a) yes, it works, will be more deep thus look better with that second layer. I'd prefer to go slightly darker even since paint reads lighter outside

b) I'm with roarah-in your case would't paint the brick. it works. and it's too big of a surface to experiment with something that works. I'm in the camp "don't fix what ain't broken"

was it looking hugely inappropriate there my opinion might be different

My husband actually likes the brick and has been firm about not having it painted. Thanks for the input; I feel better about the brick now.

I'd keep it as is too. It's very pretty.

Should we go darker for paint color? SW Gauntlet Gray maybe?

I agree, leave the brick as is. The paint color is pretty but if it were me, I'd go darker.

I agree with the above comments. Don't touch the brick, use a darker paint. Your paint color seems to be based on the color of your lightest bricks. The issue is that the wide view of the brick wall reads darker and the lightest bricks are over powered. I would try to match the color of the bricks a couple of steps darker than the lightest bricks.

If you want your brick to be damaged in 20 yrs by water/vapor trapped behind paint film, go ahead - lots of info readily available online about need to paint masonry with more breathable coating than acrilyc latex.

Fwiw the US sources of silicate paints (Keim, Limeworks, etc.) can match any SW or other paint shade and.... you can get it as a colorwash if you want instead of opaque. Its actually quite affordable (comparable to mid-high end paint cost) esp considering it should last much longer.

No I dont work for them but maybe they SHOULD put me on the payroll LOL. Its just that I spent 12 yrs researching what to do with my own masonry ....plus have to repair damage done to it by paint slapped on it 20-30 yrs ago by a PO.... so Ive gotten a bit passionate on the subject..

Odd man out here! On my monitor, the brick almost looks like two different types: a lighter used brick and then a much darker brick, and the darker brick seems bunched together. I'd think about painting, but then again I really like painted brick or whitewashed brick houses. Good luck! Hard decision, since you can't go back very easily.

Stain the brick. It could be a safe alternative.

Love our "dated" (per the video above) 60's brick! No, I would not paint it. Again, why take a surface that requires little maintenance and make it have maintenance. It is less expensive to replace and paint the boards.

Darker paint.

Thank you! We're going with darker paint now.