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Paint exterior brick...yes or no?

9 years ago

My husband and I are currently giving the front of our house a face lift. So far we have removed the railings, wrapped the posts with wood and trim, removed the landscaping and painted the shutters black. Our last decision is to paint or not paint the brick portion. I absolutely hate it! It's ugly 80's! So do we leave it, paint it or try to stain it another color? Help!!!!

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PRO

Creative Visual Concepts, Kevin Strader

9 years ago

Have you thought of using a dry brush technique on the lightest brick to darken them and give the brick a more cohesive look. The light brick are the ones that my eye is drawn to and I think if you get rid of those the brick looks a lot better. Plus I'm not a fan of painting brick as you introduce a long term maintenance issue.

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Comments (12)

Holly Weatherwax
9 years ago
I would paint it...not a fan of that particular brick.
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I'm usually not one to criticize here on Houzz so let me get this over with now...your house is both a color and architectural disaster. I'm not a fan of the current color...it is not a very pleasant color and is dated, as well. As it is the primary color, I'd start with changing it, then selecting a color for the brick. I'm wondering if you might be OK with the brick in its current state if the other siding is a different color. I am with your husband when it comes to whitewashing brick...it has its place - usually on much older structures - but I don't see it working well with your house. Would the same paint color on the brick and garage door work? The white garage door claims too much attention and shouldn't (it is nearly the home's focal point)...it is just another garage door and nothing special to look at. The white windows are doing a bit of the same thing...calling attention to themselves even though the bay window is a totally different style than the upper-floor windows. You have endless new subdivisions being constructed in Southern California...pay a visit to some of those to check out the current trends in color.
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ellensusan
Original Author
9 years ago
Kevin- I haven't heard of that technique before. Where can I find more information on it? That sounds like it would solve my problem nicely!
0
PRO
Amy Borman Interior Design
9 years ago
Yes- - I am a big fan- -however, many people do not like the continued maintenance.
PRO
Creative Visual Concepts, Kevin Strader
9 years ago
Just find a color that you like to cover the "offending brick". Take a small 1.5" or 2" brush, dip it in the paint but then remove most of the paint by brushing it back and forth on a rag, scrap piece of wood, etc. and then brush it across the brick. You don't want to put a thick coat on, just enough to cover the brick until it's a tone that you like.
ellensusan
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you!
0
mjkjrobinson
7 years ago
Yes if its done properly!!!
User
7 years ago
Don't use regular paint. Use natural limewash or special paint for bricks.

Otherwise you can seal in damp, stopping the bricks and mortar from breathing, and potentially structurally compromise the house in time.
PRO
Mega Builders
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Painting would be less expensive than replacing - but make sure it's done right.
0
PRO
Norwood Architects
7 years ago
We are using painted brick more and more in our designs.
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PRO
Natuzzi Italia Philadelphia
7 years ago
Yes! Whether monotone, or two tone, painting the brick on this home would really enhance its curb appeal.
0
Ranjana Iyer
7 years ago
paint the bricks and get it polished
0

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