Should You Paint Your Brick House? A Tulsa Area Guide

Painted brick is one of the most popular home updates we see around Broken Arrow, Tulsa, and Bixby. A white or soft gray brick house with black trim and shutters can make a 1970s ranch look brand new. But painting brick is a big decision, and it is hard to undo.

Here is what you should know before you pick a color.

Why homeowners paint brick

Many homes in the Tulsa area were built with brick in shades of orange, red, or brown that were popular decades ago. Those colors can make a home feel dated. Painting the brick is one of the fastest ways to change the whole look of a house.

People usually paint brick for a few reasons:

• A modern look. White, cream, greige, and charcoal are all popular right now.
• Mismatched brick. Additions or repairs sometimes leave two different brick colors side by side.
• Stains and wear. Old brick can have stains, patches, and faded spots that paint covers up.
• Higher curb appeal. A fresh, clean look can help when it is time to sell.

The pros of painted brick

When it is done right, painted brick looks great and is easy to live with.

1. It updates the whole house at once. Paint the brick and the trim, add a new front door color, and the house looks new.
2. It covers stains and patches. Paint hides old repairs and mismatched mortar.
3. It can add a layer of protection. Quality masonry paint helps shed water from the surface.

The cons to think about

Painted brick is not right for every home. Here is the honest side.

1. It is very hard to reverse. Removing paint from brick is slow, messy, and expensive. Think of painting brick as a long-term choice.
2. It needs upkeep. Painted brick will need a fresh coat every so often. Unpainted brick needs almost nothing.
3. The wrong paint can trap moisture. Brick needs to breathe. Some paints seal water inside, which can cause peeling and damage to the brick over time.

The right way to paint brick

Most painted brick problems come from skipping steps. Here is how we approach a brick job:

Step 1: Check the brick and mortar

We look for cracked mortar, loose bricks, and signs of water problems. Any of these need to be fixed first. Paint will not solve a moisture problem. It will just peel.

Step 2: Clean thoroughly

Brick collects dirt, red clay dust, mildew, and white mineral deposits. We wash the brick and let it dry completely before any paint goes on. In our area, that can take a day or more after washing.

Step 3: Use a masonry primer when needed

A good masonry primer helps the paint bond and blocks stains from bleeding through. This matters a lot on older brick.

Step 4: Apply a breathable masonry paint

We use paint made for masonry that lets moisture escape. That is the key to painted brick that lasts. Two coats are usually needed for even coverage on rough brick.

Step 5: Finish the details

Trim, gutters, shutters, garage doors, and the front door are what make painted brick look finished. A black or deep charcoal trim against white brick is a classic look around here.

What color should you choose?

Popular choices for painted brick in our area include:

• Warm whites for a bright, classic look
• Soft grays and greiges that hide dirt better than pure white
• Charcoal and deep gray for a modern, bold look
• Muted earth tones that blend with stone accents

Look at samples on your actual brick, in morning and afternoon light. Colors look very different in Oklahoma sun than they do on a small paint chip. If you are stuck between two choices, ask for help. Our customer Cynthia said David’s eye for color was “very helpful if you can’t decide between two color selections.”

How much does it cost to paint brick?

The cost of painting a brick house depends on the size of the home, how much repair work the brick needs, and how much trim there is. Painted brick usually costs more than painting siding because brick is rough and porous, and it soaks up more paint.

The best way to know is to get a written estimate. Our exterior painting service page lists typical price ranges, and every estimate we give is free.

Already have painted brick?

If your brick was painted years ago and now it is peeling, it is usually because of the wrong paint or poor prep. In many cases we can scrape the loose paint, clean, prime, and repaint with a breathable masonry paint. We can also refresh painted brick that has simply faded.

Thinking about painting your brick?

We have painted brick homes all over the Tulsa area, from ranch homes to large two-story houses. If you are in Broken Arrow, Bixby, or Tulsa, we would be happy to look at your house and talk about colors. If the brick is fine but the trim is worn, our trim and siding painting service may be all you need.

Request a free estimate or call David Woodall Painting at (918) 313-1780.