Painting Your Exterior Brick: The Ultimate Guide

So, what do you need to know before painting your exterior brick?  Well since we just had our brick house painted white, I had the same question.  Today, I wanted to share with you some tips on different types of paint used/and painting procedures, costs associated with each, accent trim fees/choices, and the time-frame for the length of your project.  I’ll also share our step-by-step process, and a TON of after pictures so grab a drink and a snack.  Let’s get to it!  Painting Your Exterior Brick: The Ultimate Guide.

*** This post will cover information on our entire project:  brick exterior + all siding/trim also.

 

***Note:  This post contains affiliate links which means that I will receive a small compensation if you purchase something from these links.  Please see my privacy and disclosure policies below.  Thanks for your support. 🙂

*Scroll to the End Of Post To See:

• After Pictures & Shop Links.

 

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Painting Your Exterior Brick: The Ultimate Guide

***Note:  I just wanted to start off by saying that these were the 2 most common painting methods used – when we first were getting quotes for our project.

I know there are other choices, but these are the ones that I will refer to for this post.  

Types Of Paint Used/Painting Methods

1.   Sherwin Williams – Loxon Primer/Exterior Latex Paint
2.   Romabio Mineral Paints – Masonry Flat/Textured and Limewash

#1)  Sherwin -Williams 

This was the most common paint type/process used when we were gathering information and getting quotes.

I felt this was more of the traditional – tried and true method – that painters have used for 30+ years.

This method:

• uses a primer application first – LOXON primer
• followed by at least 1 coat of exterior latex paint
• paint can be tinted to color of choice
• is applied to dry brick
• can be sprayed, rolled, and brushed on
• paint can have different finishes – flat or satin (most common)
• primer is most expensive, latex paint is regular-priced
• *some re-painting maintenance  

*I have not read any definitive answer for how often you need to repaint your house using this method.  I have seen some recommendations of repainting 3-5 years, or anywhere up to 5-10 years.

#2)  Romabio Mineral Paint – Masonry Flat 

I did a ton of research on this product and method, and read as many reviews as possible. 

I felt like this method is newer – maybe 4 years old or so – has low-toxicity, a warranty, and more modern look to it.

This method:

• does not use a primer application first
• uses 2 coats of mineral paint
• paint can be tinted to color of choice
• is applied to dampened brick
• can be sprayed, rolled, and brushed on
• paint is available in flat finish only (masonry mineral paint)
• Romabio masonry paint is a tad more expensive than Sherwin-Williams
• 20-year warranty
• breathable, non-toxic

This is the type of paint that we ended up choosing because it is lower maintenance, breathable, and has low toxicity.

• *We chose this one:  Romabio Masonry Flat  – white base tinted with Aesthetic White SW 7035.  

 

Romabio Masonry Textured & Romabio Limewash

We did not use either of these other 2 types of Romabio products, so I don’t want to go into these painting methods too much. 

The basic differences are:

• masonry flat paint covers the brick with a smooth finish, whereas masonry textured covers with a textured or smooth finish
• masonry flat paint covers the brick completely, whereas the limewash paint allows some of the original brick color to peek through  

 

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The Ultimate Guide

Cost of Project  

I don’t have to tell you that every person’s project is different – LOL – and that every project is different! 

Budget Factors:

But…… here is a list of some of the factors that you will need to consider:

• how much (square feet) of brick do you have on your house?
• how much brick does your garage have?
• are you painting accent trim on shutters, trim fascia, soffits, etc.?
• are you painting garage doors, single entry garage doors?
• do you have an attached garage or detached garage?
• do you want your front door painted?
• are you painting your house siding and/or garage siding also?
• do you want your outdoor patio ceiling painted?
• are you painting your outdoor kitchen, fireplace or covered patio?

 

 

Cost of OUR Project:

So, that this doesn’t get too technical or overwhelming, let’s just get to the nitty-gritty.

• *We paid $7,800 for our entire Painting Project – including all supplies, exterior latex paint, and the Romabio masonry flat mineral paint.

Our price included the paint in it, but here below is what to expect (on the price of the brick paint).

• I am pretty sure they used (4) 15-liter drums of the Romabio = $300/15-liter drum.
  • 4 x $300 = $1,200 on Romabio Paint (to give you an idea)
  • FYI:  15-liter = 4-gallon (not 5-gallon)

Great Deal:

Now I will go ahead and say that we were blessed with a great deal!!

