Brick Stain Before And After Pictures? The 100 New Answer

BrickImaging is the leading provider of brickwork color transformations. Thanks to Stayntech™ – our exclusive and best brick stain product – we are able to change the color of brickwork while preserving its natural aesthetics.

While brick painting is the latest home improvement sensation, eventually the paint applied to the brick will chip, peel and/or fade. Brick painters will often find that paint doesn’t last very long.

With Stayntech™ we guarantee it won’t chip or peel. You can also rest assured that it will be maintenance free for many years to come.

Stayntech™ is the best brick stain on the market. Preserves the natural appearance of your brickwork

Brushing over brick blocks the natural airflow process that can cause chipping and cracking. The best brick stain absorbs into the brick, forming a protective barrier and allowing it to breathe.

Stayntech™ Brick Stain products are available in four uses to help you get the best results:

Stayntech Renew™: Single color stain that applies evenly to brick and mortar. This application can also be used on blocks, stones or vertical concrete substrates.

: Single color stain applied evenly to brick and mortar. This application can also be used on blocks, stones or vertical concrete substrates. Stayntech Define™: Offers an option for contrasting brick and mortar colors.

: Provides an option for contrasting brick and mortar colors. Stayntech Enhance™: Allows the option to combine multiple colors on individual stones to create a multicolored appearance.

allows the option to combine multiple colors on individual bricks for a multi-colored appearance. Staytech™ Combined: Stayntech Define + Enhance options can be combined to enhance detail or incorporate additional colors.

Choose any brick patch colors or patterns you desire

With Stayntech™, the best brick stain, we offer a wide range of brick stain colors and patterns to choose from such as:

White

Hidden White

moondust

Modern soy

Cozy grey

Armored and more!

This gives us the flexibility to get the colors exactly how you want them.

Increase the retail value of your property with Stayntech™ Brick Stain Exterior

No matter what you do, brick will fade over time. Once this happens, it can change the entire look of your neighborhood, home or property and affect its value. With our best exterior brick glaze technology, you’ll add a fresh layer of protection that will withstand the elements while potentially increasing the value of your property. The exterior of your home will also last much longer.

All Stayntech™ projects include:

covering windows and doors

Top coat sealer with a matte finish for environmental protection

Standard 15 year limited warranty

Eliminate replacement costs

With brick painting, you need to maintain the look over time. The larger the area, the more it costs you to keep up with it. While a fresh coat of paint can change the aura of a commercial building or home, that aura quickly dissipates when the paint begins to chip and fade.

Improve the neighborhood around you

This is an often underestimated effect of using Stayntech™. We’ve seen entire neighborhoods transform overnight after completing our brick coloring process. A freshly painted building that looks like new evokes positive feelings. Consider the broken window theory, where a broken window opens the door to more vandalism. An improved appearance can often inspire a renewed sense of pride in you and others in your neighborhood.

Attract more customers and tenants with a renewed look

When you see an old, dilapidated brick building, make a quick judgment about quality. A new looking building can evoke positive feelings among your employees and customers.

Stayntech™ The Best Brick Stain – Customer Testimonials

Dianne Travis Technical Director, Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute

“We at the Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute are happy to recommend your coloring services to customers with color matching problems in brick, block, mortar or concrete. Masonry walls are meant to last and we believe your stain will too. We have recommended your work several times in the past with excellent results. We will continue to educate people with brickwork color matching issues about your service.”

Jim Anderson. Q & M Masonry, Ft. Collins CO

“Brick Imaging has saved us a lot of money. They have carried out several projects for us in a very professional manner. All have developed very well and the owners were very satisfied. I would give BrickImaging the highest compliments for their expertise.”

Deborah Catellier, GSG Architecture

“It was amazing to see the building transform in such a surprisingly quick process. The owner worried for months about what to do with the back of the building now that it had a nice annexe next door and painting was not an option. When they saw the stained brick they were a “satisfied customer”. They were even more excited that it didn’t cost a lot of money and that there will be little to no maintenance. We had a comment from a citizen asking when we replaced all of those individual bricks. When we told them it was a stain they couldn’t believe it.

Thank you for beautifying the Historic Townsend Hotel and helping become Natrona County’s Townsend Justice Center.”

Terry Bond, Beck Construction Company

“We worked together on the Art Gallery in downtown Denver, Colorado last year and wanted to say thank you to our company. As you may recall, we were in the process of renovating a 100 year old brick building into a modern art gallery. The building fabric had to be extensively renovated, which in turn had an impact on the overall budget. Because of this unexpected expense, our exterior facade budget was cut. We have contacted your company in hopes of finding an alternative method of exterior cladding. To our surprise, the end product was better than we had imagined even before our budget was cut. We requested a custom color that required many samples. Your crew happily adjusted the colors until our customer was satisfied. BrickImaging completed the job on time and within budget. The building continues to look great and we achieved exactly what the client wanted, a great looking building with an all new exterior color scheme. Thank you to you and your crew for everything you have done. We really appreciate your professionalism.”

What are the advantages of coloring bricks?

Bricks have excellent durability and can last for centuries with proper care, which doesn’t mean they always have to wear the same color. Staining your brick surfaces is the best idea to keep them looking fresh and new over time.

Is brick coloring better than painting?

