Painting Brick Exteriors: What Homeowners Need to Know

Brick is one of the most durable and timeless building materials, but over time, homeowners often want to refresh or update its appearance. Whether you want to brighten faded brick, modernize a dated color, or achieve a whitewashed look, painting or coating brick is a popular solution. However, brick is unique—it’s porous, it “breathes,” and it requires special consideration before applying any product. Done correctly, painting brick can completely transform your home’s look and protect it for years to come. Done poorly, it can cause peeling, moisture damage, or costly repairs.

Here’s a detailed Q&A guide to help you make the best decision when it comes to painting or coating exterior brick.

Q: Can brick be painted?

A: Yes, brick can be painted, but it’s not as simple as painting wood or siding. Brick is porous and absorbs moisture, so the type of paint or coating you choose will directly affect the long-term performance. Using the wrong product can trap moisture inside the brick, leading to cracking, spalling, or peeling.

Q: Do bricks need to “breathe”?

A: Yes. Unlike vinyl or aluminum siding, brick is a natural material that absorbs and releases moisture. If you seal the surface with a paint that doesn’t allow vapor to pass through, trapped moisture can damage both the paint and the brick itself. For this reason, breathable coatings like mineral-based paints or specialty masonry products are often recommended over traditional paints.

Q: What’s the difference between paint, stain, and Romabio mineral coatings on brick?

A: Each option has unique qualities:

• Traditional latex/acrylic paint: Provides full coverage and color, but many standard latex paints are not designed to allow brick to breathe. If used, they must be high-quality masonry paints that allow for vapor permeability.

• Brick stain: Penetrates the brick instead of sitting on top, preserving the texture and allowing moisture to pass through more easily. It provides a more natural look but is less forgiving if you want a solid, uniform color.

• Romabio mineral-based paint: Specifically designed for masonry, Romabio paints are breathable, long-lasting, and mimic the old-world limewash look. They bond to brick surfaces instead of forming a film, reducing the risk of peeling. This makes them one of the best long-term solutions for painting brick.

Q: Is latex paint breathable enough for brick?

A: Standard latex paint is not always ideal for brick because it may trap moisture. However, some latex and acrylic masonry paints are formulated with higher vapor permeability, making them safer for brick. Homeowners should look for paints specifically labeled for masonry or brick to ensure the coating allows the substrate to breathe.

Q: Why is priming brick important before painting?

A: Priming prepares the surface and ensures proper adhesion. Brick is porous, and without primer, paint can soak in unevenly, requiring more coats and leaving a blotchy finish. A high-quality masonry primer also helps seal small cracks, improves coverage, and provides a better bond between the paint and the brick.

Q: Do I need to pressure wash brick before painting?

A: Yes, but with caution. Cleaning brick thoroughly is essential before applying any coating. Dirt, mildew, and chalky residue can prevent paint from adhering properly. Pressure washing is effective, but it should be done carefully at a lower setting to avoid damaging mortar joints. In some cases, a stiff-bristle brush and masonry cleaner are safer alternatives for fragile or older brick.

Q: How long does painted brick last?

A: When done correctly, painted or coated brick can last 15–20 years or longer, especially when using breathable masonry coatings like Romabio. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning dirt and mildew, will help extend its lifespan. Poor surface prep or the use of non-breathable paint can cause problems much sooner.

Q: What are the pros and cons of painting brick?

Pros:

• Transforms and modernizes your home’s look.

• Can increase curb appeal and resale value.

• Protects brick from weathering if the right products are used.

Cons:

• Once painted, brick is no longer maintenance-free—it will need upkeep.

• Using the wrong paint can trap moisture and cause damage.

• Reversing the process is difficult—removing paint from brick is labor-intensive and expensive.

