17 Painted Brick Houses Before-and-After: Makeovers & Guide

Thinking about painting your brick house, but not sure where to begin? I’ve been there, and once I saw what a fresh coat of paint could do, I never looked back.

Changing your brick’s color can completely refresh the look of your home. Whether you’re going for something bold, classic, or modern, the right shade can bring your exterior to life.

In this guide on painted brick houses before and after, I will show you inspiring makeovers, help you choose the right color, and walk you through the process step by step.

You’ll also get practical tips on doing it yourself vs. hiring a pro, plus how to avoid common mistakes. Let’s get started.

Painted Brick Houses Before-and-After Makeover Ideas

The color of your brick home can dramatically change its appearance, giving it a fresh, updated look. If you’re looking for painted brick house ideas, here are some inspiring before-and-after color upgrades for brick exteriors:

1. Red Brick to White

A white-painted brick facade brightens the home, giving it a clean, fresh look. It visually expands the space and adds a modern touch, making the house feel more inviting and contemporary.

2. Brown Brick to Light Gray

Light gray offers a subtle update to brown brick, softening its boldness. It adds sophistication to the home while keeping it grounded in a neutral tone that suits both modern and classic designs.

3. Orange Brick to Black

Black paint creates a dramatic contrast with orange brick, giving the house a bold, urban edge. It pairs beautifully with light trim, creating a contemporary and sleek appearance for a striking exterior.

4. Red Brick to Charcoal Gray

Charcoal gray creates a sleek, refined look for red brick. The dark tones complement white or brass accents, offering an update that works well with modern architectural elements.

5. Tan Brick to Sage Green

Sage green adds a warm, earthy vibe to tan brick, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. This pairs beautifully with gardens or trees, creating a welcoming, tranquil home exterior.

6. Red Brick to Soft Beige

Soft beige creates a lighter, warmer feel for a red brick home. It creates an inviting atmosphere, striking a balance between cozy and stylish, that suits various architectural styles.

7. Brown Brick to Navy Blue

Navy blue brings a bold contrast to brown brick, introducing a sense of authority and calm. This combination adds to the exterior while remaining welcoming and stylish.

8. Light Brown Brick to Warm Taupe

The warm taupe complements light brown brick, creating an earthy and relaxed vibe. It pairs perfectly with wooden accents, creating a contemporary yet cozy look that upgrades the home’s natural beauty.

9. Red Brick to Soft White with Black Trim

Soft white with black trim creates a sophisticated look. This highlights the home’s architectural features, giving it a clean, polished, and modern appeal.

10. Orange Brick to Dusty Blue

Dusty blue provides a cool, inviting contrast to warm orange brick, adding a vintage charm to the home. It features a serene and welcoming exterior, ideal for creating a cozy ambiance.

11. Red Brick to Pale Mint Green

Pale mint green complements the serene tone of red brick. This subtle change creates a peaceful ambiance while maintaining a classic, inviting exterior appearance for the home.

12. Brown Brick to Matte Black with Brass Accents

Matte black creates a modern, industrial feel, paired with brass accents for a touch of luxury. This gives the home a striking, contemporary look with refined details.

13. Light Gray Brick to White with Wooden Accents

A fresh, natural look is achieved when white is paired with wooden accents, complementing light gray brick. The clean lines highlight the architectural features, while the wood adds warmth.

14. Red Brick to Light Olive Green

Light olive green lends a rustic, earthy appeal to red brick. This soft, natural color blends beautifully with the surrounding landscape, creating a calm, inviting atmosphere for the exterior.

15. Red Brick to Soft Lavender

Soft lavender introduces a whimsical, romantic touch to red brick. This delicate hue sets the home apart, creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels both charming and unique.

16. Brown Brick to Earthy Sandstone

Sandstone tones provide a neutral, warm update to brown brick. This upgrades the home’s natural beauty, creating a welcoming, earthy feel that suits various styles and outdoor settings.

17. Gray Brick to Bright White with Light Wood

A bright white palette with light wood accents creates a clean, airy vibe for gray brick. The combination upgrades the architectural lines, giving the home a fresh, modern appearance with natural warmth.