Coloring brick not only improves its appearance, but also gives it better durability, among other benefits:

Durability. Stained brick lasts a very long time. By coloring the brick, that color becomes part of the brick and prevents it from peeling like paint.

color palette. In addition to the variety of colors Stayntech™ offers, tinting your stones gives you the ability to control the intensity applied to the stone by tinting it semi-transparent.

Seal the stones. Allows them to breathe, avoiding the formation of bubbles, which often happens with paint.

Which Brick Stain Colors Should You Choose?

One of the most common questions when researching brick users – Stayntech™. Still, it’s very subjective, and your answer depends on your tastes and where it’s applied. In addition, you need to consider certain factors such as: B. the style of your home and the style of the neighborhood you live in.

BrickImaging has been the nation’s premier brick coloring company since our inception in 1976.

Our exclusive Stayntech™ brick stains provide a consistent finish that lasts, looks completely natural and requires no maintenance. Our stains are specially formulated for brick, block, stone and mortar and are guaranteed never to blister, chip or peel like paint.

To learn more about the best brick stain, don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss the details of your latest home improvement project.

When it comes to durability, brick homes and buildings are among the most durable of all structures. In fact, the Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town, South Africa and Bromley Hall in London, England are both brick structures that are over 500 years old. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend centuries looking at the same old color in your home. If you learn to color bricks, you can change its appearance over the course of a weekend.

Related How to paint a brick fireplace

Can you color bricks? Stain vs. Color

Both stain and paint can change the appearance of brick siding, fireplaces, and other brickwork. They each have their pros and cons, but both are good options for a brick makeover. The choice depends on your goals.

When it comes to a simple application, brick painting is usually the way to go. With a thick roller, an old brush, and a little effort, you can achieve a varnished look in just a coat or two. The paint dries on the outside of the brick, completely covering it. The color doesn’t penetrate the brick, however, so it’s not as long-lasting or durable as a stain.

In contrast, applying stain is more difficult and often requires multiple coats to achieve the desired color and effect. This is because bricks are porous and will soak up the stain as it is applied. For this reason, it is best to apply a stain with a paint sprayer, although a roller and brush can also be used. However, brick coloring has several advantages. First of all, the look lasts much longer than color. Staining these surfaces also brings out the brick’s natural beauty and covers more area – meaning this method would likely save you money.

How to color bricks

Brick coloring isn’t complex, but there are certain steps you need to follow to get the best possible result.

Step 1: Clean the stones

In order for a stain to penetrate and adhere well, the bricks should be relatively clean. However, due to its irregularities and porosity, brick can be difficult to clean.

Use a pressure washer to clean the entire area. Don’t be too aggressive with the pressure or nozzle because while bricks are durable, you can easily damage grout with too much pressure.

Reduce the pressure to about 1,000 PSI (maximum 1,500), being careful not to blow off the grout.

Step 2: Make repairs

After the surface is clean, conduct a thorough inspection of the brick and mortar joints. Most likely, the bricks are in suitable condition. But mortar can deteriorate over time, so make repairs where necessary.

Prepare the grout mix by following the manufacturer’s instructions on the bag. Then, using the pick trowel, replace any deteriorated mortar with the fresh mix. Be sure to work the grout into the joint as much as possible and shape the repair to blend with the rest of the joint.

Allow the grout to dry for at least a few days before staining.

Step 3: Prepare the area

Stain is thinner than paint and staining bricks can be very messy.

If you’re staining interior brick, use masking tape to protect anything along the brick that you don’t want to stain, such as walls, trim, mantles, etc. Use drop cloths to protect anything you can’t remove from the area.

For coloring exterior bricks, if necessary, glue along all trim, window sills and the foundation. Also place drapes over larger items such as shrubs, bushes, decks, sidewalks and the like.

Step 4: Mix the stain

Like paint, the stain will settle in the can over time, with the pigments sinking to the bottom and the solvents rising to the top. These components must be mixed thoroughly to ensure the finished product is even and consistent.

The best tool for mixing masonry stain is a drill with a paint mixer attached. Place the end of the blender into the stain and blend until all the contents are combined. You can also use a wooden paint stirrer; it will just take longer.

Depending on the manufacturer, you may need to thin the first coat. In this case, use a clean bucket and add the water according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Keep this blended stain separate from the rest.

Step 5: Load the paint sprayer

Using an inexpensive paint sprayer (about $60) is far more efficient than rolling and brushing the stain onto the brick. Load by removing the hopper and filling to the “max” line.

Reattach the funnel to the paint sprayer and prime it by plugging it in, pointing it at a piece of cardboard, and holding the trigger until it sprays.

Rotate the spray nozzle so the spray pattern is vertical.

Step 6: Spray the brick

Finally, start coating the brick with the sprayer. Hold the sprayer about 30 cm from the brick surface and at a slight angle.

While holding the trigger, swing the sprayer left to right, overlapping the last pass by half. Continue sweeping back and forth until you’ve coated the entire brick surface. Use an old brush to clean up puddles or level out mortar joints.

After letting it dry (the time depends on humidity, temperature and the thickness of the applied layer), apply another layer. If possible, rotate the spray nozzle so the spray pattern is horizontal and apply this coat in an up and down motion. Again, overlap the last pass by half.

Continue applying layers in this manner, using alternating spray patterns, until the brick finish looks as planned.

