Brick House Painted White: Stunning Before & After

White brick homes turn heads.

Is your brick house looking old and tired? You might feel stuck with a home that seems dated and dull. The dark, faded bricks make your house blend in when you want it to stand out.

Here’s good news! A coat of white paint can completely change your brick home. This simple update creates a fresh, clean look without major construction. The change from drab to bright happens faster than you’d think.

In this post, We’ll cover everything from picking the right paint to applying it correctly. You’ll learn how to handle this project and avoid mistakes that could cost you time and money.

Why Paint a Brick House White?

Brick houses with white paint stand out. Old brick often looks worn after years outside. White paint creates a fresh look instantly.

White paint brightens dark brick and makes houses look bigger. It reflects heat, keeping homes cooler in summer. White also hides flaws, stains and color changes in old brick.

White brick fits with many styles – modern, farmhouse, or classic designs all work well.

Painting brick is permanent, so it’s a big decision. White shows dirt more easily and needs touch-ups every few years. Using good primer and breathable paint prevents moisture problems.

Cost-wise, painting brick ($3,000-$7,000) costs much less than new siding ($10,000+) or brick replacement ($20,000+). The fresh look often boosts home value, helping homes sell faster and for more money.

Key Considerations Before Painting a Brick House White

Long-Term Commitment

Painting brick is not a quick fix you can undo later. Once you paint brick, going back to its natural state is nearly impossible. The paint soaks into the brick’s tiny holes, making it stick for good.

Before you pick up a brush, think about how long you plan to stay in your home. If you might sell soon, check if white brick houses sell well in your area. Some buyers love the look, while others prefer natural brick.

Look at many white brick houses in person. Photos look nice, but seeing the real thing helps you know if you truly like it. Visit homes in different lighting and weather to get the full picture.

Climate and Maintenance Factors

Your local weather affects how painted brick holds up over time. Homes in wet areas face more challenges with paint than those in dry places. Rain, snow, and high humidity can cause problems if the job isn’t done right.

In cold areas, water can get behind paint, freeze, and push the paint off the brick. This leads to chips and peels that need fixing. Homes near the ocean face extra wear from salt in the air.

Painted brick needs washing at least once a year to keep it clean. White shows dirt, mold, and water spots more than natural brick. Budget time and money for upkeep to keep your home looking good for years.

Best White Paint Colors for Brick Homes

Warm vs. Cool Whites

Not all whites look the same on brick. Warm whites have hints of yellow or red in them. Cool whites lean toward blue or gray tones. The type you pick changes how your house feels to others.

Warm whites make a house look soft and welcoming. They work well in areas with lots of trees or natural settings. These whites don’t look stark or too bright in softer light.

Cool whites create a clean, modern look. They stand out more and give a crisp finish. Houses in open, sunny spots often look good with cool whites. The bright sun brings out their true color.

Look at your yard, nearby houses, and roof color before you pick. The white should match these things. Test small spots with sample paint to see how the color looks on your actual brick.

Recommended White Paint Colors

1. Pure White (SW 7005) offers a clean, bright look without being too harsh. It works well for modern homes but doesn’t look too cold. This white shows off black trim and doors very well.

2. Alabaster (SW 7008) gives a soft, warm feel that many find pleasing. It’s not too yellow but has enough warmth to feel cozy. This shade works well with natural wood accents and green plants.

3. White Dove (BM OC-17) provides a perfect middle ground. It’s neither too warm nor too cool. This balanced white suits almost any style of house and most settings. It changes slightly with the light but stays true to its neutral base.

Paint Color	Tone	Best For
Pure White (SW 7005)	Crisp, neutral white	Modern homes, black trim contrast
Alabaster (SW 7008)	Soft, warm white	Farmhouse & cozy styles
White Dove (BM OC-17)	Balanced, slightly warm	Versatile for all settings

Test these colors on different walls of your house. How they look changes with the sun’s position. A color that looks good in morning light might seem different in the afternoon.

Step-by-Step Guide to Painting a Brick House White

1. Preparation

Good prep work makes all the difference when painting brick. First, check your brick for damage. Look for cracks, holes, or loose mortar that need fixing.

Clean your brick walls fully before applying paint. Use a power washer on the low setting to remove dirt, dust, and loose debris. Scrub tough spots with a wire brush. After washing, let the brick dry for at least 24 hours.

Test for moisture issues by taping a small square of clear plastic to the brick. Wait 24 hours, then check for water droplets. If you see moisture, find and fix the source before painting.

2. Choosing the Right Paint and Tools

Pick a paint made for masonry or brick. These paints let the brick “breathe” so water vapor can escape. Regular paint can trap moisture in brick, causing damage over time.

For tools, think about your skill level and house size. Brushes work well for small areas and give you control. They help push paint into the brick’s small holes.

Rollers with a thick nap (3/4 inch or more) cover larger areas faster. They also reach into the brick texture better than smooth rollers. Paint sprayers save time for big jobs but require more skill to use well.

3. Application Process

Start with a coat of masonry primer. This helps the paint stick better and last longer. Choose a primer made for brick and follow the drying time on the label.

When applying paint, work in small sections. Paint the mortar lines first with a brush, then fill in the brick faces. This method helps reach all the small spaces.

Most brick needs two coats of paint for even color. Wait until the first coat is fully dry before adding the second. Paint in good weather—not too hot, cold, or humid.

For longer-lasting results, some pros add a clear sealer after the paint dries. This adds an extra layer of protection against water and dirt.

The Transformation: Before and After Painted Brick

Maintaining a White Brick House

Cleaning and Upkeep

• Clean twice a year to remove dirt, pollen, and dust.
• Use mild soap and water with a soft brush; scrub gently.
• For stains, mix one cup of bleach with a gallon of water; wear gloves.
• Pressure wash carefully at low pressure to avoid paint damage.
• Treat mold early with a vinegar-water mix to prevent spreading.

Repairing Paint Chips and Peeling

• Check yearly for cracks and chips; fix them early.
• Small touch-ups: Clean, prime, and apply a thin coat of matching paint.
• For peeling areas: Scrape, sand, clean, prime, then repaint.
• Prevent water damage by fixing gutters and extending overhangs.
• Apply a clear sealer every 5-7 years for protection.

Alternative Ways to Lighten Brick Without Full Paint Coverage

Limewash and whitewashing offer options for those who want lighter brick without full paint. These methods keep the brick’s natural texture visible while adding a lighter tone.

Limewash comes from limestone and soaks into the brick. It gives a soft, matte finish that ages nicely over time. You can control how much brick shows through by wiping away areas while still wet.

Whitewashing uses thinned paint mixed with water. This lighter coating allows more of the original brick to show through. The result looks more casual and less perfect than solid paint.

Brick stain is another choice that changes color without covering texture. Stain bonds with the brick instead of forming a layer on top. This means no peeling or chipping later.

Stains last longer than paint in most cases. They let moisture move through the brick, which helps prevent damage. Your brick can still “breathe” with stain.

The downside is that stain won’t make brick truly white. The original brick color limits how light you can go. For a subtle change with low upkeep, stain works well.

Conclusion

White-painted brick homes offer a fresh start for tired exteriors. From full coverage to subtle whitewashing, you have options to match your style and comfort level.

Before grabbing a paintbrush, remember this choice is hard to undo. Consider your local climate, maintenance needs, and how long you’ll stay in your home.

Proper preparation makes all the difference in how your painted brick will look and last. Choose quality materials and take time to do the job right.

What’s your next step? If you’re ready to brighten your brick home, start with sample patches to test your chosen white. Take photos at different times of day to see how the light affects the color.