Choosing the Right Color for Your Brick House

Selecting the right color for your brick exterior is key to enhancing your home’s style, curb appeal, and property value. If you’re looking for exterior brick paint color ideas, here are some popular options to help you choose the right one for your space:

• White: White brightens the home, making it appear larger and more welcoming. However, it shows dirt easily and needs frequent maintenance.
• Gray: Gray offers a modern, refined look that hides dirt better than white. It pairs well with warm and cool accents, but can feel cold in certain lighting and may date quickly.
• Black: Black creates a striking, upscale appearance and contrasts well with trim. It absorbs heat and requires careful coordination.
• Off-White: Off-white offers a warm and bright tone, perfect for traditional styles. It can appear dingy if not properly maintained and may clash with cool-toned accents.
• Earthy Tones: Earthy colors, such as taupe and sage, blend seamlessly with natural surroundings, creating a calming effect. They suit various styles but can appear dull in certain lighting.
• Monochromatic Color Schemes: Monochromatic schemes create a sleek, cohesive appearance. While ideal for modern styles, they require careful accent planning to avoid a monotonous look.

Each color brings distinct advantages, so choose one that complements your home’s design and needs.

Step-by-Step Guide for Painting Brick Houses

Painting brick requires proper preparation and the right techniques to achieve a lasting, professional finish.

Step 1: Preparation and Planning

Start by inspecting the brick for damage, loose mortar, or paint issues. Power wash the surface, allowing it to dry for 24-48 hours. Clean with a bleach-water solution or TSP for heavily soiled areas.

Repair cracks by removing loose mortar and applying a masonry patching compound, then let it cure for 24 hours. Select a day with temperatures between 50°F and 85°F, low humidity, and a no-rain forecast.

Step 2: Priming and Paint Selection

Apply a high-quality masonry primer designed for brick, ensuring it’s breathable and alkali-resistant.

Choose a breathable masonry paint, such as mineral-based paints, high-quality acrylic latex, or elastomeric coatings, to allow moisture to escape.

Select a finish based on your preference: matte for hiding imperfections, satin for ease of cleaning, eggshell for a balanced look, or semi-gloss for added durability.

Step 3: Application Techniques

Use the right tools: synthetic brushes, a roller with a 1/2-inch nap, and an airless sprayer for large areas.

Work in 4-6 foot sections, applying thin coats of paint. Begin with the mortar joints, then brush across the brick in smooth, even strokes.

Use a roller for even coverage, followed by a light brushing. Apply two coats, allowing the first coat to dry completely before applying the second. Focus on high-wear areas.

By following these steps, you can guarantee a smooth and durable paint job that enhances the exterior of your brick home.

DIY vs. Professional Help: What’s Right for You?

Choosing between DIY and professional painting depends on your skills, time, project complexity, and budget.

DIY is great for single-story homes and those with prior painting experience. It’s budget-friendly, but it requires time, physical effort, and skills such as ladder work and surface preparation.

These projects typically take from a few days to two weeks, with costs ranging from $400 to $1,900. While DIY saves on labor, it requires significant effort and tools.

Professional painters are ideal for multi-story homes, complex details, or time-sensitive projects. They bring expertise, use high-quality materials, and provide warranties.

Professionals work more efficiently, handle cleanup, and ensure high-quality results. Costs range from $2,000 to $18,000, depending on the home’s size and complexity, but the convenience and expertise make it a worthwhile investment.

If you have the skills and time, DIY could be a good choice. However, if you need professional results or lack the time, hiring experts may be a better option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common painting mistakes can help you achieve a flawless, long-lasting finish for your brick exterior. Here are key mistakes to avoid and tips for professional-quality results:

• Inadequate Surface Preparation: Rushing through cleaning and repairs can result in subpar outcomes. Spend 60-70% of your project time on preparation, thoroughly clean the surface, repair damage, and allow proper drying time before painting.
• Wrong Paint Selection: Using standard exterior paint instead of masonry-specific formulas can lead to significant failures. Always use breathable, masonry-specific paint to ensure lasting results.
• Poor Weather Timing: Painting in high humidity or extreme temperatures affects the finish. Plan your project during stable weather, ideally with temperatures between 50°F and 85°F and low humidity.
• Insufficient Primer Application: Skipping primer or underapplying it can cause poor adhesion. Always use a high-quality masonry primer and ensure complete coverage before applying the topcoat.
• Rushing the Process: Rushing can lead to poor preparation and uneven application. Take your time with each phase, including proper drying time between coats.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll get better results, save time, and make your brick paint job last much longer. A little extra care goes a long way.

Conclusion

Painting your brick house is a big step. I know from experience that it can really improve curb appeal when done right. After seeing those painted brick houses before and after transformations, it’s easy to get inspired and start thinking about your own home’s potential.

Now’s the perfect time to consider what style and feeling you want for your space. If you decide to tackle it yourself or bring in a pro, having a solid plan makes all the difference.

Be sure to prep carefully, choose high-quality materials, and pick a color that complements your home.

Looking for more help with home updates? Check out other blogs on the website for simple tips, design ideas, and budget-friendly how-to guides.