You’ve given your brick surface a makeover that will last for years. Best of all, you don’t even have to seal the brick after staining it. By learning how to color brick, you can enjoy the low maintenance and durability of your brick finish, as well as the fresh new look you’ve given it.

tools and materials

Brick is an incredibly durable building product for both indoor and outdoor use and requires minimal maintenance. But at some point the building block can get tired and need an update.

As long as the brick is structurally sound and the finish is unpainted, one of the best ways to give it a design refresh is to stain it. Learn how to breathe new life into your fireplace, exterior wall or other brick surface with brick stain.

What brick coloring is

Brick stain is a permanent surface treatment that changes the appearance of the brick. Unlike paint, which remains on the surface, brick stain is a mineral product that penetrates the brick and becomes part of the brick. It can never chip, blister or detach from the brick.

Brick stain works best when applied to unsealed, clean, fully porous brick. It cannot be used on painted bricks.

Brick stain itself does not protect the brick, although it is possible to buy brick stain with protective additives.

Painting bricks vs. tinting bricks

Brick tinting and brick painting are related as both are ways to freshen up brick and give it a new look. Additionally, the two methods work differently and have results that may address different goals.

brick painting

When painting bricks, the entire surface of the brick, including the mortar, is covered with a relatively thick layer of paint. This method gives the brick a uniform, opaque appearance. Although there are no color gradations in painted brick, painted brick can accentuate the texture of the brick surface. It can also give the brick a clean, modern feel.

An advantage of painting bricks is that the paint covers any surface imperfections. Patched areas are also covered. A disadvantage is that the paint seals the porous brick and does not allow the brick to breathe.

brick coloring

Brick stain coats the surface of the brick with a thin paint. This color can be either solid and opaque, similar to paint, or light and thin to match the basic color scheme of the brick.

Brick stain penetrates the pores of the brick and allows it to breathe. Unlike painted brick, stained brick cannot trap water below the surface. A disadvantage of brick stains is that badly damaged bricks cannot be repaired and masonry stains can show through the brick stain glaringly.

Differentiator: Soft matte finish, vintage feel, good for the brick and allows it to breathe naturally, full coverage or distressed

Many people are concerned about lightening their fireplace and thereby losing the natural brick feel that a fireplace has. Paint, even whitewash, will mask this natural look.

Lime Wash is a fantastic product that will not scale on your brick (unlike the resin drying process in traditional paint). This creates a soft, natural patina that preserves the natural look of brick in your home while significantly brightening your fireplace.

If you’re unfamiliar with lime, it has some amazing properties that make it particularly good for brick. You can check out this article to learn more about lime and how to use it.

The most popular limewash brand right now is Romabio, which is sold in a thick paste that needs to be thinned before application. After dilution, it is applied with a brush like any other paint. You can let it dry like you see in this picture, or you can distress it to reveal some of the natural brick underneath.

You can use natural cleaners that you mix yourself. They are cheaper and safer than commercial cleaners. Natural Cleanser: Make a thin paste with 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar and a little water. Apply to brick and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and wipe with a soft cloth. This method is best for cleaning small areas, such as the brick surround around a fireplace. For larger areas like a floor or wall, use the second natural cleaner, vinegar. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and pour into a spray bottle. Spray on the stones and leave for a few minutes. Use a sponge mop to clean the bricks. If the bricks are very dirty, use a nylon-bristle scrub brush and put some elbow grease in the scrubbing. Three natural cleaner is baking soda and dishwashing liquid. Make a thin paste by mixing 3 tablespoons dish soap with 1/2 cup baking soda. Brush onto brick, leave on for 10 minutes, then scrub off with a brush. Rinse with warm water.

To update or change the look of red brick exterior walls, stain the brick with an iron oxide-based brick tint or penetrating masonry stain. Like ceramic tiles, bricks are clay-based blocks that are shaped, fired, and then cooled. Changing brick color is possible because bricks are porous and easily absorb stains and tints. Because older red brick walls can be discolored from years of weathering or previous coats of masonry sealer, each new stain application may dry with some color variation.

Diane Dawson, a top real estate agent in Champaign, Illinois, jokes that owning a brick home is like having a bunch of $100 bills stuck to the outside. Brick is in demand and sells well. In fact, 34% of buyers said brick is their preferred choice for a home’s facade. It is low-maintenance, weather-resistant and environmentally friendly.

Still, increasing the appeal of your brick home can take your home’s appearance off the street to the next level and contribute to your bottom line at resale. HomeLight research shows that 76% of realtors believe improving curb appeal is the best thing you can do to make your home more attractive. To help you get there, we’ve rounded up 8 curb ideas that will give your brick home that extra pop.

1. Revise your existing building block

Dawson emphasizes the importance of getting your brick in tip-top shape before focusing on other curb features. If you don’t start from a strong baseline, any extra effort will go to waste. Here are some ideas on how to give your worn brick a makeover.

Repair or replace any damaged bricks

Remove and replace (or repair) any damaged bricks with the help of a masonry specialist.

When one of the foundation bricks cracks, there can be a variety of problems: Moisture is a common culprit and can be caused by a frequently watered lawn or a leaking roof — like a sponge, a brick expands as it absorbs water, and with it the time one wall expands, the others will break from the pressure.

There could also be a foundation problem. If concrete was used for the foundation, cracking could occur as concrete is extremely porous.

The best way to determine the problem is to contact a structural engineer or repair mason to check it out.

