September 18, 2026
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Best Way to Paint a Brick House

Painting a brick house can refresh its appearance, improve kerb appeal, and give an older exterior a more modern look. The best way to paint a brick house depends on the size of the property, the condition of the brick, and the finish you want.

For most exterior projects, spraying followed by back-rolling provides fast and even coverage. However, rollers, brushes, and limewash can also be effective depending on the project.

What Is the Best Way to Paint a Brick House?

The best method is to prepare the brick properly and choose an application technique suited to the size and condition of the house.

The main options are:

Method	Best For	Main Benefit
Sprayer + Back-Rolling	Large exterior walls	Fast, even coverage
Roller + Brush	DIY and smaller homes	Easy to control
Brush Painting	Small areas and details	Precise application
Limewashing	Traditional or natural finishes	Preserves brick character

1. Spray Painting and Back-Rolling

A paint sprayer is an efficient option for large brick exteriors because it can cover textured brick and mortar joints quickly.

How to Do It

Clean the brick and remove dirt, mould, and loose material.
Repair cracks and damaged mortar and allow the surface to dry.
Protect windows, doors, plants, and nearby surfaces with drop cloths and masking materials.
Apply masonry primer if required by the paint manufacturer.
Spray the first coat in even, overlapping passes, keeping a consistent distance from the wall.
Back-roll the wet coating using a suitable masonry roller to work the paint into the brick texture.
Allow it to dry, then apply a second coat if required.

Best for: Large houses, textured brick, and professional projects.

2. Roller and Brush

Using a masonry roller is a practical method for smaller houses and DIY projects. A brush can then be used for edges, corners, and mortar joints.

How to Do It

Clean and inspect the brick before painting.
Repair damaged mortar or bricks and let them dry completely.
Mask windows, doors, and other areas you do not want painted.
Prime the surface if the selected paint requires it.
Load the roller evenly and apply the first coat in manageable sections.
Use a brush around edges and mortar joints where the roller cannot reach properly.
Let the first coat dry according to the product instructions.
Apply a second coat if necessary for consistent coverage.

Best for: DIY projects and smaller brick exteriors.

3. Brush Painting

Painting with a brush gives you maximum control and can push paint into textured brick and mortar joints. However, it is slower than spraying or rolling.

How to Do It

Clean the brick thoroughly and remove loose debris.
Repair cracks and damaged areas before painting.
Protect surrounding surfaces with masking tape and drop cloths.
Apply primer where recommended.
Use a quality masonry brush to apply paint in small sections.
Work the brush into the mortar joints and textured areas to avoid missed spots.
Allow the first coat to dry before applying another coat.
Check the surface for thin or missed areas and touch them up.

Best for: Small walls, detailed areas, and touch-ups.

4. Limewashing Brick

Limewash is an alternative to conventional paint when you want a softer, more natural appearance while keeping some of the brick’s original character visible.

How to Do It

Clean the brick and remove dirt, mould, and loose material.
Repair damaged mortar and bricks before application.
Dampen the brick slightly according to the limewash manufacturer’s instructions.
Mix the limewash thoroughly to achieve an even consistency.
Apply a thin coat using a masonry brush.
Work in small sections, keeping the application consistent.
Allow the coat to dry before adding additional coats if needed.
Adjust the final appearance with another thin coat if you want greater coverage.

Best for: Traditional homes, rustic styles, and homeowners who want a natural brick appearance.

How to Prepare a Brick House Before Painting

Proper preparation is essential for a durable finish.

Inspect the brick and mortar for cracks, damage, or loose material.
Clean the surface to remove dirt, dust, mould, and efflorescence.
Repair damaged areas before applying paint.
Allow the brick to dry completely.
Protect windows, doors, plants, and nearby surfaces.
Prime where required according to the product instructions.

Never use paint to hide serious moisture problems or deteriorating mortar. These issues should be addressed first.

What Type of Paint Is Best for a Brick House?

Choose a quality exterior masonry paint or coating specifically designed for brick and masonry surfaces.

When comparing products, consider:

Durability
Breathability
Water resistance
UV resistance
Coverage
Finish
Maintenance requirements

What Is the Best Colour to Paint a Brick House?

Popular colours include:

White: Clean and modern
Off-white or cream: Soft and traditional
Light grey: Contemporary and neutral
Charcoal: Bold and modern
Beige: Warm and classic
Green or blue: Distinctive and suitable for some coastal styles

Test your chosen colour on a small section first, as brick texture and natural light can change its appearance.

Common Mistakes When Painting Brick

Avoid these common problems:

Painting damp brick
Skipping surface preparation
Using interior paint outdoors
Applying excessively thick coats
Painting over mould or damaged mortar
Ignoring moisture problems
Using unsuitable paint
Painting in unsuitable weather

Should You Paint a Brick House Yourself?

A small, single-storey project can be suitable for DIY painting if you have the right equipment and preparation time.

For large or multi-storey houses, heavily textured brick, or surfaces requiring significant repairs, an experienced painter can make the process faster and help achieve more consistent coverage.