But why:

•  I truly believe we caught these painters at the right time – they needed work, and we were ready for them to get started.
• We had a bigger project including all siding and trim (& garage, patio, outdoor kitchen), so they gave us a “one size fits all” type of quote. 
• And because we added some “handyman” type of jobs to our project –  so that it would balance out that lower quoted price.  

I do have friends who have paid more around $5,000 – $7,000 – just a FYI.  

Here are the other quotes we received (for the exact same project):

SW Loxon primer + exterior latex paint:

1.   $10,200
2.   $10,880
3.   $13,750

Romabio masonry paint:

1.   $11,405
2.   $12,500

So, believe me when I tell you that we did get more expensive quotes  – and they were valid for the size of our house because:

• we were painting our 2-story brick house/outdoor kitchen/covered patio + all exterior siding on our house 3-car garage, shed, patio, and covered patio and ceilings

And I am not trying to say like we have a big house or big garage here LOL!!  I just wanted to remind you of that list of budget factors above.

• The more square feet of items painted = more expensive $$$$ project.

But I will say this….. sometimes it’s just easier for painters to paint “everything” versus spending the time covering things – and they’ll at least give a better “entire job” quote.

• We paid $10,000 for our entire project – (including painting, 4 fans/4 lights and installation fees)
• We also had some “handyman jobs” added, but I’m not including those here –  because your project will be different from mine.

I just wanted to share the completed project price because you will most likely change out your existing lighting, and do some other minor changes while painting.

• Sometimes – those “extras” change the overall budget price  – and since I’m all about the budget – I wanted to make sure you had all of the information also.

Ok, I think you get an idea of some of the prices.  Moving On!

 

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The Ultimate Guide

Accent Paint Choices

I thought it was important to give you an idea of some of the accent paint choices that you will be asked when getting your house painted.

Just a FYI – these are all personal preference.  So choose accents that YOU love! 

• *We chose Tricorn Black SW 6258  for our dark accent color.  

 

 

And my purpose is definitely NOT to overwhelm you with decisions, it’s just good to know the terms before you begin.

It also helps to know that:

• more “cut-ins” (accent trim color changes) = higher cost
• more two-color cut-ins = longer painting time
• the accent trim changes the look of the house – No pressure – lol!!

Here are closeup pictures of some of the items so that you can see them better.

• fascia
• soffit
• flashing (drip edge)
• roof flashing

Facia & Soffit

The fascia board is the like the “trim board,” and the soffit is the piece underneath the overhang – with those slatted vent lines.

 

Drip Edge & Flashing

The flashing (referred to as the drip edge) is definitely a game changer.  

Our painters started with our shed first and went ahead and painted the flashing white as well – and then they asked me if that was ok?

AND I am so happy that they did!!  Since we were not planning to paint the fascia board with our black accent paint color, the entire look would have changed.

So, below you can see that the bottom picture is of our shed (flashing painted white), and the top picture is of our garage (flashing painted black).

Whew!!  Thank goodness because it definitely would have been too much white!

 

The other flashing piece is the one that goes directly above one of the changes in the roof line (don’t know technical term – sorry)!

This flashing should match the roof – or paint it dark to extend that roof line.

 

*** If you want to see some painted brick houses to give you ideas and inspiration for choosing YOUR look, click 15 Best White Paint Colors For Brick Exteriors.

• You will be able to see some of the differences between them (with more/less accent trim cut-ins).
• More cut-ins add more contrast (modern farmhouse style), less cut-ins add more subtle look (more traditional or cottage style).
• Plus, you don’t have to use dark brown or black accent trim – the gray accent colors are beautiful also.

 

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The Ultimate Guide

Length Of Project Time

Another thing that you will need to consider is the length of time it will take the painters to complete your entire project.

I just thought it was important to mention the time factor because you will have to:

• move your cars out of your driveway
• ask your friendly neighbors to move their cars when your house is being “sprayed”
• you might need to be available when the painters have questions
• your windows/doors around your house will be covered with plastic
• you might not have access to your garage (just when they are painting doors, etc)

Length of OUR Project:

• *Our project took ~12 Days. 

I do think our project took a little longer because of the number of items we had painted and because of those extra handyman jobs we added.

• And we had a lot of rain during this project too.  So don’t forget about weather delays!!

But overall it worked out great on timing.  They were able to get all of their accent trim and other questions out of the way first, and then they finished up while we went on vacation.

TIP:

I will share this little tip with you that I heard – haha!  (Don’t quote me on this, but it’s just a helpful guide for you). 

Basically the cost of the project is broken down into the total # of days.