Clean and brighten your brick

It sounds like a simple thing, but many owners forget to simply tidy up their bricks because they think they have to spend all their time staging or landscaping.

However, remember that not all bricks are made of the same materials. While baked clay is the most common, concrete is becoming increasingly popular. So be sure to speak to a professional and choose the right cleaning solution if you decide to use chemicals.

If you want a quick clean that’s safe for all types of brick, a water-based pressure washer is a smart option. Just make sure you pick one with less than 3,000 pounds per inch pressure or you could damage the brick. Be sure to cover all lights and outlets, place a tarp over any adjacent flowers and shrubs, and protect the trim around your windows and doors with painter’s tape.

Close and bolt all windows, then flush away! (Note that a pressure washer is powerful enough to remove some paint, so if your brick is painted you may want to clean it manually or hire professionals to do the job). After you have used the pressure washer, you can take a small brush to spot remove any visible dirt residue.

Change the color of your brick

According to Dawson, there are three main ways to change the look of your existing brick:

colour

Painting your brick gives it a solid, opaque color of your choosing. However, you need to repaint it every 3-5 years to keep the color. Furthermore, it’s an irreversible process: you can repaint it if you want to change the color, but you can’t get it back on the original brick.

To paint your brick home, you must:

Look for needed repairs – if there are gaps in the joints, you need to fill them in. Clean it thoroughly and let it dry for 24 hours. To clean the exterior you will need a pressure washer. Apply latex primer and let dry for 24 hours. Choose your colour. As the name suggests, elastodynamic paint is highly elastic and fills cracks well. It also withstands any weather. Colour! Make sure you cover any parts of the house that you don’t want to paint with tarp or painter’s tape, and cover nearby shrubs as well.

Materials needed: a pressure washer, cleaning solution specific to your brick, latex primer, elastodynamic paint, painter’s tape, and a tarp to cover any areas you don’t want to paint.

whitewash

When a painted brick home screams color, whitewash is more like a whisper — it will tone down the color of the brick and add a layer of translucent paint over it.

To whitewash your home you must:

Clean it. Just like painting, the surface of the brick should be free of dirt. Look for any broken bricks or loose connections and repair them. Remove old paint from the brick. Your whitewash will crackle if there are any stains left from previous coats of paint. If you’re not sure when the brick was previously painted and you suspect it might have been a long time ago, you may be dealing with lead paint – which is toxic. In this case, consult a specialist. If you are certain that the old paint does not contain lead, after covering yourself with a mask and goggles, you can use a spatula or paint scraper to remove the past from your brick. Mask off any areas that you don’t want whitewashed, like plants or window shutters. Prepare your whitewash – you should start with a mixture of 50% white latex paint and 50% water. Paint a small area of ​​the brick to see if the color is what you want. If not, mix in a little more water (for a lighter effect) or a little more paint (for a more opaque effect). Now for the fun part: applying whitewash! You can use either a brush or a spray bottle. If you’re using a brush, work in small sections and keep some paper towels nearby to blot the areas so you’re actually whitewashing instead of painting. If you prefer to use a spray bottle, spray water on the area of ​​the stone you wish to whitewash, then wipe the same area with a cotton cloth dipped in the water/paint mixture.

Remember: bricks are very porous! Even if the whitewash looks dark after application, it will lighten after the walls have had time to dry.

Materials needed: a cleaning solution specific to your stone, a mask, safety goggles, spatula, wire brush, paint scraper, drop cloth, painter’s tape, water, latex paint, bucket, brush or spray bottle, and cotton cloth or paper towels

spot

Staining is more permanent than painting as it acts like a dye. When you paint your brick you apply color over it, but when you stain it you let the color bond with the brick, allowing the brick to breathe as you create a new color.

To color your home you must:

Make sure your brick absorbs water. It’s very simple: just splash some water on your stone. If it beads and rolls off, your brick is probably covered in sealant and can’t get dirty. Alternatively, it could be a non-absorbent brick type; If you suspect this is the case, consult a masonry professional to confirm. If the brick has a seal and you want to remove it, you can do this with paint thinner. Be warned that this may discolour your brick. Clean the stone with a gentle pressure washer (less than 3,000 pounds per inch) and mild detergent. Your brick should be completely dry before proceeding with staining – so check the weather forecast as well and make sure there’s no rain in sight! Choose your stain. Your hardware store will likely have several options and will let you test with samples before committing. Look for water-based stains – they allow the brick to breathe better and prevent moisture damage. This is another good time to check the weather. Patches should indicate the optimum temperature for application; You may have to wait for this heat wave to pass. When you’re ready to stain, put on gloves and safety goggles, and make sure to use painter’s tape and tarp to cover any areas of the house that you don’t want to stain. Have a bucket of water ready to wipe up spills. Mix the stain in a bucket (one you will no longer need after the project) according to the stain’s specific instructions. It’s difficult to lighten a stain afterwards, so it’s always better to mix the paint into a lighter shade – darkening shouldn’t be a problem. Test a small patch of brick by applying the stain with a brush. Wait to see how it dries to confirm you wish to proceed with the paint as is. If you like the color, keep coloring the brick. Color each stone from left to right or right to left with the brush in a smooth, horizontal motion. Paint in a scattered pattern. If you color the stones in the same row at the same time, you may experience color variations as you move through the stain and the color settles in the bucket. Be sure to wave the brush in the stain each time to keep the color mixed. As you work, you should immediately wipe up any drips with a damp cloth. Allow your stain to dry for 24-48 hours.

