I'm finally getting the roof of my house redone after waiting for about a year now. I'm also going to be getting the trim, fascia, soffits, etc. painted as well. I've been thinking about having the entire house painted while I'm at it since I've never liked the house's straw colored brick.
Have any of you ever painted a brick house? Any regrets, downsides, or advice?

 

My dad's house in North Hollywood is painted brick. It hasn't been painted in many years but it's holding up fine.

 

I think the paint will tend to hold in moisture (rather than breathing, like brick does), meaning a coat of good primer, like Kilz, ought to go on first.

If you have a professional crew do it, they should power-wash it first as well. Also, if it's very textured (some brick is, some is relatively smooth), a spray paint primer and finish coat will do a better job of getting in all the cracks and so on.

We're also getting our new house painted soon -- down here, they paint the stucco, preventing it from breathing. But since everyone does it, it must be OK. HPH

 

I don't know if you ever plan on moving, but if so, consider the consequences of painting the brick. It's not easily undone, and prospective buyers may prefer the original look.

Here's a few links to ponder...

http://www.phouka.com/oldhouse/ren_brick.html

This guy suggests whitewash instead (I'm not suggesting that you yourself would ever knowingly whitewash anything, Dean )
http://www.askthebuilder.com/366_Whi...ng_Brick.shtml

http://doityourself.com/brick/brickfaqs.htm

 

That's not something that I've ever been accused of that I can recall.

Thanks for the links. We're going to give the whitewash serious consideration. I like the idea much better than paint, and Martha likes the antique look (obviously, since she married me).

 

I was pleased to see that the Old House article affirmed what I was going to say....that you should NOT use oil-based paint or primer (which includes KILZ ?) b/c it will not allow the brick to 'breathe'

This article had another good suggestion to NOT touch up old mortar. It's often stronger than the brick. I've saw pics at a recent masonry seminar in which the brick face had delaminated....leaving a gridwork of intact mortar!

 

Yes, the white wash is certainly a wise move. 20-30 years

 

I had forgotten that we have an architect onboard.

I think we're going to try the whitewash in our "Florida room" first and if we like it, we'll have the exterior of the house done. If we don't like it, it's the dogs' room anyway and I doubt very much that they'll care one way or the other.

 

Andy says if you like the color of the natural brick (if you know) you can have the house sand blasted, and then you can seal it with clear.

 

Paint is a science and new products are always being developed. I would get some free advice from tech support / 800# of any of the large manufacturers such as Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams. The type of wall construction and your climate will affect if the dew point occurs in the wall / insulation which is why 'breathing' is one of the issues. If you're doing it yourself, be careful on ladders and don't rush the prep.