The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Painting Brick
Anyone who knows me well knows I cut my teeth in the construction industry as a professional painting contractor. Before CMFM Construction, I owned and operated one of the most successful residential painting companies in Central Missouri. That experience taught me a lot—especially when it comes to painting brick.
There’s an old saying in construction circles: “Don’t paint brick.”
I hear it all the time.
And honestly? That advice isn’t entirely wrong—but it’s not entirely right either. Painting brick can be a fantastic upgrade, or a long-term regret, depending on how it’s done. Let’s break down the good, the bad, and the ugly of painting brick, so you can make an informed decision.
The Good: Instant Curb Appeal and Real Value
When brick is painted correctly, the results can be dramatic. We’re talking curb appeal on steroids.
I’ve seen dated red brick homes go from tired and forgotten to clean, modern, and high-end with the right prep and paint system. One ranch-style home we worked on here in Missouri sat high on a hill and blended into the background for years. Two coats of premium exterior paint later, it looked like something straight out of a design magazine. According to the appraiser, the update increased the home’s value by nearly $15,000.
For homeowners planning to sell or investors flipping properties, painting brick can be a strategic move. Buyers see fresh paint and assume the entire home has been cared for. Whether that’s fair or not, it works—and it works often.
The Bad: Primer Is Not Optional
Here’s where most brick paint jobs fail: poor preparation.
Brick is porous. If you skip primer—or use the wrong one—you’re asking for peeling, flaking, and moisture problems. A breathable masonry primer is absolutely essential. Not one coat. Two full coats minimum, with proper drying time between applications.
We learned this lesson the hard way years ago. We rushed a job, skipped adequate drying time, and three weeks later paint began peeling off in chunks. That failure wasn’t the brick’s fault—it was ours.
The takeaway? Painting brick isn’t forgiving. Cutting corners turns a professional job into an expensive mistake.
The Ugly: Washing, Mortar, and Moisture
Before brick can be painted, it must be thoroughly cleaned—and this is where things can get ugly fast.
Pressure washing is necessary, but too much pressure can destroy aging mortar. I’ve personally watched a pressure washer strip mortar right out of a wall. That mistake turned a simple paint job into hours of hand tuck-pointing.
Here’s a professional rule of thumb: If the brick crumbles when you poke it, don’t paint it. Older brick needs to breathe. In those cases, limewash or masonry stain may be the better option. These finishes preserve the character of the brick while allowing moisture to escape naturally.
Bottom Line: Should You Paint Brick?
Painting brick makes sense when:
The brick is newer and structurally sound
The surface is properly cleaned and sealed
The right primers and paints are used
The job is done by professionals who understand masonry
If those boxes aren’t checked, skip it. Brick mistakes are permanent—and expensive.
If you’re still reading, chances are you’re the kind of homeowner who wants things done the right way. That’s where CMFM Construction comes in.
We handle the prep, the products, and the hard work—so you can enjoy the results (and the compliments). If you’re considering painting brick in Central Missouri, give us a call. We’ll make sure the only thing ugly about your project is how good it looks when it’s finished.