Materials Needed: Water, safety goggles, gloves, a mild detergent, a pressure washer, a bucket, a brush, brick, a rag, painter’s tape, and a tarp. You may also need paint thinner if you are interested in removing sealant from your brick.

Wash your driveway and sidewalk with Powerwash

We have already mentioned how effective a (gentle) pressure washer can be when cleaning bricks. By using one to remove dirt and grime from your driveway and sidewalk, you create a clean, bright canvas for your brick home to shine on.

2. Paint your door for some pizzazz

Because brick provides a neutral “base,” you can add a lot of personality to your home with a bold color on the front door.

When choosing the color of the door, also pay attention to other colors that appear in the architecture of your house: What color is the roof? What about the shutters? Your door should complement these qualities as well.

Here are a few color combination ideas to get you started:

Black door with red brick

This combination is sure to catch the eye, and research shows that homes with black doors often sell above their list price!

Try Sherwin-Williams caviar

A rich primary red door with red brick

Red is a bold door color, and some cultures believe that red brings good luck.

Try Sherwin-Williams Real Red

A white, oceanic, or cool-toned door against whitewashed bricks.

A turquoise door in front of whitewashed brick is bright and modern, giving off a calming beach house look.

Try Bubble by Sherwin-Williams

A yellow door paired with tan or tan brick.

Yellow is so cheerful and bright – potential buyers will immediately feel welcome.

Try Daffodil by Sherwin-Williams

Because your home will have its own style, architecture, and characteristics, it’s important to look for color combinations that are tailored to your home’s unique look. Houzz and Pinterest offer huge databases of images that you can browse through and look for inspiration. You can also pick up some color cards at your local hardware store.

3. Also paint the shutters

The color you choose for your door and shutters is considered the accent color of your home and this is where your home’s personality shines.

You can either match your shutter color to your door color or choose a lighter color for your shutters if you chose a more neutral shade for the door. Timberlane, a Pennsylvania-based company that specializes in exterior blinds, recommends these color combinations:

Combine dark red shutters with a white door.

Try Sherwin-Williams Radish paired with Ibis White

Combine red shutters with a door of the same color.

Try Sherwin-Williams Positive Red

For a more colonial look, combine hunter green shutters with a white door.

Try Evergreens paired with Sherwin-Williams Whitetail

Go all white – if both the window trim and shutters are white, the window will appear larger.

Try Sherwin-Williams Pure White

Stick to classic black – black doors on brick homes remain a popular choice, and so do the shutters.

Try Sherwin-Williams Inkwell (the window trim is often painted white to balance the intensity of the dark tint)

4. Add a walkway

Given the overall warmth and appeal of brick, why not expand the amount of brick you have and build a gorgeous walkway?

Clinker pavers are classic, elegant and can accentuate your landscaping as well as the entrance of your home. Consider these design ideas when planning your new walkway:

5. Go green

Did you know that a well-executed landscaping can increase the value of your home by up to 15%? In our research, we also found that in a head-to-head comparison of homes with landscaping and those without, those with landscaping were worth 1% to 10% more.

A quick way to upgrade your landscaping is to add eye-catching flowers that complement, not overshadow, your freshly painted doors and shutters; This draws the eyes of potential buyers right to the entrance of your home, making them feel invited and excited to view it.

Exterra Designs’ Pete Stinchcomb says when he takes his first tour with clients, he’ll see if there are any overgrown plants hiding important elements of the home — like the door — and make a plan to tame or remove them. Another way to “open up” your planting space is to declump small planting beds (typical of most older homes, as many brick homes are) and instead opt for a roomier and wider planting scheme.

Another way to draw visitors’ eyes up and towards your home is to play with height. Plant lower shrubs near the front of the lawn, place medium-sized plants in the center, and keep a few select accent trees like dogwood or Japanese maple to place in select areas to make your doorway or large windows stand out.

6. Be careful with ivy and other climbing plants

As romantic as an ivy-covered brick home may look, these plant species can cause harm to your home, as they can trap moisture on the building’s facade and destroy the mortar between the bricks. Consider how much sunlight your home gets; If there’s enough, the vines won’t retain as much moisture and your brick might be fine – but it’s best to speak to a local landscaper to confirm.

Stinchcomb offered a nice alternative for ivy: climbing hydrangea. “This variety provides a nice flat version of the hydrangea flower that isn’t detrimental to the brick surface,” he says.

7. Play with the lighting, the decoration of the house

According to Dawson, lighting is super important, inside and out – she even calls it the “jewelry of the house”. She said that sometimes in the evening she takes a picture of the house she is selling to show that it is well lit; this communicates safety and security. When a desirable brick home is for sale, the lighting can show its particular style and design. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

If your entryway is symmetrical, frame the doorway with sconces.

Add a hanging fixture in front of the door for an elegant combination if your entryway/porch has high ceilings (but avoid hanging lights if you’re in a windy area).

Use LED bulbs. Dawson said LED lights are bright and clear with no yellow – this keeps the lighting neutral.

Consider the style of your home. For example, you can try carriage lights for a charming colonial look when the rest of the landscaping and architecture lends itself to it.

8. Replace your old hardware

Replacing old hardware and accessories—the doorknob, all hinges, the mailbox, and door numbers for starters—with new ones can make a world of difference. Dawson really likes bronze hardware for brick, but look at different colors to make sure you choose ones that complement both your brick color and your accent color on your doors and shutters.

