But it was so cute when we bought it 15 years ago. I loved the red brick back then and never dreamed I would ever consider painting it, but time changes everything, including styles. For the last 5 years, all I could think of was how I was going to convince my hubby that painting the red brick would make our home’s dark and dismal exterior appear larger and more inviting.
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Painting Red Brick- Before & After
Welcome to our humble home. It’s a modest 1800 square feet and has been our sanctuary away from all the hustle and bustle of what used to be our usual work life. Out the door by 6 am and back home by 6 pm. Until 7 years ago, my hubby and I both had major changes in our work schedules.
Now we both work from home and spend all our days here and love being able to walk outside and take a break or spend an evening sitting on the front porch. We both agreed that something needed to be done.
We’ve spent a lot of time and love updating the interior of our home, making it our own over the last few years but neglected the exterior other than mowing the yard. The plan was to give our traditional dark brick home a twist of the modern farmhouse charm that I desperately wanted. Painting the red brick would definitely be cheaper than buying a new home… we both agreed. We (more like I) wanted to sell our home before this makeover! But not now. That was after I finally got my hubby to agree that painting the red brick would look amazing. And I was right!
A Total Transformation After Painting The Red Brick Exterior
After much research, we decided to go forward and paint the exterior red bricks on our home, knowing there would be pros and cons. The PROS won! Here is what we found.
- Boosts curb appeal. Painting the red brick can make a dark, dismal home look fresh and inviting like nothing else can. And it can increase the value of your home if it’s done correctly.
- Protection from elements. When properly painted, your house acts as a sealant and protects against weather changes and moisture.
- Easy to keep clean. Brick is naturally porous, and dirt and debris can become trapped, making cleaning difficult. Painting the brick provides a smooth surface that is much easier to clean with occasional power washing.
- Painting brick is permanent. Professional painters know that once a brick is painted, it needs to stay painted. Consider this permanent unless you’re willing to fork over some major Dolla Dolla bills to have it removed. The good news is you can change the color. That was the winning decision for me!
- Moisture can cause paint to chip. This is true for many home exteriors. Excessive moisture can be a concern with painted brick, especially near the base close to the ground. Be prepared to repaint every 7-10 years, depending on the quality of paint you use. We used the BEST paint by Sherwin Williams!
- You may need to clean the exterior of your house more often. While painted brick is much easier to clean than natural brick, dirt and mildew will be more visible on the painted brick. An occasional power washing will keep the painted brick crisp and clean. The service is affordable, costing a couple of hundred dollars if you don’t want to tackle it yourself. We own a power washer, so we will DIY when it’s necessary.
The PROS outweighed the CONS, so we moved forward with the planning phase.
Do I DIY or hire an expert?
After researching how to paint a brick exterior, we knew that there would be multiple steps in preparing the brick before it could be painted, like washing and primer. Not something either of us wanted to take on.
The first thing you’ll need to decide is if you’re up for this challenge. Yes, I’m a DIYer of most home projects, but sometimes you know when to call in the professionals. So, we found a reputable painter that has experience painting brick. This isn’t something you want to guess on in hopes it all works out. It’s not like painting a piece of furniture. I highly recommend you hire this one out and get a professional. It’s worth the investment.
Sore muscles, joints and possible trips to the ER from falling off a ladder aren’t worth it. I’ve painted a few homes in my prime, and that was 20+ years ago. I don’t bounce like I used to.
The Colors We Chose
That was not an easy choice, but we decided to go with a light exterior in the end. The interior of our home is painted Mindful Gray by Sherwin Williams, and I love it, but it wasn’t until I took the paint swatches outdoors that I noticed that the gray was much lighter outside than it appeared inside.
Gray is a great color choice for backgrounds, especially when you want your landscaping to pop. Mindful Gray has beige undertones making it a great choice if you’re choosing stone and wood accents.
