This post has been years in the making and I am so happy to finally share our before and after shots of our white painted brick house. I have dreamed of having a white brick house for years and feel so grateful we are finally finished and love how it turned out.
PAINTED BRICK HOUSE
There are two types of people…those who love painted brick and those who don’t. Obviously we fall in the first category. There are several reasons we ultimately made the decision to paint our brick exterior white. I will share all of those reasons in a later post. I will also share the exact renovations we made to the exterior of our home in greater detail in upcoming posts.
PAINTED BRICK HOME EXTERIOR BEFORE
When we bought our new to us home 17 years ago, I loved everything about the home except for the brick color. The home has great bones and was built so well despite having been neglected for several years.
There was a lot of work to do to get it back to a beautiful condition inside and out. I knew it could be done with some elbow grease and a vision…but I always wanted to paint the brick white.
My husband wasn’t exactly on board with the idea of painting our brick in the beginning. But as we worked on the interior of the home and fixed it up to meet our style and needs, he began to think more seriously about painting the brick exterior of the home so that it felt more like the inside of the home and felt more like OUR home.
SHOULD I PAINT MY EXTERIOR BRICK HOUSE
This is a huge question that takes a lot of research and thought and should not be considered lightly. It was a decision that we ultimately thought about for a few years before making the decision to move forward. After several years of cleaning up crumbled brick from our chimneys that were slowly deteriorating, we finally made the decision do an exterior makeover on our home to paint our home white. Do your research about your homes brick and get a professional opinion before undergoing this big project.
WHITE PAINTED BRICK
Since we knew we were going to paint the brick white, we needed to pick a brick paint that would be able to last as long as possible.
My two biggest concerns were were the following:
- picking a white paint that wasn’t TOO white and was blinding to look at
- picking a white paint that didn’t have any strong yellow, green, pink or blue undertones
HOW TO CHOOSE EXTERIOR WHITE PAINT COLOR
After doing a lot of research we narrowed our paint color choices down to three whites we felt were the best options to meet our needs. We painted some samples of each on all sides of our home to see how they looked at all times of day and different types of sunlight. Depending on the time of day and season your paint color can pull a different shade that you might not love once it is on an entire home.
Our white paint color choices were the following and after a lot of research decided these were our best white paint colors for our final vision:
OUR FAVORITE WHITE EXTERIOR PAINT COLORS
- Alabaster by Sherwin Williams
- White Dove by Benjamin Moore
- Snowbound by Sherwin Williams
- Oyster White by Sherwin Williams
Ultimately we went with Alabaster by Sherwin Williams.
We shared this photo on my instagram (are you following me there?) and had everyone vote for their favorite after showing the different colors in different lighting at different times of the day and the majority of you voted for Alabaster as well!
I am so happy with the color choice! The Alabaster was a little bit creamy without having a yellow undertone on my house (even at sunset). The Alabaster did not read too white on my house, but was a nice neutral and natural white. The White Dove looked a little yellow at certain times of the day and the Snowbound ended up looking a little blue-ish and silvery in some light.
Every house is different so I highly recommend you testing out different color sample on your own house before just going with someone else’s suggestion!
Ultimately we went with Alabaster by Sherwin Williams.
We shared this photo on my instagram (are you following me there?) and had everyone vote for their favorite after showing the different colors in different lighting at different times of the day and the majority of you voted for Alabaster as well!
I am so happy with the color choice! The Alabaster was a little bit creamy without having a yellow undertone on my house (even at sunset). The Alabaster did not read too white on my house, but was a nice neutral and natural white. The White Dove looked a little yellow at certain times of the day and the Snowbound ended up looking a little blue-ish and silvery in some light.
Every house is different so I highly recommend you testing out different color sample on your own house before just going with someone else’s suggestion!
USE THE CORRECT EXTERIOR HOUSE PAINT
The next big decision we had to make was the type of paint to use on our red brick exterior. This was a big decision and one we didn’t take lightly. We spent a lot of time researching all of our different options. There are many different opinions out there.
After talking with our brick repair professional that fixed our crumbling chimneys on both side of our home and our professional painters, we ultimately decided to go with Behr Brick and Masonry Paint in a satin finish. We had to order the paint and then the painters mixed the paint at Home Depot to get the Alabaster by Sherwin Williams color match.