Ask your real estate agent for more ideas

Don’t forget to talk to your agent! If brick houses predominate where you live, a top realtor has seen a lot of them and has a feel for what looks good and better, what sells.

Header Image Source: (NicholasLaDuePhoto / ShutterStock)

There’s no denying that brick is a great building material – it’s strong, insulating and works beautifully with a myriad of interior styles. But the truth is, when it comes to looks, not all exterior brickwork is the same. If yours isn’t as appealing, here are nine expert tips on what to do about it.

We’ve accompanied this story with images of beautiful brick walls from the Houzz archives to show you what’s possible.

Using a stiff-bristled brush, apply one to two coats of non-glazing masonry sealer to your bricks. Some manufacturers recommend using only one coat, so read the label carefully. The sealer allows you to get even coverage as you paint and makes it easier to remove the paint later if you want to change the color or restore a more natural look. Allow the sealer to dry before proceeding.

Here’s our brick stain and paint comparison guide with pros and cons to help you find the best type for your home designs.

Be it walls, columns, siding or fireplaces, brick finishes add timeless beauty and value to homes. These strong building materials also protect your home from external influences, are energy-efficient and come from sustainable production.

However, masonry has minimal disadvantages. As with any material, it is only natural for the color and finish to wear down over time. Fortunately, bricks are very easy and affordable to maintain!

Two of the best ways to care for your brick are painting and staining. This article explains the differences between them so you can choose which method to use to bring your brick back to life.

Choose Brick Stain or Paint

brick stain

Brick staining and brick painting are two popular ways to enhance the bricks in your home. Both techniques use a water-based coating and have a direct impact on the brick’s surface. They add a new layer of paint and protection to keep the finish looking like new.

Brick dying changes the color of the brick through the use of a staining solution. The stain penetrates the surface of the brick, preserving the brick’s natural appearance.

You can tint the stain with any color, but you don’t have as much choice as with paint. Nonetheless, water-based stains provide some protection to the brick surface.

brick color

On the other hand, when painting bricks with an opaque and pigmented liquid, the color of the brick changes completely.

With paint you have countless color possibilities while creating a protective barrier between the brick and the outside elements.

The flat surface of the paint offers a contemporary vibe, so people often use this method when they want a “remodeled” look. Read more about different shades that go with bricks.

Now we’re going to cover the pros and cons of brick vs paint, starting with the merits of brick.

Brick Stain Pros and Cons

Brick coloring protects your bricks from the elements while preserving their natural appearance. If you want to preserve the texture and classic look of the surface, this method is advisable.

advantages

Allows moisture.

As mentioned above, the stain only sinks into the porous surface, allowing airflow to continue. Brick surfaces need this airflow to keep moisture from building up and the bricks from cracking.

Fire and weatherproof

As the stain dries, it chemically bonds to the brick and will not melt or discolor under extreme temperatures. It would withstand the heat just as much as the brick itself.

Long lasting.

It takes seven to ten years before you see any obvious signs of fading. It can take as long as 20 years depending on your area’s climate and the type of brick.

Payable.

Many homeowners find brick staining to be an inexpensive option. Quality stains can indeed be expensive. But over time, it requires minimal to no maintenance and makes up for the overall spend.

Disadvantages

Thorough process.

The actual application of brick patch can be challenging for many homeowners. You’ll need to clean the brick thoroughly to help the stain stick to it. If not, the stain won’t be as effective.

In addition, brick stain preserves the natural character of the brick, so damaged ones are not fully improved.

Brick color pros and cons

A coating of high quality paint on brick combines modern and classic style and adds a new layer of protection against the elements. This method is ideal for giving your home a more modern look.

advantages

protective barrier.

The color coating serves as a barrier to protect the brick surface from wear. Certain types of paint are made to block sunlight and moisture that can damage your brick surfaces. This may be better than patches for places where there is a lot of water splashing, such as. B. in the kitchen or in the bathroom.

Other colors available.

Stains are not available in all pigments while paint can be ordered in a variety of shades or tones. If you want specific shades of color on your wall, brick paint is a better option.

Fast application

Brick painting is a fairly simple method, and DIYers enjoy the speed and ease of use.

Disadvantages

Regular maintenance required

Paint does not penetrate porous brick, so there are cases when it traps moisture. This can chip and crack the paint coating over time. You need to repaint them every three to five years to keep them looking their best.

Is it better to stain or paint bricks?

With clinker glaze or paint, it depends very much on the area of ​​application. Brick is a popular building material due to its durability. But many homes and business owners are also choosing brick over stone, vinyl, and other materials because of the attractive nature of the brick itself.

Brick tinting helps preserve that character by preserving the natural color and texture rather than covering it with a latex finish. Thus, it complements the brick and is a better option in the long run. Coloring a living room with brick walls might be a better choice if you want to preserve the rustic look of brick.

Painting bricks requires a bit more maintenance but can be a pretty good technique if you have a specific theme or idea in mind or want part of your brick wall to stand out.

Is Brick Fleck permanent?

For those who don’t want to completely cover their brick with paint, there is brick liming. Lime plaster is often used for this process, which will allow some of your brick’s natural qualities to show through depending on how many coats you apply.