Exterior Brick: Mindful Gray SW 7016
Exterior Trim: Snowbound SW 7004
The Results Of Painting Red Brick – Exterior Home Makeover
HE LOVED IT!
Updating The Landscaping
Painting the red brick exterior wasn’t the only thing we did. The landscaping also needed an update, so we went a little over budget, but it was worth every penny! Thanks to Turf Pro Landscape Design for making my vision a reality. The look was completed with Rock borders, strategically placed boulders, painted brick, and natural wood finish shutters.
We also added wrap-around DIY wood columns on the front porch to tie it all together and give it a cohesive look.
Oh, and the cute modern house numbers sign that I made. It was my inspiration for the wood tones. CLICK HERE to learn how to make them for your home.
Painting the red brick really did make the exterior of our home look larger, and we couldn’t be happier with the results. It gave the exterior a fresh airy feel and a touch of modern farmhouse charm that I wanted. It may not be a real farmhouse, but it’s certainly closer than where we started.
Thank you so much for joining me today, and I hope this inspires you if you are ever considering painting your brick home. It wasn’t as scary as my hubby thought it would be.
Until the next project… xo, Do
Wow! Saw your before post on Instagram so had to check it out. Amazing after. I too have a red brick home, ours is a boring ranch. Your bravery in painted brick is inspiring me.
Signed, red brick rancher, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. 🇨🇦
It was scary, but once it got started, there was no turning back. I’m happy we did it. So good to have you stop by, Paula. Please come and visit me here often for more home DIY inspirations. 🙂 xo Or subscribe to my weekly newsletter.
Oh my word I love it!!! I’ve been there and felt at home but wow how this color just makes my home away from home pop!!! Yes girl. amazing choice!!!
You’re so sweet to me, Marni. It is your home away from home and you are welcome here anytime. Love you. 🙂 xo
I absolutely love it! What a difference 😁. I really don’t like red brick. It looks like a totally different house. Well done. Xx
Thank you, Wendy! That is exactly what I wanted. A new to me house. 🙂 xo
I love the transformation! Paint is magic….
Isn’t it?! Thank you for stopping by, Pat. Have a beautiful day. 🙂 xo
How many coats did it take? I’m about to do the same, and love this color. Thanks for sharing
Hi Rene!
My painter sprayed two coats after priming. But from what I hear, rolling it on gives better coverage, especially if your brick is rough and not smooth—best of luck with your project. We love the painted brick and would do it again. 🙂 xo
Donna: Wonderful transformation. The landscaping helped a lot.
Hi, Mary! Yes, it really added so much. It desperately needed an update too. Thank you for the kind words. 🙂 xo
Do, it’s absolutely gorgeous! You did the right thing and it all looks so wondrful now.
Hi, Victoria! It is a relief to have it completed. I can’t say it didn’t make me a tad bit nervous. Thank you for the kind words. 🙂 xo
I love it Donna! It’s beautiful! I just love white and gray painted brick! Amazing transformation – Congratulations and enjoy!
Hi, Abbey! Thanks so much for stopping by. We really do love it and spend lots of time on the front porch. 🙂 xo
Oh man does that look great!!! Awesome job!! 🙂
Thanks, Donna! We love it so much more now. Feels like home. 🙂 xo
LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!! What an amazing transformation. I have never liked red brick. It just seems so outdated and boring. But the colors you chose are absolutely beautiful Donna. You are so talented!
Thank you so much, Donna! I’m not a fan of red either, but I don’t dare say that out loud. We love the new look! 🙂 xo
Wow. Was a transformation. Love it. Wish I had your talent and courage.
Hi Jane! Thank you for the kind words. Sometimes you just have to go for it. 🙂 xo
Just gotta say that I love it!! Makes a huge difference! And love the landscaping too! I think you made the right choices – enjoy your new home!
Thank you, Debbie! We are enjoying it. I appreciate your kindness. 🙂 xo
I absolutely love it! It looks so beautiful. I especially love the shutters!