There are several reasons we decided to go with the Behr Brick and Masonry paint as opposed to Romabio paints and other latex paint options. If you have any questions about that I am happy to answer any questions you might have. Just leave me a comment on this post! In the end, it came down to the 20 year warranty, reviews of some trusted friends who had used the paint previously, the paint base content and how the paint related to our specific exterior bricks. We needed a paint that could breathe but also help to slow the crumbling edges of our original 40+ year old brick.
HOW TO FIND A PROFESSIONAL PAINTER
You can certainly tackle painting your exterior brick on your own. We have done almost all of the Do-It-Yourself Home Projects on our home by ourselves. And could have done this ourselves if we had wanted to tackle such a large project. But due to the height of our home and chimney’s we knew this was a project we would be willing to pay a professional to do. If you are going to paint your own brick exterior make sure to do your research before beginning.
We wanted to make sure we went with a painter that had a lot of experience and was licensed and insured. There are so many things to look for when you are going to have someone working on your home–especially with a large scale project where any mistake can be costly to repair.
We wanted to make sure we went with a painter that had a lot of experience and was licensed and insured. There are so many things to look for when you are going to have someone working on your home–especially with a large scale project where any mistake can be costly to repair.
TIPS FOR HIRING A PROFESSIONAL PAINTER
- Meet the painter in person. Family and friends are a great resource. Schedule at least three different painters to get an estimate from. Be home with each painter as they evaluate the scale and size of the job. The longer they stay to make an estimate can show how they pay attention to details. Make sure to ask lots of questions about the size of the crew, the painter’s experience levels and inquire about local jobs they have completed so you can contact other homeowners about their satisfaction level and see their completed projects.
- Clearly state your expectations. Make sure you have good communication about your expectations and theirs. Have the painter repeat back what he thinks you are looking for and wanting out of the job.
- Get written estimates. Seek a written estimate from each contractor. It should include a breakdown of labor, material costs, the number of coats of primer and paint, the brand and model of materials, and a detailed description of the amount of surface preparation that will be done. Also ask about what their end process is. Do they have a walk through process at the end?
- Check painter’s references and past work. Get a list of references from each contractor and call them to find about their experience with the pro. A history of positive references is a good sign. Also examine jobs the painters did several years ago to see how their work is holding up. Use recent projects to check the skill of their current crews.
- Consider the painter’s credentials. Before you hire someone, consider his credentials. Verify whether the pro has the appropriate license(s). (You’ll find the licensing information in your state at the Contractor’s License Reference Site. Also check with the Better Business Bureau, to learn whether the contractor has a history of bad jobs and unresolved complaints.
- Obtain a complete contract. The contract should include all the contractor’s key information: name, address, office and cell numbers, and license number, plus whatever details were in the estimate. Make sure the contract clearly states what is and is not included in the job. Also make sure they are licensed and insured so that in case of an accident you aren’t left with a big bill and an unfinished house.
- Ask for a guarantee. The painter should promise to correct any chipping, peeling, blistering, flaking, or excessive fading or chalking that occurs within two years after the job is done at no or little cost. If he tells you the paint itself has a warranty, remember that doesn’t include labor, which is a far more costly proposition than material.
- Payment. Don’t make a large down payment right in the beginning. Be sure to withhold the final payment, until you are fully satisfied with the job.
HOW TO PREP BRICK TO PAINT IT
It’s important to thoroughly clean the brick before you paint it. Use a wire brush and soapy water to scrub the brick and remove any efflorescence (those streaky white deposits) or dirt. You can follow behind this step using a pressure washer to reach areas that are too high or may need some extra power to clean. We ended up pressure washing our entire home.
If you’re having trouble getting the surface clean, you can apply a mixture of trisodium phosphate (TSP) and water. Be sure to wear safety goggles and gloves when using TSP.
When your brick is all clean, you’ll want to let it dry completely before painting (at least 3-5 days). It’s also important to check for any cracks or structural problems that may require repointing or some professional help. Tape off any areas you don’t plan to paint.
LOVING MY WHITE BRICK HOUSE
After waiting for a very long time, we are so excited to have this project officially off of the to do list! It makes me so happy! We drove around the neighborhood and the house so we could stare at it from all angles in all it’s white glory! I have started driving down a different street now on the way to my house so that I can get the full view of it coming down the street to it rather than coming to it from the other side! Ha!
I love our new white brick home and love how it immediately improved my home’s overall curb appeal. It is amazing what a fresh coat of white paint can do. It looks like a modern brand new home.
