Does your brick exterior look dull or outdated? Maybe you dream of a fresh, modern look, but painting brick feels like a huge, scary project. You see beautiful painted homes online, but then you start researching paint, and suddenly you face confusing terms like “limewash,” “masonry paint,” and “elastomeric.” Which one actually sticks? Which one breathes? Choosing the wrong paint can lead to peeling, moisture problems, and wasted money.
It’s frustrating when you just want a beautiful, long-lasting finish! This guide cuts through the confusing jargon. We break down exactly what brick paint is, why it’s different from regular wall paint, and how to pick the perfect product for your specific home.
Keep reading to discover the secrets to professional-looking, durable brick transformations that will boost your curb appeal instantly. Let’s get your brick looking fantastic!
Top Brick Paint Recommendations
- This paint must be diluted at at least a 1:2 ratio with water to achieve full coverage. See images for more details.
- Water-Based Acrylic Paint. Safe, Low on Odor, and VOCs
- Covers 100 Sq. Ft. of Brick Surface
- Transforms in Five Hours
- 250ml/8,45fl oz - Single pack
- This high-quality, acrylic latex water-base interior/exterior paint offers excellent hiding properties with great adhesion and water repellency on textured interior and exterior surfaces
- This self-priming paint offers a finish on properly prepared smooth, rough and textured masonry, drywall, stucco, and brick surfaces
- It is alkali-resistant up to ph 12.0, easy to apply, and cleans up with soap and water. This paint can be rolled, Brushed, or sprayed on
- This formula is designed to accentuate all textured surfaces while achieving a natural look
- This is a 1-Gallon can of KILZ interior/exterior concrete, brick, and tile paint with a flat finish. Covers 250-400 square feet per gallon depending on surface texture
- Important Note: This paint must be diluted with water to achieve full 200 square foot coverage. Please follow instructions included with the Brick Transformations kit, or product video for further details.
- Covers 200 sq. Ft. Of brick surface
- Safe, low on odor, and VOCs
- Water-based Acrylic paint
- COMPLETE 5-PIECE BRUSH SET FOR EVERY PAINTING TASK — Includes 1 Inch Flat, 1.5 Inch Angle, 2 Inch Flat, 2 Inch Angle Stubby, and 2.5 Inch Angle brush giving you every size professional painters use daily. Get all 5 for less than the price of a single brush from hardware store brands — professional grade performance at a fraction of the cost. Perfect for walls, trim, cabinets, doors, furniture, and detailed cutting-in work on any project.
- ZERO BRISTLE LOSS — GUARANTEED BY PRECISION ADHESIVE BONDING — Every bristle is locked in place with precision-set adhesive that keeps them in the brush — not in your paint job. The coated steel ferrule provides structural support while the adhesive bond ensures clean performance on every stroke. Premium SRT synthetic filaments load more paint and release it evenly for a smooth streak-free finish on walls, ceilings, and trim. Works with latex, oil-based paint, primer, sealer, and wood stain.
- INCLUDES THE ANGLE STUBBY MOST SETS LEAVE OUT — Professional painters know the 2 Inch Angle Stubby is the go-to brush for tight cabinet interiors, window sashes, inside corners, and detailed trim where standard angle brushes are too long. Combined with the 1.5 and 2.5 inch angle sash brushes you have precision cutting-in covered at every scale — baseboards, crown molding, door casings, and ceiling lines.
- FLAT BRUSHES FOR BROAD SMOOTH COVERAGE ON ANY SURFACE — The 1 and 2 inch flat brushes deliver even coverage on walls, furniture, shelving, doors, fences, decks, and wood surfaces. Ideal for applying primers, stains, varnishes, polyurethane, and specialty coatings. Solid wood handles provide all-day comfort and control for both professional contractors and weekend DIY homeowners tackling interior or exterior painting projects.
- TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND CONTRACTORS NATIONWIDE — Pro Grade delivers professional-grade results at a price that makes sense for crews who go through brushes on every job. Ideal for property managers, remodeling contractors, apartment turnover crews, maintenance teams, and commercial painting operations. Backed by thousands of verified reviews from working painters. Washable and reusable for multiple projects.
- Custom Spray 5-in-1 dial offers five spray paint patterns for ultimate control and superior results
- Advanced oil-based formula delivers 30% greater corrosion resistance and enhanced color retention compared to original matching Stops Rust colors
- Protective enamel paint dries to touch in 2-4 hours and covers 6-10 sq. ft. per can
- Choose from high output, standard, low output, vertical fan, and horizontal fan spray patterns with 360° any-angle spray technology
- Satin finish offers a low-sheen look
- CONVENIENT SIZE - This Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint comes in a versatile 2 oz size that is great for basecoating, stenciling, and so much more
- FUN FINISH - This brilliant acrylic paint dries to a matte finish - perfect for a variety of arts and crafts!