Thank you, Tonya! Those shutters make me almost as happy as the painted brick. It’s a toss-up. 🙂 xo
BEST choice you could have made!!!
I wish I had a brick home to do this and i would also go for a light gray. Were i live we get snow and as much as i like a white house, it seems to disappear surrounded by snow. My home exterior needs a makeover and i hope i make as good choices as you did. Also love the landscape and the shutters you made. I would buy your house in a heartbeat. I LOVE it all.
Hi Nancy! Thanks for stopping by. I like the way you think. You are correct about the snow, and with that kind of vision, I know whatever you decide will look amazing. Getting started is half the battle. 🙂 xo
It’s fabulous! 😍😍😍
Thank you so much, Holli! 🙂 xo
Donna, I love, love, love this. I’ve been talking to my husband for almost 3 years to paint out brick rancher which is 56 years old. I know it would brighten up the house so much. I am still working on it.
Thanks so much for sharing this post. It is inspiring.
Hi Lori! It is a delicate subject with the men, that’s for sure. I’m not sure what their fears are? Thank you for the kind words and good luck. 🙂 xo
I absolutely love it!!! Great decision!!!
Thank you, Laura! We love it. 🙂 xo
Do you both knocked this out of the ball park. And let me tell you I love older homes remodeled. Yes it takes work but look at that Incredible transformation. Your interior/exterior designs is incredible. Lots of hard work and love and it will be enjoyment forever. Landscaping just tops it off. Just. WOW. Love these kinds of transformations.
I just love the finished house, it looks great! The natural wood shutters are the perfect finishing touch.
Thanks, Diane! I’ve had this look in my head for years. So glad I was finally able to get it completed. Now, time to tackle the backyard. It never ends. 🙂
What an amazing transformation! It’s beautiful! I also have a red brick house an have oh so wanted to paint! Maybe I can twist the hubby a little more…❤️
Hi Kathy! Those guys need a little coaxing, that’s for sure. But afterward, they are so proud. Don’t give up on what you love. 🙂 xo
I love love love it!! Fantastic job Do!!
Thank you so much, Leslie. So glad you enjoyed this post. 🙂 xo
Do, you and your husband both knocked this out of the ball park. And let me tell you I love older homes remodeled. Yes it takes work but look at that Incredible transformation. Your interior/exterior designs is incredible. Lots of hard work and love and it will be enjoyment forever. Landscaping just tops it off. Just. WOW. Love these kinds of transformations. FYI and you did not have to pay the Property Brothers.
Thank goodness I did have to pat the Property Brothers! 🙂 Thank you so much for your kind words. It means a lot. We love it, Denise! xo
I LOVE IT!!
Thank you so much, Jennifer! 🙂 xo
I agree the red brick had to go, but so does the red roof, which would brighten the house even more. color of grey is very inviting. Love it. Great job.
Thank you, Bev. The roof will have to wait. It doesn’t bother me that much. 🙂 Some day.
Great improvement. Love the updated look!
Thank you so much, Kathy! 🙂
Hi Do!
I’ve never been one who would have thought painting brick was a good idea. Well, I’m here to say that it wasn’t a good idea … it was a GREAT ONE!! What a difference!!! The addition of the shutters, plantings and porch furniture brought it all together, brought it into the 21st century, livened it up and made it a thing of beauty. I do have a suggestion though … how ’bout painting the Big Garage Door? 🙂
Just sayin’….
Hi Les! Yes, that is in the back of my head. It needs an update too. 🙂
Do, honey, I don’t care who didn’t like this change! THIS IS BEAUTIFUL!!!! I love it 💕 We have a 40’s white painted brick house and have talked about painting it for a while now… You have inspired me. I’m showing this to my husband 😉
Hi Bridgette!