What do you think? Have you ever thought about painting your brick exterior? It is amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do! I believe it has completely transformed the look and feeling of our home! I also love how the black trim of the windows really make them stand out from the white brick exterior. We debated back and forth about adding some black shutters but have decided for now that my home doesn’t need them.
Look for the upcoming posts related to this project:
- Porch Remodel
- Back Deck Remodel
- Back yard Remodel
- Doors and Garage Door
- New Black Windows
- Front Porch pillar redesign
- Wood ceilings on front porches
- Staining a pergola
- Installing Black Brick and Chimney Caps
Did you enjoy this post? I would love for you to pin it and share it! Thanks so much for stopping by! xoxo Amy
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Alicia says
Love, love, love it! The difference is as day and night 😍
Amy says
It really is so different isn’t it? Thank you!
This is one of the best before and after painted house I saw so far. Love the new color and style. It took the house to the new level.
Thank you so much!
Looks Amazing!!
Thank you so much! :)
Absolutely beautiful! So happy you painted and it ended up like you wanted. You have a beautiful home!
Thank you so much Stacey!
Why have a brick house and paint IT? Do like the new roof color, but would never paint brick.
We have several reasons we painted it! It worked well for us but I agree it isn’t for every house! The roof color did not change. :)
Thank you so much for sharing your story, i myself live in a cookie citter subdivision in Texas, IAm tired of Texas and tired of cookie cutter home. I am moving to Puttsburg area where the homes are grande and destictive. I have seen so many brick homes but hated the color, your story has shown me how amazingly beautiful and the right color can compliment the grandeur of the home. Thank you so much, now i can shop for a home with brick and i now can imagine its potential. BTW, love your home.
Joe- Thank you so much! I hope you find the perfect home for you!
Amy, it looks amazing on so many levels. As one that grew up next-door to this home the original brick definitely dated it at least 20 years. Now it looks fresh and current and so beautiful. Ever since I saw Sherry’s brick home painted white and the neighbours down your street, I kept telling my mom that you should paint your house white. I have been dying to see the final product and am so happy you are thrilled with the product too. Cheers to loving your home every time you drive up to it especially after all these years.
Thanks Natalie! Yes! It was so dated with the orangey brick color! Glad you love it too!
So pretty!! Love the white so much!
Thanks so much Natalie!
Love it!!! We just did ours white. The white makes a big difference!
Kristyn- So fun. I am loving it!
Love it! What a difference:) And the windows in black trim are just the right accent.
Eliza- Thank you so much!
OMG, night and day. Before painting it white, your beautiful house looked so dark and outdated. It updated your house 1,000%! I had a full wall of old red brick on the fireplace in the family room of my old house. We painted it white and it updated the look of the whole room! After doing mine I suggested to a friend to do her fireplace (she did it light gray) and she was also very happy she did. Great choice!
I bet that did look so fresh and new! Thank you! Yes! It was just so outdated and boring! :)
It looks lovely! Did you pint the windows or get new ones?
They are new windows. Thank you!
I think you did a lovely job. I like the original brick for myself, but you did a great job, it looks nice. Is the roof the same? Is it just the different times of day..its so blue in one pic!. Consider a colored door…red would be fun!
Karyn- Thank you so much. We are loving it. The roof is the same. It is probably just the lighting. A colored door would be fun!
Hi we are getting ready to paint our brick home. We have seen a lot of the Romabio paint on Instagram. At first my contractor told me not to paint because paint seals brick and the moisture can come out, which can lead to cracked brick that eventually can even fall off the home.
Romabio has a masonry flat paint I was interested in. I know with their limewash the brick is suppose to be able to breathe.
I’m interested in your knowledge on this and why you chose Behr instead. Also our brick is not a smooth it’s a rough texture if that matters. Couldn’t tell what kind your home had in the pictures.
Yes! We went with a specific brick and masonry paint for that reason so that it is breathable. We were thinking about going with Romabio but after researching and our specific brick (which wasn’t freeze proof) we chose the Behr paint. We did need a little bit of sealing on our brick because we live in a freeze zone but it is also breathable. This is why we didn’t go with a strictly latex paint base. Our brick texture was pretty rough too. We do live in a very low humidity area though…so that could be another thing to consider.
Thank you for sharing. We are adding a room on the side of our house and leaving the brick wall. Tomorrow we start our painting. We went with Baer also. I’m glad to know of your success. Your house looks beautiful!
