Should You Paint Your Brick House?

Quick answer: Painting brick is a good way to modernize a dated exterior and unify mismatched brick, and Angi calls it "a fine idea that can open up new aesthetic possibilities." Plan for it as a long-term look with a repaint cycle: Angi suggests repainting painted brick every 7 to 10 years.

What are the benefits of painting brick?

• A new look without new siding. Angi lists painting 2,000 square feet of brick at $2,800 to $8,400 nationally, while its brick siding guide puts new brick siding at about $26,000 on average for a 2,000 square foot home. See the brick house painting cost guide.
• Mismatched brick looks like one wall. Additions, patches and replacement brick rarely match old brick. Even Denton's Oak-Hickory Historic District code allows painting where replacement brick cannot be matched to the existing color and texture.
• Color choice. Dated orange, pink or multi-tone brick can go to any color, and trim and doors can be coordinated with it.
• Curb appeal. Angi's brick guide says a professional exterior paint job will almost always look better, "adding more to your home's appearance and even your property value."

What should you plan for?

• A repaint cycle. Angi says painted brick fades and can chip over time and suggests repainting every 7 to 10 years. Its exterior guide says painted brick can last up to 17 years, and HomeGuide lists 3 to 20 years.
• Masonry prep. Moisture trapped behind paint is what causes trouble on brick. Sherwin-Williams' brick guide calls for moisture readings below 15% before painting and a masonry primer built for high-pH surfaces. Loose or crumbling mortar gets repaired first.
• A long-term choice. Paint on brick is meant to stay. Removing it later is slow, specialized work, so pick a color you will like for years.

What about limewash, whitewash or German schmear?

All three are brick finishes we offer, and all let more of the brick's texture show than paint does.

HomeGuide says whitewash and limewash last longer than paint, and that limewash, made with hydrated lime, is more breathable. Limewash goes on bare brick, so it suits brick that has never been painted. Angi says German schmear needs bare brick and is hard to remove once applied. For full price ranges, see the brick house painting cost guide.

Can painted brick be undone?

Paint can be stripped from brick, but it is slow and costly compared with painting. Angi lists exterior paint stripping at $0.50 to $2 per square foot nationally, and rough brick and mortar joints hold paint tightly. Most owners who tire of a color repaint it rather than strip it.

Is painted brick allowed where you live?

Most homes have no rule against it. A few places do:

• Denton's Oak-Hickory Historic District: the Denton Development Code (4.9.4) says brick and masonry not previously painted must not be painted unless painting is needed to preserve the brick or replacement brick cannot be matched. Repainting already-painted surfaces goes through the Historic Preservation Officer. See brick house painting in Denton.
• HOAs and master-planned communities: Lantana's Architectural Review Committee reviews exterior changes, including paint colors, before work starts. We can help with the color submission. See exterior painting in Lantana.
• Historic brick: Gainesville's South Gainesville Residential District was built partly of local "Gainesville red brick," according to the Society of Architectural Historians' SAH Archipedia. If your home is in a historic district, check with the city before painting.

Does painting brick add value?

Angi's brick guide says a professional exterior paint job adds to a home's appearance "and even your property value." No national guide we checked publishes a resale percentage for painted brick, so treat it as a curb-appeal decision that buyers in your area will weigh by taste. Fresh, even color across brick, trim and doors is what shows in listing photos.

When should brick be painted here?

Brick has to dry out after washing, and paint needs dry days to set. NOAA's 1991 to 2020 normals make May the wettest month at Denton, Gainesville and Ardmore, so leave drying days in a May schedule. Month-by-month data is in the best time of year to paint a house exterior.

Frequently asked questions

Is painting brick a mistake?

No, when it is done right. Angi calls painting a brick house "a fine idea that can open up new aesthetic possibilities." The keys are dry brick, sound mortar, a masonry primer and a color you will keep for years, since painted brick stays painted.

Will painting brick cause moisture problems?

Not when the brick is dry and properly primed. Moisture trapped behind paint causes blistering and peeling, so Sherwin-Williams calls for moisture readings below 15% before painting and a masonry primer made for high-pH surfaces.

Can I paint just part of the brick?

Yes. Brick is priced by area, so painting one section, such as the front or a porch, costs less than the whole house. Plan the color so the painted brick works with the unpainted brick, trim and roof.

Does painted brick fade?

Yes, over time. Angi says painted brick fades and can chip and suggests repainting every 7 to 10 years. HomeGuide notes south and southwest walls wear faster because they get more sun.

Is painting brick allowed in Denton?

In most of Denton, yes. In the Oak-Hickory Historic District, the Denton Development Code limits painting brick that has never been painted, and repainting goes through the Historic Preservation Officer. Other city historic districts need a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior work.

How long does painted brick last?

Angi's brick guide suggests repainting every 7 to 10 years, and its exterior guide says painted brick can last up to 17 years. HomeGuide lists 3 to 20 years, depending on prep, paint and sun.

Sources

1. Angi, How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Brick House? [2026 Data], updated Oct 30, 2026
2. Angi, exterior painting cost [2026 Data], updated Oct 20, 2026
3. HomeGuide, exterior painting cost
4. Angi, repointing brick cost
5. Angi, brick siding and veneer cost
6. Sherwin-Williams (SWPPC), The Pro Painter's Guide to Painting Brick
7. Denton Development Code 4.9.4 (Oak-Hickory Historic District).; Certificate of Appropriateness
8. SAH Archipedia, South Gainesville Residential District ('Gainesville red brick')
9. Lantana Architectural Review Committee FAQ
10. NOAA 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals (Denton, Gainesville, Ardmore)