It has been fun to see the transformation. One thing I learned a long time ago is… to each his own. I share what I do to inspire others to DIY, but I also know that everyone has different tastes. I appreciate your kindness. Blessings to you, and good luck with your project. 🙂 xo
It really does make such a difference to the look of your home, so much lighter and really shows off the wooden features and landscaping. And I think unless you live in a really old (= hundreds of years old – I’m British) home with the lovely aged handmade bricks, there’s nothing to stop you going for it. Good on you for going with your instincts, it looks great.
Thank you, Jill! That is exactly my thought on the brick. I appreciate your kindness. 🙂 xo
I like the new look a lot! The shutters really add a lot, too. Good for you for making the right decision.
Thanks for sharing, T! 🙂
Love the painted brick sooo much!!! It looks fantastic! I personally would have gone with the wood a bit darker but that’s just me. Something along the lines of the door color. I think it looks really nice on your home though. The wood alone gives it character! Oh and I’m also glad you had someone do it for you. That is a major amount of work. We’ve done it twice now and never again! This body is done!
Hi Shirley! Yes, I can see that having the wood match the door would look great too. I plan to purchase an old door and strip it down to the bare wood to match the wood shudders and columns. Good eye! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
One word “GORGEOUS”!!!!
Thank you, Karolyn! 🙂
Love it!!! You are so brave, but the difference in the before and after are fantastic. Thank you for generously sharing your ideas and inspirations.
Thank you for the kind words, Susan! 🙂 xo
Wow! I love the transformation of your house. It really needed those shutters to dress it up but the new landscaping was the perfect accessory …..she’s the new prom queen on the block! And ignore those naysayers, Do. They’re just jealous.
Awe, Sharon, you just made my day. I love the “prom queen on the block.” And yes, I knew that the landscaping would be the crowning jewel. Now for the backyard. 🙂 xo
It looks amazing! You were very brave to try it, as you said once you paint it, theres no going back. With the natural wood trim, it looks an “after” pic on Fixer Upper.Great job.
Thank you, Joan! That is such a sweet thing to say. We worked very hard to make it cohesive. 🙂 xo
I. LOVE. IT!!! I’m always a fan of painted brick. It instantly updates the home and gives it a fresh new looks. Fabulous! Love the natural wood accents also. Kudos!!
I appreciate that, Susan! I agree that it’s an instant change. I love that! 🙂 xo
Beautiful! Love it all!
Thank you, Judy! We do too! 🙂 xo
Omg,absolutely stunning! Everything about it great color choices. The natural wood shutters were a wonderful touch. And I am so in love with all the landscaping. I could sit on that porch of yours for hours. Now I hope you and your husband will do that and just enjoy. Happy blessings to you.
Thank you so much, Maryellen! We love the results, and we DO spend a lot of evenings on the front porch. Blessings to you. 🙂 xo
Hi Do!! It looks so good. Congratulations!! You never did tell me how you lost all of your weight. The last year has been rough. My daughter was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in February of 20. She passed away in May of 21. So I have been neglecting myself. I think I will grieve for a very long time but I have to get back to painting and losing weight.
Oh no! I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking for you. Praying that the pain you’re feeling be replaced with peace and beautiful memories of her. AS for you, yes… it’s time to take care of yourself. I’m sure your daughter would want that for you.
I have been eating healthy and counting calories. Nothing special, just doing what I should be doing. Moving my body more, and I feel great. 🙂
Absolutely love it. Reminds (warm thoughts) me of my first house in Texas. And the landscaping tops it all off.
Thank you, Lesa! We are very pleased with the updated look. 🙂 xo
The paint makes an amazing difference in the size of your home! Paint is such a transformer of many things! I love the color you chose, Do. It is just so lovely!
Thank you, Cindy. We really do love the new look. It feels like a new home without moving. 🙂 xo
Now that the brick is painted and the shutters are up and you’ve even wrapped the porch pillars…..don’t you think you should get rid of the red shingles? Driftwood would be a good color choice or maybe a dark gray.