Brick stains are essentially permanent: this means that any tint you use will naturally be absorbed by the brick until a new stain is applied.

Unlike paint, which becomes just another layer, stain penetrates the porous brick and, once dry, bonds permanently to the material.

How long does stained brick last?

Stained brick often lasts between seven and twenty years, depending on the climate, the condition of the brick, and the quality of the stain.

Its longevity can also be affected by how well the surface has been prepared before dyeing. A completely clean surface – free of moss or dirt – will pick up the stain better.

What kind of stain do you use on brick?

There are two general types of stain used on brick: water-based stain and stain that is premixed with sealant.

Water-based brick stain is more commonly used and easier to apply. This keeps the brick breathable while preventing water accumulation.

Sealed brick patch also creates a waterproof coating, but cracking may occur when it freezes. Therefore, it is only recommended for smaller or damaged areas.

What kind of paint do you use on brick?

Water-based acrylic latex paints work best with brick surfaces. They are durable, breathable and more flexible than oil-based paints.

Acrylic paint works better for filling in small cracks that occur naturally in brick surfaces. They are also odorless and can be removed without toxic substances such as paint thinner.

Can you paint directly onto brick?

Painting interior and exterior brick has different approaches. If the brick surface has too many crevices, you can use a masonry primer in both areas to fill any surfaces that are too rough. Then allow the primer to dry completely before anything else.

If you’re painting brick on the outside of your home, it’s best to use a pressure washer to remove dirt and grime before you prime and paint.

After that, you need a sealer to weatherproof your paintwork. For indoor brick, use a scrub or wire brush. This ensures maximum adhesion and a good finish. Find out more about the best paint for living spaces here.

Does painting bricks devalue a home?

Painting bricks shouldn’t devalue a house. If anything, it improves curb appeal and, when properly painted, provides visual appeal. However, it could introduce you or future owners to regular maintenance of the painted surface.

Keep in mind that while some families may want an interesting twist on the classic masonry block, others are more drawn to minimal maintenance.

Why shouldn’t you paint bricks?

The most important factor when deciding on the choice of paint brick is its quality. It is not advisable to paint bricks that are moldy, chipping or in an overall poor condition.

Paint will clog her natural pores and only escalate her deterioration. Because worn bricks have more incomplete joints and gaps, water seeps through them and has a harder time evaporating due to the clogged surface.

What do you think of brick stain vs paint, do you have a favorite? If so, let us know in the comments section. For similar content, check out our brick floor design guide here.

Rate this project

Brick is versatile and will give your home both a traditional and a modern look depending on how it is treated. In addition, painting the bricks is also crucial to refresh and impress your home.

Now questions might come to mind like how long will the paint last on a brick house and how often should a brick house be repainted since it’s a cost issue right?

Well, the Brick Industry Association recommends repainting exterior bricks every 3 to 4 years. But before you repaint, you need to consider a few things like location, quality of the last pain, and more.

Here, in this article, we will discuss how often you need to repaint a brick house. If you’ve been confused on the subject for a long time, we can assure you that you no longer need to be puzzled.

How often do you have to repaint a brick house?

There is no denying that brick houses bring many benefits to their owners. A brick house can protect you and your family members and provide safety from natural disasters such as storms, earthquakes, dust storms, etc.

However, most homeowners usually paint their brick home to enhance its exterior and interior beauty. But the problem is that after a few years the paint wears off over time; therefore it needs to be repainted.

The majority of homeowners don’t know how often they should repaint their brick home once the previous coat of paint has worn off. As we mentioned before, it actually depends on a couple of things. A good coat of paint on brick can last around 15 to 20 years in the right condition.

If you find that the bricks are in the right shape and don’t spoil the look of your home, then you don’t need to repaint it. But if the bricks have chipped, deteriorated, or otherwise deteriorated, we recommend repainting them with a professional.

What to Consider Before Repainting a Brick Home

In the section above, we showed how often a brick house should be repainted. Still, there are a few things to think about before you do it. These are,

Last Color HOA/Historical District Location Quality

location

The location is the first thing that should be considered. The color of the bricks in your house can quickly fade if you live in a sunny and warm area. On the other hand, the brick home near the beach often requires more coats of paint due to the salt from the water, the sun and the sand causing the bricks to deteriorate faster.

In comparison, a brick home in a cold climate will need less frequent repainting, although extreme snow, harsh winters, and wind can spoil your home’s luster. However, if you are in an Indian subcontinent that has the combination of these named climates, you can repaint your brick home every 5 to 7 years.

quality of the last color

If your previous brick color is substandard, you may need to repaint your bricks frequently. Sometimes painting companies use cheap and pathetic paint that cannot stick to the walls, and after a few days this paint starts to crumble. Because of this, you need to ensure that the best brick color has been used for your brick home to avoid frequent repainting. You can check out the best brick paint for interior walls and exterior walls here.

HOA/Historical District

There are some counties where a homeowner should follow homeowners association rules to repaint a brick home. If you live in a historic neighborhood, you have to abide by the rules more than the homeowners in the other neighborhood. According to the HOA, “a home built before 1978 must be repainted by EPA-Lead-certified contractors.”

Things to follow to keep color looking good for longer

How long your brick paint lasts longer depends on several factors. Here we have given some maintenance tips that can be followed to keep your paintwork beautiful for a long time.

