Many homeowners choose brick for their home exteriors. Brick exteriors provide a classic, timeless look that adds to a home’s curb appeal. However, over time, brick surfaces can accumulate dirt and become discolored, causing them to lose their visual appeal. One solution to this problem is painting exterior brick. This article will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of painting brick walls.
Pros of Painting Brick
Improves Curb Appeal and Protects Brick Surface
Painting brick can have a significant impact on the exterior of your home, enhancing its visual appeal. A fresh coat of paint can transform a natural brick exterior into a smooth surface that looks brand new. Painting your brick house can give it a crisp, modern look and revive it if the original brick exterior appears dull or discolored. Additionally, painting brick surfaces can protect them from excess moisture, which can cause damage to the brick over time.
Offers Versatility and Simple Prep Work
Painting brick walls offers a wide range of options in terms of paint color. Whether you want a classic white, a bold slate grey, or even a dark color, the possibilities are endless. You can choose a color that complements your home’s architectural style and enhances its curb appeal. Compared to other types of home exterior surfaces, prepping brick for painting is relatively simple. The process typically involves power washing the brick to remove dirt and debris and allowing it to dry thoroughly before painting. You have two options for getting it done: hiring professional painters or doing it yourself with the proper tools and effort.
Cost Effective and Vintage Look
Painting brick is a cost-effective alternative to replacing it entirely. Painting your brick house can give your home’s exterior a fresh new look, even if you’re on a budget. It’s a cost-effective way to achieve your goal without spending too much money. Additionally, painted brick can create a vintage look, which can be desirable for some homeowners.
Cons of Painting Brick
Can Hold Dirt and Be Time Consuming
While painted brick looks great initially, it can hold dirt and other debris over time, causing it to lose its visual appeal. Even a classic white can begin to look dingy after a while. Regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary to keep painted brick exteriors looking their best. Painting brick surfaces is a time-consuming process. It requires several steps, including power washing, allowing the surface to dry, and applying several coats of paint. It’s essential to be patient and allow adequate drying time between coats to avoid peeling or flaking.
Not Suitable for All Brick Homes
Painting brick is not suitable for all brick homes. Some brick surfaces are not suitable for painting because of their composition or condition. If you are uncertain whether your brick exterior can be painted, it’s recommended to seek advice from a professional. Painting unsuitable brick surfaces can cause further damage and lead to costly repairs down the line.
Can Decrease Home Value
Painting brick can decrease the value of your home, depending on the location and style of your home. If you live in an area where natural brick exteriors are highly valued, painting your brick house could decrease its value. Similarly, if you have a historic home, painting the original brick exterior could detract from its historical significance.
Requires Properly Painted Surface
To achieve the best results, the brick surface must be properly painted. Insufficient preparation of the surface prior to painting can cause poor adhesion of the paint, which can then result in peeling and flaking. Professional painters can ensure that the surface is adequately prepared before painting to avoid these issues.
Moving Forward
It is important to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages before deciding to paint your brick house. While painting can improve your home’s curb appeal and protect the brick surface, it’s not suitable for all brick homes, and it requires proper preparation and painting techniques to achieve the best results.
Regular maintenance, such as regular cleaning and occasional professional power washing, can help ensure that your painted brick exterior looks its best. Be sure to choose the right type of paint for your brick surface and avoid any shortcuts that could lead to damage.
Whether you decide to paint your brick exterior or not, maintaining your home’s curb appeal is essential for its value and appearance. To maintain the appearance of your home over time, it is important to perform routine maintenance and make occasional updates.
References
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-paint-brick/
https://tribblepainting.com/pros-cons-painting-brick-exterior/
https://homeguides.sfgate.com/disadvantages-painting-brick-70616.html