Yes, ma’am, you are correct but it’s not in the budget at this time.
Absolutely perfect. The color of the house. Those shutters and landscaping, superb. You are a master at what you do. Even though what you do is always new.
Thank you so much, Dee! We love our new look, and I am excited to start working on the backyard. So stay tuned! 🙂 xo
I found your house pictures on Pinterest I have been wanting to paint my house for years thanks so much for sharing the information I’m heading to Sherwin Williams!!
Hi Sherry! So glad you found me. We just purchased another home and I’ll be sharing all about the renovations of this one too. I hope you’ll join me. 🙂 Best wishes on painting your brick.
Did you paint or replace the garage doors?? Trying to tie my roof, shutters, posts and garage doors together is a challenge!!
Hi Amy, The garage door is a faux wood finish and I don’t have a tutorial on that finish. Bummer!
It is a challenge for sure. We recently moved to the country and now I’m working on a new project. Here’s what we have done so far.
https://dododsondesigns.com/home-tour/
Love your house colors. I am curious do you know the name of your roof color? We have oakridge shingles in the color brownwood. (Previous owner picked out roof color) I am having a hard time picking out a white paint color that would match the roof. The roof comes across brown/red.
Thanks Leesa
Hi Leesa! I’m so sorry; I don’t. After a storm, we replaced it a few years ago, and I picked the same colors that my neighbors had. It is reddish/brown. I wasn’t super happy with my color choice after I painted the brick. I should have chosen dark brown or black, but at the time, painting the brick was out of the question. Best wishes on your home project. 🙂
I LOVE this! We are remodeling our 1950’s farmhouse and picked mindful grey for the interior too. It looks Soo much darker inside compared to your house. I think after seeing yours, my husband and I are wanting to our exterior mindful grey too! Did you use a certain type of brick paint with Sherwin Williams? 🤍
Hi Melissa,
No, we used the exterior latex, but we also cleaned the brick and sprayed two coats of primer before painting. I would suggest talking to your Sherwin-Williams rep in-store if you’re doing it yourself. I have an amazing painter. It does appear much lighter outside. In our new home, we used Alabaster white for a lot of the interior. You can see our first home tour here. https://www.dododsondesigns.com/ranch-home-renovation-before-after-interior/
It’s GRRREAT. Are the shutters ‘pretend’ ones as I can’t see any hinges? The chairs on the porch are so inviting – they create a relaxing thought (even if in this busy world you might rarely use them, altho I’m sure you do!)
Hi Audrey,
Yes, the shutters are for looks only and are secured into the bricks. I DO use those chairs quite often. It’s up to us the slow down and enjoy the quiet moments. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
What a great transformation a lick of paint can do. Made the garage door look better to boot!
Thanks, Tess. It always amazes me what a lick of paint will do. My Grandpa used to say that. 🙂
Gorgeous Do!!🤗 Pinned!
Thank you, Cindy! 🙂
Absolutely gorgeous home! Keep up the great work, it’s an inspiration 🙂
I love the fence color, by any chance do you recall the stain color/brand?
Thank you, Marlene.
I’m so sorry I don’t. We decided to use a solid color stain. Behr at Home Depot comes to mind.
Just came across your page and your home transformation looks amazing! Just wondering did your painter need to use a special paint for brick? Also what sheen did he use? There are a few houses in my neighborhood that have painted their brick and it looks awaful. I’m thinking maybe it’s because they may have used too glossy of a paint.
Hi Annette!
I wished I could tell you exactly what he used. I know we cleaned the brick well before adding a primer to the brick. The paint we used was Sherwin William exterior house paint in a satin sheen. I would never use a glossy finish on brick or even wood trim for that matter. Your best bet is to ask your Sherwin Williams Paint attendant. They are super helpful and knowledgeable about their products. It’s like asking a pharmacist about medications. They know their stuff. I hope this helps. Painting brick when properly done is beautiful and you’re right to ask questions always. 🙂