- BRIGHT COLOR - Grab your acrylic paint brushes and add this fun, bright acrylic paint to all your DIY projects
- USE ON MULTIPLE SURFACES - Use Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint on a variety of surfaces such as wood, paper, canvas, Styrofoam, paper mache, and so much more
- EASY CLEAN UP - Clean up is easy with this acrylic paint! Simply clean up while wet with soap and water
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Brick Paint
Thinking of giving your old brick a fresh, new look? Brick paint can completely transform your home’s exterior or interior. But choosing the right one is important. This guide helps you pick the best paint for your brick project.
Key Features to Look For
Good brick paint needs specific qualities to stick well and last long. Here are the main features you should check for:
- Breathability (Vapor Permeability): This is the most important feature. Brick walls need to “breathe.” Paint that traps moisture inside can cause the brick to crack or crumble over time. Look for paints labeled as “100% breathable” or “masonry specific.”
- Adhesion: The paint must stick firmly to the porous surface of the brick. Poor adhesion leads to peeling quickly.
- Durability and Weather Resistance: If painting the outside, the paint must fight rain, sun (UV rays), and temperature changes.
- Mildew and Algae Resistance: In damp areas, this feature keeps your new paint job looking clean.
Important Materials in Brick Paint
The ingredients matter a lot for how the paint performs. Most high-quality brick paints fall into two main categories:
1. Elastomeric Paints
These paints stretch and shrink with the brick as temperatures change. They are very thick and excellent at sealing hairline cracks. They offer great waterproofing but sometimes lack the breathability of mineral paints.
2. Mineral/Silicate Paints
These paints chemically bond with the masonry surface. They are extremely breathable and durable. They often give a more natural, matte finish. These are generally considered the highest quality for historic or porous brick.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one can of paint better than another? Quality hinges on preparation and formulation.
Improving Quality
- High Solids Content: Paints with more actual pigment and binder (solids) and less water or solvent tend to cover better and last longer.
- Proper Surface Preparation: No paint works well on a dirty wall. Thorough cleaning, power washing, and using a high-quality masonry primer significantly improve the final result.
- Manufacturer Reputation: Established brands specializing in exterior masonry usually offer more reliable products.
Reducing Quality (What to Avoid)
- Standard Latex or Oil Paints: Do not use regular house paint on exterior brick. These paints seal the surface completely, trap moisture, and almost always lead to failure (peeling, blistering) within a few years.
- Painting Over Damp Brick: If the brick is wet, the paint will not cure correctly and will fail quickly.
- Skipping the Primer: Brick is very porous. Skipping the primer means the paint soaks in unevenly, leading to blotchy coverage and poor long-term adhesion.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the paint affects your satisfaction.
Interior Use Cases
For painting interior brick fireplaces or accent walls, breathability is less critical than aesthetics. You can use specialized interior masonry paints or even high-quality latex paints if the brick does not get wet. Users often enjoy the ease of cleanup and the modern look achieved.
Exterior Use Cases
Exterior painting requires patience. Users report that the application of elastomeric or silicate paints takes longer because they are thicker. However, the payoff is a long-lasting finish that resists fading. Users love the curb appeal boost, but they warn that prep work is tiring.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Brick Paint
Q: Can I paint over old, already painted brick?
A: Yes, but you must test the old paint first. If the old paint is chalky or peeling, you need to remove it completely before priming and applying new masonry paint.
Q: How long does brick paint usually last?
A: A high-quality, properly applied exterior brick paint should last between 10 to 20 years, depending on the climate and the type of paint chosen.
Q: Do I need a special primer for brick?
A: Absolutely. Always use a primer specifically designed for masonry or brick. This seals the surface and ensures the topcoat bonds correctly.
Q: Is brick paint always flat or matte?
A: No. While matte finishes are common because they hide surface imperfections well, you can find satin or even semi-gloss finishes, though these are less common for full exterior coverage.
Q: What is efflorescence, and how does brick paint handle it?
A: Efflorescence is a white, powdery salt deposit that comes out of the brick as moisture evaporates. Breathable paints allow this moisture to escape, which is better than trapping it. Some specialized primers help block minor efflorescence.
Q: Can I use regular exterior house paint on my brick?
A: It is strongly discouraged. Regular acrylic latex paints are not designed to handle the moisture movement within masonry, leading to bubbling and peeling.
Q: How much does a gallon of good brick paint cost?
A: Quality, specialized masonry paint is more expensive than standard paint. Expect to pay more per gallon, often ranging from $60 to $100 or more for premium brands.
Q: Should I use a sprayer or a brush for application?
A: For large areas, a sprayer is faster. However, you must always back-roll or back-brush the paint immediately after spraying to force it into the rough pores of the brick.
Q: What is the best color for painting exterior brick?
A: This depends on your style! Dark colors absorb more heat, which can sometimes stress old brick in very hot climates. Lighter colors reflect heat. Always test samples on your actual wall first.
Q: How long must the brick be dry before I can paint it?
A: After washing, the brick should be completely dry. This can take several sunny days. Check local weather reports and avoid painting if rain is expected within 24 to 48 hours.