What Kind of Paint Do You Use on Exterior Brick?

For exterior brick, use high-quality masonry or elastomeric paint designed for porous surfaces. These paints ensure breathability, durability, and weather resistance. Avoid standard latex paints to prevent moisture issues.

Consider brick condition, climate, and preparation for best results when choosing paint for exterior brick surfaces.

Selecting the appropriate paint for exterior brick is crucial for a lasting, attractive finish. The wrong paint can trap moisture, damage brick, or peel quickly, leading to costly repairs. Here are key reasons to focus on paint type when painting brick exteriors.

1. Durability: Specialized paints withstand harsh weather, UV rays, and temperature changes, ensuring long-lasting results.
   
   
2. Breathability: Brick is porous and needs paint that allows moisture to escape, preventing mold and damage.
   
   
3. Aesthetic Appeal: The right paint enhances curb appeal with even coverage and vibrant color options.
   
   
4. Protection: Quality paints shield brick from environmental wear, potentially extending its lifespan.

These benefits highlight why choosing the best paint for exterior brick is essential for a successful project.

When deciding which paint to use for exterior brick, focus on options designed for masonry surfaces. Below are the top choices recommended for durability and performance.

Masonry paint is specifically formulated for brick, concrete, and stucco. It’s breathable, allowing moisture to escape while providing a protective coating. Available in various finishes (e.g., matte, satin), it resists fading and peeling, making it ideal for brick exteriors.

Elastomeric paint is highly flexible and durable, perfect for brick in extreme climates. It expands and contracts with temperature changes, preventing cracks. Its thick consistency fills small gaps, but it requires careful application to avoid trapping moisture.

Some acrylic latex paints are designed for masonry and offer good breathability. Choose high-quality, exterior-grade options labeled for brick to ensure adhesion and weather resistance. Avoid standard latex paints, which can trap moisture and cause damage.

Mineral-based paints, like silicate or lime-based options, bond chemically with brick, creating a breathable, long-lasting finish. They’re eco-friendly and resist mold but may have limited color options and require professional application for best results.

This table helps clarify which paint suits your brick painting project.

To select and apply the best paint for exterior brick, ensuring a durable, professional finish that lasts for years, follow these detailed steps to evaluate factors and execute the painting process effectively:

Begin by assessing the brick’s condition for cracks, moisture, or efflorescence (white, powdery deposits caused by mineral salts). Use a flashlight to check for hidden damage in shaded areas.

Clean the surface using a pressure washer on a low setting (1500–2000 PSI) to remove dirt, mildew, and efflorescence without harming the brick, or scrub with a stiff nylon brush and a mild detergent solution (e.g., 1 part bleach to 3 parts water for mildew). Rinse thoroughly with clean water to eliminate all residue.

Allow the brick to dry completely for 24–48 hours, using a moisture meter to confirm the moisture content is below 12%. This ensures no moisture is trapped under the paint, preventing bubbling, mold, or brick deterioration.

Carefully examine the brick for cracks, loose mortar, or damaged areas. Use a chisel or wire brush to remove crumbling mortar, and repoint with a fresh mortar mix (available at hardware stores), matching the existing mortar’s color and texture for a seamless look.

For cracks in bricks, apply a masonry sealant or exterior-grade caulk using a caulking gun, smoothing with a putty knife to create a flush surface. Replace severely damaged bricks by chiseling them out and installing new ones, securing with mortar.

Sand rough areas with a masonry sanding block to ensure a smooth surface. Wipe down with a damp cloth to remove dust, preparing the brick for priming and painting.

Choose a high-quality, masonry-specific primer formulated for brick to seal its porous surface and enhance paint adhesion, preventing uneven absorption and ensuring a uniform finish.

Opt for an alkali-resistant primer to withstand brick’s high pH levels. Use a synthetic brush for edges, corners, and mortar joints, and a heavy-nap roller (¾-inch or thicker) for larger areas to apply one even coat, covering all surfaces thoroughly.

Check the product label for drying time, typically 4–24 hours, and ensure the surface is dry and non-tacky before proceeding. This step creates a strong foundation, reducing the risk of peeling or flaking over time.

Choose an exterior-grade, breathable paint, such as masonry, elastomeric, or mineral-based paint, specifically designed for brick to allow moisture to escape and prevent mold, mildew, or brick damage.

Avoid standard latex or oil-based paints, which trap moisture and cause bubbling. Masonry paint provides a smooth, durable finish, while elastomeric paint is thicker, filling minor cracks and offering flexibility in extreme weather. Mineral-based paints, like silicate or lime-based options, bond chemically with brick for a long-lasting result but may have fewer color choices.

Select a paint with UV resistance and mildew inhibitors, and confirm it’s labeled for exterior brick. Pick a color that boosts curb appeal (e.g., neutral tones like white or gray), ensuring it aligns with local trends and homeowners’ association rules, if applicable.

Stir the paint thoroughly to ensure consistency, and apply two thin, even coats using a heavy-nap roller for large areas and a synthetic brush for detailed sections like mortar joints or corners.

Work in small sections (e.g., 3x3 feet) to maintain a wet edge, avoiding lap marks or uneven drying. Paint in mild weather conditions—avoid direct sunlight, high humidity, or temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or above 90°F (32°C), as these can impair adhesion and drying.

Allow the first coat to dry for 4–6 hours (or per label instructions), then lightly sand with 220-grit sandpaper to remove any imperfections, wiping clean with a damp cloth. Apply the second coat to achieve a professional, durable finish with complete coverage.

Apply a breathable, exterior-grade masonry sealer to protect the painted brick from moisture, UV rays, and environmental wear, extending the paint’s lifespan. Avoid non-porous sealants that trap moisture, as they can damage brick. Use a sprayer or brush to apply a thin, even coat, following the brick’s texture to prevent streaks or pooling.

Apply in mild weather (50–85°F, low humidity) for optimal curing, and allow 24 hours of drying time, or as specified on the label, before exposing the surface to rain or heavy use. This step adds a critical barrier, especially in harsh climates, ensuring long-term durability.

Tailor your paint and sealer choices to your region’s weather to maximize performance. In humid or rainy areas, prioritize breathable paints and sealers with mildew inhibitors to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth.

In dry, sunny regions, select paints with enhanced UV protection to resist fading and cracking. For coastal areas, consider products resistant to salt corrosion. Check weather forecasts to avoid painting during wet, windy, or extreme conditions, which can compromise the finish.

Research local trends by observing nearby homes or searching “painted brick homes near me” to choose colors that enhance curb appeal and marketability. If in a homeowners’ association, verify that painting brick is permitted and complies with community standards or color restrictions.

These steps ensure a durable, attractive finish that maximizes paint longevity on exterior brick, delivering a professional result that withstands the elements.

Choosing the wrong paint or skipping preparation can lead to issues. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Using Non-Breathable Paint: Standard latex or oil-based paints trap moisture, causing mold or brick damage.
• Skipping Primer: Without a masonry primer, paint may peel or fail to adhere properly.
• Ignoring Weather Conditions: Painting in high humidity or extreme temperatures can affect drying and adhesion.
• Poor Surface Prep: Failing to clean or repair brick leads to uneven coverage and reduced durability.

Avoiding these mistakes helps ensure the right paint performs well on exterior brick.

Selecting the right paint for exterior brick is key to achieving a durable, attractive finish. Masonry, elastomeric, or mineral-based paints offer breathability and weather resistance, while proper preparation prevents issues like moisture damage.

This article has explored top paint types, considerations, and steps, helping you make an informed choice for your brick painting project.