Painted? What Homeowners Should Know

Yes, brick can be painted, but that doesn’t mean it always should be.

Many homeowners consider painting brick to refresh an outdated exterior, match a new design style, or create a cleaner, more modern look. Painted brick can be beautiful when done correctly. The problem is that brick is not just another surface like drywall or wood siding. It behaves differently, and treating it like an ordinary wall can lead to expensive damage later.

Brick is naturally porous. It absorbs moisture and releases it over time. That breathing process is what allows brick walls to survive decades of weather without breaking down. When paint seals the surface too tightly, moisture can get trapped inside the wall. Once that happens, you may begin to see bubbling, peeling paint, white powder residue, or even crumbling brick. In the worst cases, moisture trapped behind the paint can lead to hidden mold and weakened masonry.

That doesn’t mean painting brick is wrong. It means painting brick must be done properly.

The success of a painted brick home depends largely on preparation and the materials used. Brick must be thoroughly cleaned, inspected, and repaired before a single coat of paint is applied. Any cracked mortar, water intrusion, or damaged masonry needs to be handled first. Painting over problems does not make them disappear — it simply hides them until they grow worse behind the surface.

Just as important as prep work is the paint itself. Not all paint is created equal, and standard wall paint is not suitable for brick. Masonry paint is designed to allow moisture to move through the wall instead of locking it inside. Using the wrong type of paint is one of the most common reasons brick paint fails early.

Once brick is painted, it also becomes a long-term commitment. Unpainted brick can last for generations with minimal maintenance. Painted brick, on the other hand, will eventually need to be repainted as the coating wears down. If you are looking for a low-maintenance upgrade, painted brick may not be the best solution. If you are looking for a dramatic visual transformation and are willing to maintain it, it can be worth it.

For homeowners who like the idea of changing the look of brick but don’t want the long-term downsides of paint, there are alternatives. Brick stain and limewash change the color without sealing the surface. These options allow the brick to keep breathing while giving you creative control over the finish. They also age more naturally and tend to be easier to maintain.

Interior brick is another story. Brick inside the home is protected from rain, temperature shifts, and groundwater. Because of that, painting interior brick is generally safer and lasts longer. Still, proper prep and breathable coatings are important.

So should you paint your brick house? The real answer depends on the condition of the brick, the climate you live in, and what you expect long-term. If your brick is already damaged, uneven in color, or previously painted, repainting can be a practical choice. If your brick is in great shape and you love its natural character, preserving it may be the smarter move.

Brick is one of the most durable building materials available. When you paint it, you’re not just changing color — you’re changing how it functions. Understanding that difference before making a decision is what separates a successful renovation from one that becomes a repair project years later.

If you’re considering painting brick, the smartest next step isn’t choosing a color. It’s having the surface properly evaluated. A short inspection can tell you whether paint is a good idea — or whether staining, limewashing, or restoration will give you better results.

Done right, painted brick can look stunning. Done wrong, it can fail quietly and expensively.