Prep for exterior painting Get the right paint Keep it clean Hire a professional painting contractor

Preparation for exterior painting

Before painting the facade of your house, you need to prepare properly. What kind of supplement should you take? Now, before you paint the finish of the exterior, make sure the surface has been cleaned and sanded appropriately. If you notice holes on the surface, you need to seal or fill them. In short, before painting, make sure the surface is smooth enough for the paint to adhere to.

Get the right color

Try not to use cheap paint when painting your brick home. Using cheap paint will never last long and will wear off after a few days or months. For this reason, we recommend using expensive and well-known branded paints that will last longer.

keep it clean

How long your paint lasts also depends on how clean you keep it. To keep the exterior spotless, you need to get rid of the dirt on a regular basis. However, never use a high-pressure spray to get your exterior dirt-free, which can damage your paintwork.

Hire a professional painting company

This is the most important thing to consider before painting your brick home. Never hire an unprofessional and amateur contractor to paint your brick. As a result, since you cannot choose the right color depending on the wall surface, the color cannot adapt to your walls and loses intensity over time.

last thought

While painting on a brick house adds to the beauty, it won’t last long if you don’t do it right. Once you paint your brick house, it typically lasts about 15 to 20 years. However, in many cases the duration can be shortened or increased as it depends on multiple factors such as location, quality and more. Based on that, you need to decide how often you should repaint your brick home.

You can use natural cleaners that you mix yourself. They are cheaper and safer than commercial cleaners. Natural Cleanser: Make a thin paste with 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar and a little water. Apply to brick and leave on for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and wipe with a soft cloth. This method is best for cleaning small areas, such as the brick surround around a fireplace. For larger areas like a floor or wall, use the second natural cleaner, vinegar. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and pour into a spray bottle. Spray on the stones and leave for a few minutes. Use a sponge mop to clean the bricks. If the bricks are very dirty, use a nylon-bristle scrub brush and put some elbow grease in the scrubbing. Three natural cleaner is baking soda and dishwashing liquid. Make a thin paste by mixing 3 tablespoons dish soap with 1/2 cup baking soda. Brush onto brick, leave on for 10 minutes, then scrub off with a brush. Rinse with warm water.

When looking to update the look of their home, homeowners often think about cleaning up their bricks and changing the color. You will quickly learn that there are two ways to do this:

Color the bricks

Paint the bricks

It may not seem like a huge difference, but as you learn more about these methods, you quickly realize that painting bricks takes more work and can actually damage the bricks and house.

Brick tinting is an increasingly popular solution for homeowners looking to update the look of their homes without sacrificing durability. Not only can it improve the appearance of the bricks, but it can also protect and care for them – allowing them to better protect the rest of the home.

Masonry stains, unlike paint, do not block the evaporation process and offer a longevity that paint simply cannot match.

What Is The Lifespan Of Brick Patch? How long does brick stain last? Let’s dive into the differences between painted masonry and stained brick to learn more about why masonry stain is vastly superior to paint.

How long does brick painting last?

When deciding between brick or paint, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. Color is enticing because it gives the impression of an easier application process. However, paint coats brick surfaces and eventually requires regular maintenance. This ongoing maintenance of painted brickwork is an ongoing concern for many homeowners, making it a far more resource-efficient method overall.

Once the brick is painted, most bricklayers agree that it will most likely need to be repainted in just a few years. The Brick Industry Association, a trade body dedicated specifically to the brick industry, reports that painted brickwork can last only three to five years.

To make matters worse, it changes the surface of the brick. When the paint is applied to brick, the paint saturates the pores of the masonry and prevents moisture from escaping. Water is trapped behind an impermeable film that lies on the brick surface – resulting in unsightly blistering and delamination. Some masons believe that paint applied to masonry will slowly deteriorate once it has adhered to the brick.

How long does external brick stain last?

So paint can chip, peel and blister very quickly, but how long does brick stain last? Stain penetrates brick surfaces and is permanent and maintenance-free. Our exclusive brick stains absorb into the brickwork, allowing the surface to continue to breathe naturally as if unstained. Because brick is a highly porous material, our masonry stains are formulated to chemically bond with brick and will never chip or flake due to moisture trapped in the masonry.

While paint can enhance the appearance of your home, consider the ongoing and tedious maintenance that comes with it. Our proprietary brick stains integrate with the brickwork surface, resulting in a consistent finish that is permanent, completely natural looking and requires no maintenance.

BrickImaging is proud to have received a coveted endorsement from the Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute.

The association stated

“We at the Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute are happy to recommend your coloring services to customers with color matching problems in brick, block, mortar or concrete. Masonry walls are meant to last and we believe your stain will too. We have recommended your work several times in the past with excellent results. We will continue to educate people with brickwork color matching issues about your service

Is brick stain permanent?

The next frequently asked question about brick stain is: is brick stain permanent? Let’s clarify. in the sense of “does clinker glaze fade?” – no! We have a 15 year guarantee on our Stayntech process, but there are buildings we built 30 years ago that still look great!

On the other hand, you may fear that once the stone is stained, you will never be able to change the color. Well we have good news. The color of bricks can be changed several times by staining – even from darker to lighter.

Brick stain vs color

So how long does brick stain last? Much longer than paint and it has many other benefits! Stain is clearly a better choice if you want to breathe new life into your home or building by changing the appearance of brick.

While you’re considering paint vs brick stain, don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about our masonry stains and discuss details of your latest home improvement project.