A few years ago, the thought of painting exterior brick homes was met with hesitation. Brick felt timeless, untouchable like it should be left exactly the way it was built.
That mindset is starting to shift. In neighborhoods across Raleigh, NC, painted brick homes are popping up more often, turning once-muted exteriors into warm, polished facades.
There’s good reason for the trend. Painting brick offers more than just visual appeal—it helps protect the surface from moisture, mold, and weather damage. For homes facing years of sun, rain, and humidity, paint can act as a shield while giving the exterior a clean, updated look.
Still, there’s a right way to do it. And skipping steps, like prepping mortar or picking the right type of primer, can lead to peeling or trapped moisture down the line.
This guide breaks down the entire process. From choosing the right materials to hiring trusted exterior painters, everything here is designed to help make the process less overwhelming—and a lot more rewarding.
Key Takeaways:
- Painting brick adds long-lasting curb appeal and shields against Raleigh’s humidity and rain.
- Prepping brick with repairs, cleaning, and primer is key to a smooth finish.
- 100% acrylic latex paint works best on masonry for durability and breathability.
- Using the right tools—roller, sprayer, and brush—makes a big difference.
- Hiring expert exterior painters in Raleigh, NC saves time and avoids costly mistakes.
Benefits of Painting Exterior Brick Homes
Painting exterior brick homes is one of the simplest ways to freshen up the façade without a full renovation. While brick is durable, it’s not immune to the elements. Over time, rain, mildew, and UV exposure can darken or stain the surface.
Here’s why homeowners across Raleigh are choosing to paint:
- It helps seal and protect masonry from water infiltration.
- A new coat of paint can hide uneven color, patchwork, or repaired mortar joints.
- It adds long-term curb appeal, especially when paired with the right brick color for houses and front door colors for brick homes.
- Whitewash or lighter finishes can brighten up shaded lots or older brickwork.
For anyone dealing with water intrusion, especially near the basement or fireplace walls, paint paired with proper waterproofing can make a big difference.
How Painting Exterior Brick Homes Works
Painting exterior brick homes isn’t just about adding color—it’s about protecting your biggest investment. From moisture damage to worn-out mortar, unpainted brick can start to show its age over time. A well-done paint job can seal the surface, refresh curb appeal, and extend the life of your home’s exterior. But to get those results, the process needs to be done right from the very first step.
What to Check Before You Paint
Before picking up a brush or calling an exterior painter in Raleigh, NC, take a close look at the current condition of your home’s brickwork.
Here’s what to assess:
- Mortar condition: Look for cracks or gaps. Mortar repair needs to happen before any primer or paint is applied.
- Moisture: Touch the walls after a dry day. If the surface still feels damp, it could signal trapped water.
- Mildew or stains: Stains from moisture or mold must be treated before painting.
- Efflorescence: White powdery residue on brick often means water is pushing salts through the surface. It needs to be cleaned thoroughly.
Skipping any of these steps risks peeling, bubbling, or discoloration. For more insights, check out the signs to repaint your house exterior to better understand timing and surface concerns.
Prepping Exterior Brick for Paint
Preparation is everything. Without it, even the best paint won’t last.
- Start with a deep clean. A power washer works well to remove dirt, mildew, and old stain from brick, stucco, or concrete block. In areas near the ground or garden, use a mild detergent and brush to scrub out tough spots.
- Next, make all repairs. Fill cracks with mortar or caulk and allow time for drying. It’s also important to let the brick fully dry—this can take 2–3 days in humid Raleigh weather.
- Then, apply primer. Use a masonry primer designed for high-porosity surfaces. This helps seal the brick, improves adhesion, and blocks stains. A roller works well for large areas, while a brush can reach mortar joints.
Painting exterior brick homes without priming is one of the biggest mistakes—especially in climates with rain or high humidity.
Choosing the Right Paint and Finish
Not all paint is created equal. When painting brick exteriors, the type of paint matters as much as the color.
For Raleigh homes, the best choices are:
- 100% acrylic latex paint. This formula allows moisture to escape while protecting against mold and mildew.
- Low-sheen or matte finishes. These are more forgiving on older brick and hide imperfections.
- Elastomeric coatings (in some cases). These provide extra flexibility and waterproofing but may trap moisture if not applied correctly.
When selecting exterior paint colors for brick homes, look at how the light hits your house. Lighter paint reflects more heat and gives a clean, modern look. White brick for house exteriors is especially popular around Raleigh right now, often paired with soft trim or natural wood accents.
And don’t forget surrounding elements—roof color, stucco, wood trim, and even the front door will affect how the final color reads.
Need help understanding what paint types work best? This blog on exterior paint types explains more about finishes and durability.
Tools You’ll Need
Painting brick is different than painting drywall or wood trim. The texture of brick and mortar means more effort is needed to get solid coverage.
Here are the most helpful tools:
- Stiff-bristle brush for scrubbing and applying primer in mortar joints
- High-quality roller for large flat areas
- Paint sprayer for even coverage on broad surfaces (best left to professionals)
- Drop cloths and painter’s tape to protect landscaping and windows
- Ladder or scaffolding for second-story access
A sprayer offers speed, but it also creates more mess if not handled properly. Using a brush first around edges and corners helps give cleaner lines and better control.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Homeowners and DIYers sometimes skip steps trying to save time. Unfortunately, it often means doing the job twice.
Avoid these:
- Painting on damp brick
- Skipping primer
- Using interior paint by mistake
- Painting during high humidity or extreme heat
- Not cleaning mildew or mold before sealing the wall
Local weather patterns can also affect how the paint performs. Be sure to check the weather for mistakes when painting the exterior for more timing tips.
Environmentally Friendly Options
For those looking to reduce impact without giving up performance, there are environmentally friendly paint options made from low-VOC acrylic. These paints are safer for homes with kids or pets and still offer excellent adhesion, color retention, and durability.
They’re also ideal for painting interior brick features like fireplaces, especially in homes that value cleaner air and sustainable building materials.
Hiring Exterior Painters in Raleigh, NC
Hiring experienced exterior painters in Raleigh, NC can save time and frustration. Professionals bring the right tools, surface knowledge, and prep expertise to make sure the job lasts.
A typical professional service includes:
- Inspection of all brick and mortar
- Pressure washing and mildew removal
- Repair of cracks, stains, or loose mortar
- Application of primer and two coats of paint
- Final touch-ups and clean-up
If painting exterior brick homes feels overwhelming, getting help from a local pro can help avoid costly mistakes and save a few weekends of hard labor.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Painting exterior brick homes in Raleigh, NC isn’t just about looks—it’s a smart, protective upgrade that keeps homes in better shape longer. With the right prep, paint, and timing, the results can be dramatic and long-lasting.
Color options are more flexible than ever, and when paired with proper masonry care and high-quality products, your home gets a polished look that holds up through heat, rain, and wear.
If you’re ready to get started, Alvarez Painting can help. Whether you’re in Raleigh, Morrisville, Wake Forest, Chapel Hill, NC or the surrounding areas, we offer free estimates, expert prep, and clean, professional exterior painting results.
Here’s how we make it easy:
- Free estimate and expert consultation
- Full surface cleaning and mortar repair
- Application of primer and two top-quality coats
- Clean work area and final inspection
Call us at 919-444-8997 for your FREE estimate today. Let’s refresh your brick exterior the right way!
