Painting exterior brick homes in Leesburg, VA is a real game changer for homeowners who want to refresh their curb appeal without going into full renovation mode.
We’ve helped plenty of families who weren’t sure if their exterior brick could be painted. Good news—it absolutely can. Done right, it holds up beautifully to our shifting Virginia weather. Whether you’re working with red brick, white brick, or something in between, there’s a solid way to do it that protects your home, keeps moisture out, and leaves it looking clean, modern, and personalized.
Let’s walk through everything you need to know before picking up a brush or sprayer, from surface prep to product selection, down to mistakes to avoid.
Key Takeaways:
- Clean and dry brick thoroughly before applying primer or paint to avoid moisture issues
- Always repair cracks and damaged mortar joints to prep for long-lasting results
- Use breathable acrylic latex paint designed for masonry to help your brick “breathe”
- Choose exterior paint colors for brick homes that complement your roof, trim, and doors
- Hire exterior painters in Leesburg, VA familiar with local weather and brick conditions
Does Painting Brick Make Sense for Your Home?
For many homeowners, the decision to paint comes down to either looks or longevity. Maybe your brick façade feels a little washed out or your mortar joints have started looking uneven. Or maybe you’re putting your home on the market and want to increase curb appeal fast.
Painting exterior brick homes doesn’t just give you a color upgrade. It also:
- Adds a layer of waterproofing against rain and moisture
- Helps seal porous surfaces, including concrete blocks and worn masonry
- Reduces mildew and mold buildup on older bricks
- Covers up mortar stains, patchy spots, and hairline cracks
If your brick feels too dark or drab, exterior paint colors for brick homes now range from warm whites to charcoal grays and soft sage greens. A quality coat of latex masonry paint can modernize even the oldest brick exteriors.
Thinking about selling your home soon? Painted brick with the right house paint colors with red brick or white brick for house exterior can add noticeable value. It also helps your home stand out in tight markets like Leesburg.
Prep Work: Where Most Brick Painting Projects Go Wrong
Most issues with painting brick homes start before a brush ever hits the wall. The secret to a long-lasting finish is all in the prep, especially in Virginia where rain, humidity, and moisture can sneak in through unsealed surfaces.
Here’s how to prep correctly:
1. Clean the surface thoroughly.
Use a pressure washer on a low setting to clean off dirt, mildew, and chalky residue. For areas near the basement, be extra cautious of efflorescence—a white salt-like stain that must be removed with a masonry cleaner.
2. Repair any cracks or loose mortar.
Inspect your brickwork, mortar joints, and stucco if present. Repoint any gaps and repair hairline cracks with exterior caulk or mortar patch. If you skip this, water can seep behind the paint and cause peeling.
3. Let it dry completely.
Brick is porous, so you need to give it at least a full day of dry weather before exterior painting. Otherwise, trapped moisture can wreck your entire paint job.
If you’re working with an old fireplace or chimney area, it’s a good idea to check the structural condition first, especially if you’re planning to paint the interior sections too.
Choosing the Right Products: What Paint Works Best on Brick?
Not all paints are created equal, especially when you’re working with brick exteriors and masonry. You’ll want something breathable, durable, and made specifically for brick.
Here’s what matters most:
- Primer: Always start with a high-quality masonry primer. It helps with adhesion and prevents uneven color absorption, especially on older building materials like stone or brick.
- Paint type: Use 100% acrylic latex paint for the topcoat. It expands and contracts with changing temperatures and allows the brick to “breathe” instead of trapping moisture.
- Tools: A paint sprayer can speed up the process, especially for large homes, but a high-quality brush or roller may give you better control around windows, corners, and trim.
Wondering what colors look good on brick? Take cues from your roof, shutters, and front door colors for brick homes. Some popular combinations include:
- White brick for house exterior with navy accents
- Earthy brick color for houses paired with forest green
- Taupe bricks for house exterior with matte black trim
If you’re unsure where to begin, this post on exterior paint types breaks down more options.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Painting Exterior Brick Homes
We’ve seen a few too many homeowners skip key steps and pay for it later. If you’re hiring exterior painters in Leesburg, VA or doing it yourself, make sure you avoid these:
- Skipping primer. This leads to uneven coverage and early peeling
- Painting damp brick. You’ll trap water and cause bubbling later on
- Choosing interior paint for outside jobs. Sounds obvious, but it happens. Use products labeled for exterior and made for masonry
- Not checking the weather. Avoid painting right before rain or in extreme heat. More on this in our blog about weather mistakes when painting the exterior.
Doing it right the first time saves you money and stress in the long run.
How Long Does Painted Brick Last?
With proper prep and quality products, painting exterior brick homes can last 15 to 20 years before needing a refresh. That’s longer than most other siding options.
To keep it looking great, you’ll want to:
- Repaint every 10–15 years or when the color starts fading
- Touch up problem spots if you notice stain, flaking, or exposed mortar
- Keep an eye on your roof runoff and gutters, especially after storms, to avoid moisture damage
If you’re seeing signs of cracking, bubbling, or heavy discoloration, you may want to review our tips on when to repaint your house exterior.
Final Thoughts
Painting exterior brick homes isn’t just about making your house look better—it’s about protecting your investment. From mortar joint repairs to choosing the right paint for exterior brick, each step plays a role in how well your finish holds up over time. Whether you’re changing your brick color for houses or freshening up with whitewash, the results can be dramatic and long-lasting.
With expert prep, the right products, and help from professional exterior painters in Leesburg, VA, your home can turn heads for all the right reasons.
Here’s how we make the process simple and stress-free:
- We handle all prep including cleaning, waterproofing, and priming
- We help select paint types and exterior paint colors for brick homes
- We offer eco-friendly and environmentally friendly options
- We use the right tools, from brushes to sprayers, to deliver full coverage
- We stick to timelines and keep you updated each step of the way
Call Appaloosa Painting Co. today for a FREE estimate in Purcellville, Ashburn, VA, and the surrounding areas. Call us at 540-202-7600.
