The short answer
Painting a brick house can make a dated home look new — but it’s close to permanent. Once brick is painted, getting back to bare brick is difficult and expensive. HomeAdvisor’s national data (updated June 2026) puts the average cost at about $7,000, with most homeowners paying $3,500–$10,500, or roughly $1.40–$4.20 per square foot.
National average to paint a brick home’s exterior.
Size, brick condition and the prep it needs set where you land.
Prep, primer and paint applied to the brick surface.
The pros of painting brick
- Curb appeal. Orange or uneven 1970s brick becomes a clean white, gray or deep color that looks current.
- A uniform look. Mismatched brick from additions or repairs disappears under one color.
- Weather protection. A proper masonry coating adds a layer between the brick and the weather.
The cons you should know first
- It’s a long-term decision. Paint can’t simply be stripped back to bare brick — plan on keeping it painted.
- Maintenance. Painted brick needs repainting eventually, and dirt shows more on light colors.
- Moisture matters. Brick has to dry out. The wrong paint, or painting over damp or damaged brick, can trap moisture and cause peeling.
Fix the brick before you paint it. Cracked mortar, efflorescence (the white, chalky salt deposits) or a moisture problem have to be dealt with first. Paint hides those problems for a while — then they show up as peeling.
Cost by home size
Square footage here is the brick surface being painted, not the home’s living area. Trim, shutters, doors and gutters are usually priced alongside.
Paint, limewash or stain?
Which is right depends on the look you want and the condition of your brick — we bring samples to the visit.
How brick is prepped and painted
- Clean. The brick is washed to remove dirt, mildew and chalk; tough stains get a stronger cleaner.
- Dry. HomeAdvisor recommends letting brick dry for 24–48 hours after washing — painting damp brick is the most common cause of failure.
- Repair. Cracked mortar is repaired and gaps around windows and doors are caulked.
- Prime and paint. A masonry primer goes on first, then the finish coats.
How long does painted brick last?
According to HomeAdvisor, with thorough prep and high-quality paint, a brick exterior should look good for 10 years or longer; lower-grade products may last only 3–5 years. That’s why prep and product choice matter more than the paint color.
Thinking about painting your brick?
We’ll look at your brick, bring color and finish samples, and give you one fixed price in writing. Free visit in Concord, Charlotte and the metro.
Is it right for your home?
- Good fit: brick that’s structurally sound but dated or mismatched, and you plan to stay and maintain it.
- Think twice: brick with ongoing moisture problems, or if you love the natural brick and just want it cleaned.
- Check first: HOA rules — many Charlotte-area neighborhoods require approval for exterior color changes.
See our painting services in Charlotte and Concord, or read how much it costs to paint a house.
Sources: HomeAdvisor — cost to paint a brick house · HomeAdvisor — exterior painting cost.