For example – the painters basically charge $1,000/day.

• 5 days of work = $5,000
• 10 days of work = $10,000

So, that is another reason that length of time just might be important to you.  😉

Ok, let’s get to the actual step-by-step process and all of the pictures (because I did take A TON of them)!!  

 

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Painting Your Exterior Brick

Step-By-Step Process

4 Steps:

1.   Clean/Pressure wash
2.   Prep – Caulk and Cover
3.   Paint – 2 coats
4.   Final Walk Through/Clean up

 

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Step #1:  Clean/Pressure wash

• Ok, so the actual first thing YOU will do is remove all patio furniture, potted plants, etc. 

The first step that the PAINTERS will do is clean and pressure wash your entire house – brick, siding, doors, patio ceilings, etc.

Basically, this step will take one full day (or maybe longer depending on your project). 

• Cleaning – will help get dirt, grime, mildew, efflorescence (salt deposit on brick), and other elements that cause the paint not to stick.

 

 

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Step #2:  Prep Area

After your crew has cleaned and pressure washed your entire project area, they will begin the prepping process.

This step will most likely take another full day.

They will cover and protect:

• windows & doors on house/and or garage
• cover fences and plants
• protect patio ground, driveway, and pavers (if you have any)
• caulk and repair any small racks in siding or trim pieces
• repair mortar or small cracks in brick

*** Removal of ceiling fans, outdoor lights, and any larger items that need to be repaired – will most likely be an additional charge – just a FYI.

Can you see why we NEEDED new fans – wow!!!  Those are SO sad looking and droopy 😉

 

 

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Step #3:  Paint – 2 Coats

Our work crew began painting all of the siding first, then moved on to the brick.

I am really glad that they started this way because I was able to see what it was going to actually look like with the new color.

Also, remember how I said that they let me decide about that flashing (drip edge) piece? 

It was a lot easier to choose – because of it’s lower height (and roof line).

Painting Siding – Exterior Latex Paint (Satin)

• Garage Siding/Garage Doors/Fascia/Soffits
• *We Chose Aesthetic White SW 7035 for all of this also.

 

• Covered Patio Trim/Ceilings
• *We chose Poolhouse SW 7603  for our blue-gray ceiling color.  

 

• House Trim/Fascia/Soffits

 

Painting Brick – 1st Coat Romabio Mineral Paint

• *We Chose Aesthetic White SW 7035.

Finally!  I know this is what you really wanted to see!

• Brick Patio

They dampened the brick with a large spray pump filled with water, and then “sprayed” the first coat of Romabio mineral paint onto the dampened brick.

 

Here below is a picture of the back patio wall brick done.

I also wanted to show this view because you can see the chimney siding and house siding as well. 

• At this stage the house siding, fascia, and soffits had already been done (before the brick), but you can tell how much work and attention to detail painting the exterior of a home takes! 

 

• Covered Patio/Fireplace

 

 

 

• Front of House

 

Painting Brick – 2nd Coat

They used a roller brush to add the 2nd coat of Romabio mineral paint – using a back-roll method to really cover the missed spots.

Here below is a picture of the brick fireplace after the first coat of paint. 

• You can tell that it has some patchy spots.  

I just wanted to show you the difference between the first and second coats of paint.  

 

And after with the second coat.

I just wanted to let you see how important that second coat of paint really is.  

 

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Step #4:  Final Walk Through/Clean Up

I added this last step because it is very important that you:

• do a final walk through – so that your work crew can do any touch ups needed
• make for sure they clean up after the job is completed – before that final check.

Our crew did a great job, but there were a couple of items that needed to be touched up, plus there were some items that they had to “correct” because they didn’t cover everything properly.

This final walk through is a win-win for both parties, and it really helps to finalize the project!

 

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AFTER PICTURES:

Ok, who’s ready for some after pictures?

 

 

 

For more information on our black front door or outdoor lights – scroll to the end.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is the info on the painters I highly recommend:

• Kneeland Renovations – Scott (970) 306-2285
• scott@kneelandrenovations.com

 

Related Posts & Links: 

• Ceiling Fans
• Outdoor Porch Lights (3-light) – here or here
• Covered Patio Lights (2-light) – here or here
• Our New Front Door Reveal:  Summer Front Porch
• 22 Stunning Black Front Door Inspirations
• 15 Best Black Exterior Front Doors
• 9 Best Outdoor Wall Lights (Under $250)

Have a Great Fall Everyone!!

Love & Hugs 🙂

 

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