The Pros and Cons of Painting Exterior Brick
Transforming a home’s exterior is an exciting project, and painting exterior brick has become one of the most popular ways to modernize an older property. If you are considering this upgrade, CRC Painting wants to help you weigh the pros and cons before you decide.
The Pros of Painting Brick
- Instant Curb Appeal: A fresh coat of modern white, charcoal, or classic gray can completely revitalize a dated exterior, giving your home a clean, contemporary aesthetic.
- Surface Protection: High-quality exterior paint acts as a protective sealant. It shields your home against harsh West Texas elements, including intense UV rays and driving wind.
- Easy Cleaning: Painted brick creates a smoother surface than raw, porous brick. This makes it much easier to wash away dirt, dust, and pollen with a light power washing.
The Cons of Painting Brick
- Permanent Decision: Brick is highly porous and absorbs paint deeply—often requiring multiple coats. Once you paint your brick, it is incredibly difficult and expensive to strip it back to its original raw state.
- Trapped Moisture: If the brick isn’t completely dry before application, or if you use the wrong type of paint, moisture can get trapped inside. This leads to peeling, chipping, and potential structural damage over time.
Long-Term Maintenance: Painted vs. Natural Brick
The biggest shift when transitioning from natural to painted brick is the maintenance. Natural brick is virtually maintenance-free. It can easily last for decades with nothing more than an occasional wash and sporadic mortar repairs.
Painted brick requires a long-term commitment. Because it is exposed to sun, wind, and temperature swings, painted brick will eventually fade, flake, or peel. To keep your home looking its best, expect to repaint or touch up the exterior every 7 to 10 years.
If you decide to paint the brick of your San Angelo home, the key to longevity is proper prep work and using high-quality paints that allow moisture to escape. We highly recommend hiring a professional, since you will want cracks and fractures repaired properly, any water leakage resolved, and other exterior issues addressed.
The professionals at CRC Painting are always happy to provide a free estimate. Simply call our office to schedule: 325-650-9806.
