We are rennovating a home and are considering painting the brick a taupe colour or keeping the brick and adding cream trim. The brick looks like a very dull colour... it's akward to us and we are not ready to stucco ** anything right now. Link to virtual tour below -- a little tough to see through trees but hopefully you can get the point....


Virtual Tour

In my humble opinion, you should NEVER paint brick, it will absolutely kill the resale value of the home not to mention the the upkeep for ever after. the house needs some color to make it an eye catcher. in that setting I would look at a nice "forest green" or "chinese red". try having the brick pressure washed you'll be supprised at how much it will help.

just remember, even though you don't think so. you will sell it at some point.

Painted brick is a traditional idea stemming from colonial days when brick was very porous and had to be painted to waterproof it.

Paint it with the right stuff and you won't have to paint it again for 15 to 20 years. One example of the right stuff is "Modac", manufactured by American Coatings Co. in Pennsylvania. It won't be cheap, but it will perform, and it will last.

This house looks like a prime candidiate for painting. Curb appeal would be increased dramatically. You could try power washing it first with a good detergent meant for the purpose, but I wouldn't expect miracles.

I have to admit...I love painted brick, however, most people are concerned about upkeep. As a new home builder, I've found that darker brick is very desireable right now, especially with nice contrasting colors. With the right tri-color scheme you can transform even the dullest home into spectacular. Don't be afraid to add color...just don't over do it.

In my opinion, I would never paint brick. It ruins the beauty of having brick. Its like painting over hardwood floor.

Some brick doesn't have much beauty, and the brick on this house is an example. Look around as you drive and see how many painted brick buildings you see, and look carefully to see how subtle and beautiful they are. While you're doing that, look at unpainted brick buildings and see how hideous some of them can be. It depends on so many things either way, but to eliminate painted brick universally as a solution is as big a mistake as painting a beautiful brick building.

We just purchased a red brick ranch style home that has some craftsman elements. The house currently has mint green trim and doors and no shutters. We are trying to decide what colors to paint the trim and doors and whether or not to hang shutters. Any suggestions?