Exterior Brick Painting Ideas That Look Like a Million Bucks
Your brick home has charm, strength, and character. But if it’s starting to look faded, dated, or just not your style, don’t worry—a fresh coat of paint can bring it back to life. With the right color and approach, painted brick can go from basic to beautiful and boost your home’s curb appeal instantly.
Whether you’re trying to modernize your exterior or add a timeless finish, these exterior brick painting ideas will help you create a look that turns heads—without breaking the bank.
Why Paint Your Brick Exterior?
Brick is known for being strong and low-maintenance. But over time, weather, dirt, and age can cause it to lose its charm. Painting your exterior brick is a quick way to:
Refresh old, stained, or faded bricks
Give your home a more updated appearance
Add protection against the elements
Match your home with newer additions or landscaping
While some homeowners hesitate to paint brick, thinking it might damage it, the truth is that high-quality paint can help seal the surface and protect it—as long as it's applied properly. That’s where a professional painter comes in handy.
1. Classic White Brick
White-painted brick never goes out of style. It gives your home a clean, crisp finish that looks great year-round. Whether you choose bright white or a softer off-white like ivory or cream, it’s an easy way to brighten up your entire exterior. Perfect for:
Colonial homes
Ranch-style homes
Bungalows
Pro Tip: Pair white brick with black shutters and a dark front door for a bold, timeless look.
2. Warm Earthy Tones
Colors like beige, taupe, or light brown give your brick home a natural feel. These shades blend nicely with outdoor elements like stone, wood, and landscaping. If you want a cozy, welcoming exterior, earthy tones are a great choice. Perfect for:
Traditional-style homes
Houses surrounded by trees or greenery
Exterior brick painting ideas:
Match with a wood-stained front door and bronze lighting fixtures
Add green or navy blue trim for contrast
3. Bold Black or Charcoal
Want your home to stand out? Go bold with black or charcoal gray. These deep tones add drama and give older homes a sleek, modern vibe. They work especially well with minimal, clean landscaping. Perfect for:
Industrial-style homes
Urban settings
Modern renovations
Keep in mind: Dark colors absorb more heat and may show wear faster, so quality paint and prep work are key.
4. Cool Light Grays
If you like the look of white but want something a little different, consider a light gray. It has the same clean look but adds more depth. Cool grays can look modern and classy without being too bold. Great with:
White trim
Dark shutters
Natural wood accents
Tip: Add a pop of color with a bright front door like red or turquoise.
5. Soft Sage Green
Sage green is a calming and earthy shade that blends beautifully with nature. It works especially well if your home is surrounded by trees, grass, or gardens. This color adds a cozy feel to your home without being too bright. Exterior brick painting ideas for sage green homes:
Cream-colored trim
Brown or tan roof
Natural stone walkways
6. Navy Blue for Depth
Navy blue is rich, classic, and full of personality. It brings elegance to brick homes and works well with both modern and traditional styles. Plus, it pairs beautifully with white trim and brass or copper accents. Consider it for:
Two-story homes
Front porches with columns
Coastal or nautical-inspired themes
7. Soft Greige (Gray + Beige)
Not sure if you want gray or beige? Try greige. This hybrid shade brings the warmth of beige and the cool calm of gray. It’s neutral enough to work with just about anything and gives your home a fresh, updated look without going too bold. Great for:
Suburban homes
Older homes getting a refresh
Pairing with black, white, or navy trim
Painting Brick Accents vs. Whole House
You don’t have to paint your entire brick exterior to give your home a makeover. Sometimes just painting the brick accents—like columns, entryways, or part of the facade—can be enough. Popular options include:
Painting just the front-facing brick
Adding contrast to one wall or garage
Highlighting your porch or entryway
Should You Limewash Instead?
If you like the look of painted brick but want a more textured or aged feel, limewashing is a great option. It gives your home a soft, faded finish while letting the brick’s natural texture show through. It also ages beautifully and is easy to maintain. Limewash works best with lighter colors like white, beige, or gray.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Painting brick is a big decision, and it should be done right to avoid costly fixes. Here are a few things to avoid:
Skipping the prep work. Brick needs to be cleaned, dried, and sometimes primed before painting.
Using the wrong paint. Use breathable masonry or exterior acrylic latex paint that won’t trap moisture.
Ignoring weather conditions. Painting in high humidity or extreme heat can cause poor results.
Painting damaged brick. Cracks and crumbling spots should be fixed first.
Cost of Painting Brick
So, how much does it cost to paint a brick home? The average cost for exterior house painting ranges from $2 to $4 per square foot. That means for a 2,000-square-foot home, you could spend anywhere from $4,000 to $8,000.
Factors that affect the cost:
Size of the home
Number of stories
Prep work needed
Paint type and finish
Whether you're doing full paint or accent paint
While DIY might save money, we strongly recommend hiring a professional. Painting brick takes skill and the right materials. One mistake could mean peeling paint, water damage, or years of frustration.
Before and After: What to Expect
A painted brick exterior can dramatically change how your home looks and feels. Before, it might seem outdated, faded, or dull. After, it can look fresh, polished, and more valuable. Many homeowners say their neighbors thought they did a full renovation—when it was just a new paint job.
Here’s what you can expect:
Smoother surface with clean color
Higher curb appeal
Easier maintenance
Long-lasting protection
Conclusion
Choosing to paint your brick exterior can give your home a fresh new identity and significantly boost its curb appeal. With the right color choice and careful application, your home can look like it’s worth a million bucks—without spending anywhere near that amount.
Whether you want a bold update or a soft, subtle change, these exterior brick painting ideas can help you get started. If you’re ready to bring your vision to life, the team at Stephen Radl Painting is here to help. Our pros have the experience, tools, and paint knowledge to get the job done right.
Contact us today to schedule your exterior brick painting project and give your home the upgrade it deserves.