Final Thoughts

Painting or coating brick is a commitment, but with the right approach, it can deliver stunning and long-lasting results. The most important steps are proper cleaning, priming, and choosing a breathable product designed for masonry. Options like Romabio mineral coatings or breathable stains are excellent choices for maintaining the integrity of your brick while achieving the look you want. If you’re considering painting your brick exterior, hiring a professional who understands the unique needs of masonry surfaces will ensure your investment looks great and lasts for years to come.

Painting Brick Exteriors: The Complete Q&A (Sherwin-Williams Edition)

Q: Can brick be painted—and what products work best?
A: Yes, painting brick is entirely doable—but selecting the right coating is essential. Standard latex or acrylic paints may trap moisture and lead to peeling or damage. Instead, look for masonry-specific or breathable exterior coatings. At Sherwin-Williams, some standout options include:

• SuperPaint® Exterior Acrylic Latex – A paint-and-primer-in-one that delivers strong adhesion, excellent color retention, and resistance to peeling, fading, dirt, and mildew. Sherwin-Williams

• Emerald® Exterior Acrylic Latex – Premium-grade with built-in primer, it resists blistering, peeling, fading, and dirt pickup, while providing a smooth, uniform finish. Sherwin-Williams

• Loxon® XP Waterproofing Masonry Coating – A high-build coating specially formulated for masonry. It can go on without primer and offers fast application and superior long-term performance. Sherwin-Williams

• Loxon® Self-Cleaning Acrylic Coating – Engineered to shed dirt with rain or water, this coating enhances durability and reduces maintenance, perfect for challenging exterior environments. Sherwin-Williams

As noted by a painting professional:

“Sherwin-Williams Loxon latex paints offer a tough barrier against water ingress, ideal for compromised brick or block in wet climates. But for healthy brick, breathability trumps sealing.” Caldwell Painting

Q: Should I worry about breathability when painting brick?
A: Yes—brick needs to release moisture it naturally absorbs. Non-breathable paints can trap moisture and lead to efflorescence, peeling, or deterioration. Always choose paints labeled for masonry or breathability if the brick is structurally sound.

Q: Do I need to prime the brick before painting?
A: Generally yes, especially if using standard exterior paints. A masonry primer ensures consistent adhesion and coverage over porous brick. That said, Loxon XP is designed to be applied directly over masonry without a primer, streamlining application. Sherwin-WilliamsReddit

Q: What’s the best way to clean brick before painting?
A: Proper cleaning is crucial. Architectural Digest recommends using a wire brush and soapy water to remove dirt, efflorescence, or mildew. Tougher stains can be treated with TSP (trisodium phosphate). Always allow the brick to dry completely—at least 24 hours—before priming or painting. Architectural Digest

Avoid acidic cleaners, which may damage brick or affect paint adhesion. Architectural Digest

Q: How long does painted brick last?
A: With correct prep and a quality masonry or breathable coating, painted brick can last 15–20 years or more. Using products like Loxon or premium acrylics enhances longevity—especially when paired with regular cleaning and touch-ups.

Q: How do these paint options compare?

ProductBreathabilityPrimer NeededIdeal Use CaseSuperPaint® Acrylic LatexModerate (masonry label recommended)YesSolid coverage with excellent adhesion/dirt resistanceEmerald® Acrylic LatexModerate (premium grade)Often built-inSmooth, long-lasting finish with superior durabilityLoxon® XP CoatingLower (waterproof)NoCompromised brick or wet climates needing fast, durable coatingLoxon® Self-CleaningLower (washable)Usually noHigh-exposure areas needing dirt resistance

Final Suggestions for a Breathable Yet Bright Finish:
If you dislike chalky looks (like with Romabio) and want bold, clean colors:

• Emerald® Exterior Acrylic Latex is ideal: breathable (when labeled for masonry), self-priming, and provides vivid coverage.

• SuperPaint® offers a balance of performance and affordability with strong adhesion and weather resistance.

In moisture-prone situations, consider Loxon XP—just be aware that it's less breathable but durable and application-friendly.