A Fresh Take on a Classic: 4 Ways to Paint Brick

Painting brick can transform your home, breathing new life to everything from fireplaces and accent walls to exterior facades. While brick is beautiful untouched, its natural tones don’t always align with every design style, which is where the right paint technique can make all the difference.

To help you get it right, we gathered tips from the experts on the best ways to paint brick. Whether you’re painting a room in your Boston, MA home or renovating the interior of your Lincoln, NE house, this article will give practical advice to help you achieve a beautiful, long-lasting finish.

Start with the right prep for lasting results

No matter which method you choose, painting brick starts with thoughtful preparation for lasting results. Here are a few essential tips to set yourself up for success: 

• Clean the brick thoroughly: Remove dust, dirt, grease, and any loose debris before you begin to ensure proper adhesion and prevent uneven coverage.
• Use a primer specifically for masonry surfaces: A quality masonry primer seals porous brick, creating a smooth base, which is especially key for a solid painted finish.
• Protect the surroundings: Use drop cloths and painter’s tape to cover doors, windows, moldings, and walkways.

Overview

To help you compare your options at a glance, here’s a breakdown of the most popular brick painting methods and how they differ in finish, breathability, and durability.

1. The traditional method

The traditional method is a popular way to paint brick, especially when you’re aiming to dramatically brighten a fireplace, interior wall, or exterior facade. “It’s is ideal for achieving a clean, modern aesthetic. It provides a more uniform finish and bold transformation than other methods,” shares the team at at 21st Century Painting & Roofing in Austin, TX

When it comes to application, proper materials and technique are key. Jennifer Maune, chef and tastemaker behind the digital lifestyle brand, Living Life Beautifully, centered on food, design, and hospitality, with her debut restaurant Fleur opening this fall recommends, “Use a breathable, high-quality masonry paint to prevent trapping moisture inside the brick, which can lead to peeling over time. Apply with a combination of a roller and angled brush to reach mortar lines and texture, and finish with a weather-resistant sealer for long-lasting results.”

“We carried this same approach into a painted brick fireplace makeover, applying it to flagstone to transform heavy, dark surfaces into bright, inviting focal points,” Jennifer explains. “By lightening the stone, we achieved a true fireplace makeover that reflects more natural light while preserving its texture and character.”

2. Limewash

If you’re drawn to a lighter, lived-in look, limewashing is a great alternative to traditional paint. Unlike standard masonry paint, limewash soaks into the brick rather than sitting on top of it, creating a more natural finish. 

“This is a favored option for homeowners who want a softer, more natural look. It offers a timeless appearance and can be customized with either a single coat or multiple coats depending on the desired level of coverage and texture,” the 21st Century Painting & Roofing team explains.

For Amanda of Amanda Katherine Interiors, limewash is a personal favorite for updating older brick while preserving its character. “I love brick and the texture it gives, but oftentimes the color needs some updating if you purchased an older home. If you have an outdated brick and you want to lighten it up, try limewash. It’s one of my favorite products to ‘paint’ brick. It’s a natural product that allows the brick to breathe and is easier to work with.” Amanda limewashed her own brick fireplace and still loves the results years later.

3. Brick staining 

If you’re debating painting brick without fully covering its texture, staining is a subtler, character-rich alternative. Instead of creating a solid, opaque layer, staining enhances the natural variation in the brick, allowing its depth and dimension to peek through.

As Ryan Briggs, owner of Paragon Painting in Charleston, SC, explains, the first step is deciding on the overall look you’re after. “A technique like ‘brick staining’ or a diluted paint wash lets the texture and variation of the brick show through while still updating the color.”

As a best practice, Ryan recommends doing a quick test first. “Always test your method on a small, hidden area first, since brick absorbs coatings differently. Taking this extra step helps you dial in the exact look before committing to the entire surface.”

4. German smear

German smear is one way to paint brick that offers a textured, European-inspired look. Instead of paint or wash, this technique uses a layer of wet mortar that’s applied over the surface and then partially wiped away to create a soft, irregular finish.

The result is a heavier, more dimensional look than limewash or paint, with a distinctly rustic appearance. In some areas, the original brick peeks through, while heavier coatings cover others, giving the surface a timeworn feel.

German smear works especially well on fireplaces and exterior brick, where added texture can make a design statement.

Selecting the right method for painting brick

While you’re contemplating the best way to paint your brick, it’s worth thinking beyond the finish itself. Consider how each method will wear over time, maintenance, and how the final look will complement the rest of your home’s style. All things considered, the goal is to choose an option that continues to feel right for your home over time.