What Is Whitewashed Brick, and Is It Right for Your Home?

As a professional painter, I get a lot of calls from homeowners who love the look of brick but feel their home looks a little dark, dated, or heavy. That’s usually when the topic of whitewashed brick comes up. People have seen it on Pinterest, in magazines, or on a neighbor’s house and start wondering, “Would that work for me?”

Let me walk you through what whitewashed brick really is, how it compares to other options like white brick stain, and whether it’s the right move for your home.

What Is Whitewashed Brick?

Whitewashed brick is brick that has been coated with a diluted white paint mixture. Instead of fully covering the brick like traditional paint, whitewashing lets some of the natural brick color and texture show through. The result is a softer, lighter look that still keeps the character of the brick.

Think of it like a light filter on a photo. You still see the detail, but the tone feels brighter and more relaxed.

When I create white-washed brick for a client, I usually mix water with white latex paint. The ratio depends on how much coverage they want. Some homeowners want just a light haze of white. Others prefer a stronger, more solid look. The beauty of whitewashing is that it’s flexible.

It works great on:

• Exterior brick facades

• Fireplaces

• Interior accent walls

• Brick chimneys

• Brick backsplashes

If your brick feels too red, orange, or dark brown, whitewashing can tone it down without hiding it completely.

How Is Whitewashing Different from Painting Brick?

This is one of the biggest questions I hear. Regular paint fully coats the brick. Once it’s painted solid, there’s no going back without major work. You lose most of the natural brick texture visually.

Whitewashing is more forgiving. It seeps into the brick and mortar while allowing some of the original surface to stay visible. That’s why many homeowners choose white-wash brick instead of solid paint. It feels more natural and less heavy.

There’s also a white brick stain, which is another option. Stain penetrates the brick rather than sitting on top like paint. It changes the color but keeps the texture fully intact. In some cases, I recommend stain over whitewashing, especially if a homeowner wants a very even, long-lasting finish.

The right choice depends on your goals, your brick’s condition, and how much coverage you want.

This difference between painting and whitewashing is well recognized in professional home improvement guides. In “How to Whitewash Brick: Interior and Exterior” by The Spruce, whitewashing is described as giving brick a translucent, aged, weathered appearance that preserves the texture and appeal of natural brick, while traditional paint creates a more opaque finish that fully covers the surface. The article also notes that whitewashing unpainted brick typically involves thinning latex paint with water at a 3:1 or 4:1 ratio to allow the brick’s color and mortar lines to show through. That flexibility in coverage is exactly why many of my clients prefer whitewashed brick over solid paint.

Why Homeowners Love Whitewashed Brick

Over the years, I’ve seen whitewashed brick become popular for a few simple reasons.

1. It Brightens Up a Home

Brick can feel dark, especially older red brick. Whitewashing instantly lightens the space. On exteriors, it gives the home a fresh, clean look. Inside, it can make a fireplace feel more modern without tearing it out.

2. It Keeps the Character

A lot of people don’t want to completely cover their brick. They like the texture and history. Whitewashing keeps that charm alive.

3. It Works with Many Styles

Farmhouse, coastal, modern, and traditional whitewashed brick fit into all of them. I’ve done projects where the homeowner wanted a rustic feel and others where they wanted something sleek and updated. Whitewashing adapts easily.

How to Whitewash Brick

Many clients ask me about how to whitewash brick themselves. While it can be a DIY project, it needs to be done carefully.

Here’s a simplified version of the process:

1. Clean the brick thoroughly. Dirt and dust will affect how the paint absorbs.

2. Mix white paint with water. A common starting ratio is 50/50.

3. Test a small area first. Let it dry fully before deciding.

4. Apply with a brush or rag.

5. Wipe off excess paint for a more natural look.

6. Allow it to dry completely.

That sounds simple, but every brick surface behaves differently. Older brick is more porous. Some bricks absorb quickly; others don’t. Mortar lines also take paint differently than the brick face.

As a professional painter, I adjust the mix and method based on what I see. That’s often the difference between a finish that looks smooth and balanced versus patchy and uneven.

Is Whitewashed Brick Right for Your Home?

This is the real question.

I always tell clients to think about three things:

1. Your Long-Term Plans

Whitewashing is more permanent than people realize. While it’s lighter than solid paint, removing it is not easy. If you love the natural brick and think you might want it back someday, that’s something to consider.

2. Your Neighborhood

Look around. If most homes on your street are natural brick, whitewashing could make yours stand out in a good way, or it could clash. I like to make sure the update feels right for the area.

3. The Brick’s Condition

If your brick is chipped, stained, or mismatched from past repairs, whitewashing can help blend those imperfections. On the other hand, if you have beautiful, uniform brick in great condition, you may decide to leave it as is.

Cost of Whitewashing Brick

Clients often assume whitewashing will be cheap because it uses watered-down paint. The material cost is lower than full painting, yes. But labor is still a big factor.

Surface prep is key. Cleaning, protecting the surrounding areas, and testing the mixture take time. The final price depends on:

• Size of the area

• Condition of the brick

• Accessibility (one-story vs. two-story home)

• Desired coverage level

Compared to installing new siding or replacing brick, whitewashing is usually much more affordable. It gives a big visual change without a full renovation.

Common Mistakes I See

I’ve fixed many DIY white-wash brick projects. The most common problems include:

• Applying paint too thickly

• Skipping proper cleaning

• Not testing first

• Uneven coverage

• Ignoring weather conditions on exterior jobs

Brick absorbs moisture. If you apply whitewash on a humid day or before rain, it can affect the finish. That’s why experience matters.

Let’s Talk About Your Home

If you’re considering whitewashed brick, I’d be happy to take a look at your home and give honest feedback. Sometimes I tell people it’s a great idea. Other times, I suggest alternatives like white brick stain or even a different color wash.

My goal is simple: I want you to love the result every time you pull into your driveway or walk into your living room.

If your brick feels outdated or too dark, whitewashing could be the fresh start you’re looking for.

Reach out to me through Stephen Radl Painting, and let’s talk about your vision. I’ll walk you through your options, explain the process clearly, and help you decide what works best for your home and budget.

FAQs

Is whitewashing brick a good idea?

Yes, it can be a great idea if you want to lighten the look of your brick while keeping its texture. It’s especially helpful for outdated red brick or mismatched repairs. The key is making sure you’re comfortable with a long-term change.

Is white washed brick expensive?

It’s usually more affordable than replacing brick or adding siding. The cost depends on the size of the area and the prep work required. While materials are fairly inexpensive, professional labor ensures an even, long-lasting finish.

Does whitewashing brick increase home value?

In many cases, yes. A brighter, updated exterior can improve curb appeal, which buyers notice right away. A modern-looking fireplace or exterior can make a home feel move-in ready. That said, the value increase depends on your market and overall home condition.

What does it mean to whitewash your house?

Whitewashing means applying a diluted white paint mixture to brick or masonry surfaces. Instead of fully covering them, the coating softens the color while allowing texture and some original color to show through.

What are the disadvantages of whitewash?

Whitewashing is hard to reverse. It can also wear unevenly over time if not applied properly. On exterior brick, it may need maintenance depending on weather exposure. That’s why professional application makes a difference.