People say "don't paint brick" primarily because it seals moisture inside, causing the brick to trap water, freeze, expand, and eventually crack or crumble (spalling). Painting creates a high-maintenance surface that peels, requires constant repainting, and is extremely difficult to remove, often permanently damaging the brick underneath. Brick Industry Association +2
You could destroy the brick: Bricks are naturally breathable and porous. Water enters the brick when it rains or snows on the exterior of your building, or when you're taking a shower on the inside of the building, and eventually evaporates. If brick is painted or sealed, water can get trapped in the brick.
A single coat of paint can completely change the personality of your home. But there's a flip side: painted brick is high maintenance and, done poorly, it can cause serious structural issues. Trapped moisture is one of the most common problems with painted masonry.
She added: "Millennials are likely drawn to painting brick because it provides an instant face-lift to a room without the need for heavy renovating, it photographs well, and it aligns with the modern farmhouse look that has been popular on social media over the last 10 years."
Painting brick houses white has become a popular trend, especially among young homeowners. While white paint can modernize an old home, it can also lead to a lack of individuality and make neighborhoods look uniform. There are alternative solutions to update the exterior of a home without resorting to white paint.
Why You Should Paint Your Brick House. Here are five reasons painting a brick house may be an excellent investment: You Can Increase Your Property Value: A fresh coat of paint adds more value to a home than you may realize. By improving your home's curb appeal, potential buyers may offer a higher bid.
Painting brick is a popular way to modernize a space, improve curb appeal, and personalize your home's look. It's something that a lot of homeowners are considering these days, as evidenced by all the photos of beautiful, modern painted brick floating around online.
5 things to avoid that can devalue your home
Also you take a home from low maintenance to high maintenance. This is a classic brick color that will not go out of style. I've seen some houses painted white that needed it because their brick colors were an 80s or 90s “tone”, but I think your home is traditionally beautiful as is. I wouldn't paint it.
White. Fresh and clean, bright whites will never go out of style for a home's exterior, and this sense of timelessness can create an expensive feel. Babcock says that one such white is Pure White by Benjamin Moore.
Painted Brick House Ideas
When choosing a color to paint your brick home, consider white, light gray or pale blue for a bright, fresh look, or black or charcoal for a dramatic curb appeal boost.
The path of least resistance, unfortunately, is for the brick or stone itself to crack and break apart. As moisture moves through brick, paint can sometimes go with it. Brick has broken off in pieces (spalling) where paint has contributed to damage caused by trapped water.
While painted white brick and heavy whitewashing are still around, there's a noticeable shift in home exterior trends back toward natural brick tones and finishes that celebrate character rather than cover it up. Classic red brick is having a quiet resurgence.
The porous mortar on the sides of the bricks provides a channel for water to run through and evaporate. If your bricks are covered in paint, they don't have a chance to breathe. Any water that gets trapped behind could result in mold or construction damage.
It also provides an additional layer of protection from weather, as high-quality exterior paint can guard against moisture, UV exposure, and other environmental factors that may gradually wear down brick. Painted brick is also easier to clean, as the smooth surface is more resistant to grime and dust.
'Exposed brick never ever goes out of style. It is a classic industrial material that has been used to build structures for hundreds of years. An exposed brick wall adds warmth, dimension, authenticity, and a nod of respect to classic materials and elements', says Kristen.
Older appliances that are visibly worn, dirty, or have outdated finishes and colors can detract from a home and possibly decrease its value. Colors such as harvest gold, turquoise, and avocado green can be dead giveaways that the home hasn't been updated in decades.
Top Interior Colors
Benjamin Moore named Silhouette AF-655—a rich blend of espresso and charcoal—as its 2026 Color of the Year.
November is often considered the worst month for selling, with seller premiums dropping significantly. Additionally, the holiday season in December leads to further inactivity in the market, as many potential buyers are focused on celebrations rather than home shopping.
Consider adding a family room, an additional bedroom, or even a home theatre to make the most of the space. Update your landscaping: A well-manicured lawn and beautiful landscaping can add curb appeal and value to your home. Consider planting some flowers, shrubs, and trees to enhance the look of your property.
The big-ticket items to watch out for are furnaces, boilers, water heaters and air conditioners. Replacement or repair of these appliances can cost tens of thousands of dollars and may require ripping out walls or ceilings.
This is why brick is often referred to as a material that “breathes.” Painting it creates a barrier, trapping moisture inside the brick, which can lead to: Deterioration: The outer layer of brick can flake or crack due to trapped moisture freezing and expanding.
If you plan to paint your front door something other than black or white, “avoid a polarizing color like pink,” cautions Susan Isaak, a Realtor with Houlihan Lawrence in Riverside, Connecticut.
You might start by considering the list below of the five most popular colors to paint a brick house.