Sherry- Thank you so much! I would love to see pictures of your project.
Thank you for getting back with me I really appreciate it. I love your home too it looks amazing. We live in southeastern Ohio so the humidity here is awful. I will go to our local Lowe’s and see what they say. After reading your article I’m thinking about switching to Behr.
Lindsey- So happy you found the info helpful. You will have to send pictures of your home when you get it done. Let me know if you have any questions.
Looks fabulous! What color dud you paint the garage doors? Are the windows black ir bronze?
Lisa- Thank you so much! The garage doors are black as well as the windows. We actually replaced the garage door with new black ones. In the past we would paint it, but they needed to be replaced, they were the original ones.
Love this so much, it makes the house look so modern and fresh! We just bought a brick home also and I can’t wait to do the same.
Did you paint the windows black or have them all replaced? That is the hardest decision for me right now as we also need new windows and I am nervous to go with black!
Deb- Thank you so much! We had the windows all replaced. It was time, they were the original windows. I absolutely love the black windows. Just go for it, you wont regret it! Send pictures of your home when you are done. I would love to see it!
Your house looks so lovely. The before pic looks like all the blah brick colonials in my neighborhood. The after looks like a brand new, much higher end home. Those corner details are so much more visible in the white.
I’m in the process of lime-washing our house in a solid coverage fully painted look. I’m the only one in my neighborhood so far to do anything like that, but I figure someone has to be first. I think painted brick homes lend a lot of charm to a neighborhood. I’ve heard a lot of screeching brakes as cars pass my house while I’m outside working on it. They probably wonder if I’m a bit crazy. Don’t care!
I love that you are just going for it! It will look beautiful! I would love to see pictures of the finished project.
Wow, the difference is crazy. It has become so beautiful. I can’t say what was bad, but now the house looks fantastic. I really like, and especially, how expensive this house makes white brick. For 2 years now, I just can’t make up my mind to do this with my house. I have it dark blue and I am very afraid that if you buy bad materials, then this white in a couple of years will turn light gray. Tell me, can it be so? But when I look at such a house, I don’t want to think, I just want to take it and do it))
Thank you!
Amy,
Are the gutters, siding, & trim/fascia painted the same color as the brick?
Thanks.
Zachieus, Yes it is the same color.
I am looking to do this with our brick house. We have brick along with siding. Our house is mostly brick and has shutters. I would love your feedback since you have tackled this project. I am afraid of painted brick being a problem when we resell our home.
Julie- I have loved our painted brick! I hope you end up doing it!
House looks great! We are painting ours Alabaster as well. What color is your trim? Alabaster also?
Kim- Yes the trim is Alabaster too. I would love to see pictures of the before and after of your home.
Our HOA is giving us a hard time about doing the trim the same color. We have black shutters and some black metal roofing as well. Very frustrating process for us!
Kim- Black Trim would look good too. Sorry they are giving you a hard time.
What tint did you use on your windows?
Corey- I will need to look into that. I don’t exactly remember.
Hi
I love your place.
I’m in South Africa and is on ñ point to build my dream place.
Would it also be possible for more pictures of the interior and floor layouts ?
Kind regards
Jaco van der westhuizen
Thank you!
What roof shingle did you use? I love the color, but can’t find anything similar.
Jax- I can’t rememeber. I will look into it.
Hello!
Your home is BEAUTIFUL! We are getting ready to paint our home and will be putting on a new portico as well. I’m getting a bit confused about what color to paint all of the trim, fascia, and soffits, including the columns on the portico. On your home, is all of that done in the alabaster white? Or different?
Thanks so much!!!
Yes, it is all done in alabaster white.
Hi Amy, I have been wanting to paint my all dull brick home white for years but I was too scared. You have made up my mind for me. Your home looks so beautiful and fresh. Who did you use for your windows replacement? Mine desperately need to be updated. Do you think black shutters would look good as well. There were shutters when I purchased it 17 years ago and they look dull now along with the dull brick 😅 but with the white brick it may not need them. Thank you for all your great tips as well. Very helpful! I am so happy I came across your post! Again, your home is gorgeous! I would love to see your updates inside as well if you get a chance. Thanks, Patti
Patti- Thank you so much for your kind words. I will get you the name of the company for our windows. I would love to see the before and after pictures of your painted home!