Painting a Brick House

Can you paint brick? Start with suitability

Many brick surfaces can be painted with an appropriate system, but their condition and exposure matter. Look for damaged mortar, cracks, salt deposits, damp patches and earlier coatings. Repair the cause of problems before hiding them beneath paint.

Identify whether the brick is bare, sealed or already painted. A glossy sealer or unknown coating may change the adhesion requirements. Different masonry and brick types can need different preparation, so confirm the system for the actual surface.

Use our exterior house painting guide to include access, adjoining materials and weather in the plan.

The appearance and maintenance trade-off

Painting is an appearance decision, not a guaranteed increase in property value. Consider the home's architecture and whether you are comfortable maintaining the new finish.

Moisture and salt deposits need attention

White crystalline deposits can indicate salts carried to the surface by moisture. Painting over them without investigating can lead to adhesion or appearance problems. Check the source and obtain suitable masonry advice before coating.

Keep weep holes and drainage paths clear. Do not fill or paint them shut as if they were decorative defects. Repair damaged mortar and allow any repair materials to reach the required condition before painting.

A coating described as breathable still needs a suitable substrate and moisture conditions. It is not a substitute for fixing water entry.

Painting exterior brick: the preparation sequence

1. Identify the brick, existing finish and any previous sealer.
2. Assess damp, salts, cracks and mortar defects.
3. Complete necessary building or masonry repairs.
4. Clean with a method suitable for the brick and coating system.
5. Allow the surface to dry to the required condition.
6. Prepare failing old paint safely and test adhesion where needed.
7. Apply the specified masonry primer or sealer and topcoats.

Do not use aggressive cleaning simply to speed the job. Excess pressure or unsuitable chemicals can damage masonry or introduce more moisture. Follow the relevant product and substrate guidance.

Choose colour and application for the texture

A sample on the actual brick is more useful than a small colour card alone. Mortar depth, roughness and shadows affect the result. Check the colour beside roof materials, windows, paving and any unpainted cladding.

Rough surfaces use more material than their flat dimensions suggest. Application needs to cover joints and texture at the specified film build. Discuss whether brush, roller, spray or a combination suits the wall and access.

Our paint calculator gives a starting estimate, but masonry texture and product-specific coverage need to be included in the final quantity.

Timing and future care

Allow sufficient time for cleaning, repair and drying before the painting window. Check conditions through application and cure, using the exterior timing guide. Avoid applying to a damp or excessively hot surface.

Afterwards, retain the product and colour details. Inspect moisture-prone areas and address damage before it spreads. Our guide to when to repaint an exterior explains why condition is more useful than a fixed calendar interval.

For a quote, send photos of each elevation, close-ups of the brick and mortar, and details of any earlier coating or water issues.

For a Manawatū property, check each elevation rather than relying on a regional forecast alone. A shaded brick wall may stay damp after the sunny face has dried, while direct summer sun can make a dark surface too hot for application. Leave enough suitable weather for cleaned masonry and mortar repairs to dry before the coating stage. Confirm the product's surface-temperature and moisture requirements with the proposed system.

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