Thinking about painting exterior brick homes? Youโre in good company. Many homes in Erie, CO still carry their original brick exteriors from decades ago, and while brick is durable, the look doesnโt always age gracefully.
Painting exterior brick homes is one of the most effective ways to bring your house back to life without a full remodel. And noโitโs not just about covering up imperfections. Itโs about breathing in new color, character, and curb appeal while adding a layer of protection from the elements.
This blog is here to walk you through what you need to know before picking up a paintbrush. From selecting the right products to prepping your walls and picking the best exterior paint colors for brick homes, weโll help you make confident choices and avoid common missteps along the way.
Key Takeaways:
- How to properly prep brick for long-lasting paint coverage
- Which primers and paints work best for brick and mortar
- How to choose colors that suit Erie, CO homes and seasonal conditions
- Why waterproofing and moisture control matter more than you think
- How A New View Painting helps you avoid costly repainting mistakes
Painting Exterior Brick Homes: What to Know Before You Start
Giving your brick home a fresh coat of paint might seem simple, but thereโs more to it than picking a color and grabbing a brush. Painting exterior brick homes means dealing with a unique surface that needs proper prep, the right products, and a solid plan.
If you’re in Erie, CO and thinking about updating your brick exterior, this section breaks down everything you should understand before getting started, from materials to weather and what makes brick different from other surfaces.
Choosing Colors and Paint for Exterior Brick
Selecting the best brick colors for house exterior isnโt just about your favorite shade. Youโll want to think about how your roof, front door colors, and landscaping play together. White brick exteriors are a trendy clean look while warm tones bring classic charm.
- House paint colors with red brick often lean neutralโthink creams or bold dark grays.
- Front door colors for brick homes should pop: deep blue or forest green always feel welcoming.
Pro tip: Spend time gathering swatches and testing a few paint patches on your facade. This letโs you see how light and weather affect the tone.
Prep Work: The Backbone of a Flawless Brick Paint Project
No matter how great the color, if your base is off your paint job wonโt last. The prep steps below make painting exterior brick homes structured, clean, and long-lasting:
Thorough Cleaning
Brick loves to collect dirt, mold, and moisture in its grooves. We begin with a power washโsprayer on a mild detergent mix. Then brush and rinse so mortar joints and concrete block edges are squeaky clean.
Repair and Mortar TouchโUp
Next, inspect every area: mortar cracks, chips or stale mortar joints donโt look great under new paint. Fill them with fresh mortar or concrete patch material. Youโll love how that helps the final coat stick evenly.
Waterproofing and Primer Coat
Brick is porous. Without a waterproofing primer, paints can peel or trap moisture inside. We prefer a latex masonry primer that seals everything up. It not only boosts adhesion but seals any tiny pores, moisture or damage you missed. A second coat of brick primer goes on porous zones or where your stucco meets brick.
Picking the Right Paint and Sheen
Once everything is cleaned, fixed, and sealed, it’s time to pick your paint.
Exterior Grade Masonry & Stucco Paint
We choose high-quality latex paint designed for brickwork and concrete block walls. These paints are breathable, flexible enough for minor expansion, and resist rain and freeze-thaw cycles common in Erie, CO.
Sheen Levels
- Flat or matte hides wall imperfections beautifully and looks modern on large brick expanses.
- Satin is our favorite for brick homes. Itโs scrub-resistant, easy to clean after rain, and works well on baseboards or window sills.
- Semiโgloss is ideal for trim or front doors, giving a crisp edge against your brickwork.
Take a moment to compare how sheen changes the final look. Itโs more than cosmeticโit affects maintenance and longevity too.
How We Paint Exterior Brick Homes StepโbyโStep
Letโs walk through the process. We make it manageable and efficient:
- Clean and dry the faรงade thoroughly after washing.
- Fill in damaged mortar joints or loose concrete with fresh mortar/patch.
- Apply a coat of quality masonry primer to the brick and any exposed concrete block.
- Cut in corners, window frames, and faรงade details with a brush.
- Use a roller or sprayer to coat larger surfaces with two coats of exterior paint.
- Touch up edges, re-check primer spots, and make sure mortar joints are fully covered.
- Let everything dryโwait 24 to 48 hours before walking on surfaces or placing plants near walls.
Common Missteps: Avoiding Painful Setbacks
Painting exterior brick homes takes more than just a couple coats of color. One skipped step can lead to major headaches laterโthink peeling paint, water damage, or uneven coverage. These issues often show up weeks or months after the jobโs done, and by then, itโs too late.
Here are a few missteps we see far too often:
- Skipping a full clean. Dirt, mildew, and loose debris stuck in the brick or mortar will mess with paint adhesion. A quick rinse wonโt cut it. You need pressure washing, brushing, and enough drying time.
- Painting over damp mortar. Moisture trapped inside the brick or mortar joints can bubble under the paint or cause white stains to bleed through. Always let the surface dry completelyโusually 2 to 3 days after washing or rain.
- Using the wrong primer. Not all primers are made for masonry. Using a standard wall primer on concrete, stucco, or brick just wonโt stick properly or block moisture. You need one designed specifically for brick and mortar.
- Rushing coats between drying times. Letting your first coat dry fully before applying a second is key to avoiding streaks or patchy spots. Most masonry paints need at least 4 hours between coatsโand longer in cooler weather.
- Painting in the wrong weather. Painting during high humidity, rain, or extreme heat can cause uneven coverage or delayed curing. For more details, check out weather mistakes when painting exterior to make sure youโre picking the right time.
When you’re investing in your homeโs appearance and protection, taking shortcuts isnโt worth it. A good paint job starts long before the color goes onโit’s all in the prep, timing, and using the right materials.
If your paint is cracking, flaking, or faded, it may be time for a repaint. See signs to repaint your house exterior for a quick guide on when itโs time to call in professionals.
Bringing It All Together
Overall painting exterior brick homes in Erie, CO isnโt just a face-liftโitโs a chance to improve protection, update style, and enhance home value. With proper prep, the right paint and primer, and attention to detail, you’ll achieve stunning results.
Why A New View Painting makes the difference:
- We start with thorough prepโcleaning, repairing mortar joints, and waterproofing
- We match your brick with tailored exterior paint colors and roof or door accents
- Our team uses high-quality latex masonry paint and primer designed for brick
- We control moisture and brush carefully to avoid stains, flaking, or peeling
- We offer a walkthrough and make sure you are satisified with the project done
Thinking about updating your brick home or fireplace? Our exterior painters in Birmingham, MI style transcends bordersโwe deliver consistent craftsmanship.
Call us today at 970-660-3993 for a FREE estimate and let us help your brick home look and perform its best!
