Paint Colors That Accentuate Red Brick Facades
Choosing the perfect paint color to pair with the beautiful red brick on your home's exterior can feel like an overwhelming task. With so many factors to consider from the brick's undertones to the amount of natural light the facade receives, it's key to understand the nuances that go into selecting a shade that truly complements the existing masonry.
Consider the Unique Properties of Brick
One of the first things to understand when choosing an exterior paint color is the unique properties of brick. Made from clay and shale that's been fired, brick comes in warm, rich earth tones of red, brown, orange, and tan. When selecting a paint color, it's important to consider the specific shade of your home's bricks.
Are they more of a red-orange hue or do they lean brown? Cool gray mixed in or warm beiges? Look closely in different lighting to discern the subtle undertones. Hold up paint swatches to see how tones complement or clash with the brickwork.
It's also key to note that natural brick has color variations. No two bricks will look identical due to the firing process and mineral content in the clay. This organic look of mixed tones makes brickwork highly textured and multi-dimensional.
Test Brick Color in Different Lighting
The way sunlight hits brick dramatically impacts its perceived color. Bricks can look entirely different in morning sun versus late afternoon when shadows creep in. Overcast days also alter the way we see the brick's undertones.
Be sure to view your home's bricks at various times of day before selecting an exterior paint color. The shade that pairs beautifully on an overcast afternoon may look jarring when bathed in noonday sun. Test paint swatches against the facade in both sunlight and shade to get the full picture.
Choosing Paint Colors That Work With Red Brick
When it comes to choosing an exterior paint color for a red brick home, you'll want to consider undertones as well as the level of contrast you'd like the paint to have against the brickwork.
Match Undertones
Finding a paint color with similar undertones to your home's red bricks results in a cohesive, blended look. Earthy beiges, taupes, and browns are ideal for matching red brick's warm, organic hues.
Look for exterior paint options with brick-matching undertones like:
- Warm grays
- Greiges or tan-grays
- Creamy whites
- Warmer greiges
- Taupes
- Light to medium browns
Paints like these align with the undertones found in red brick, from warm oranges to earthy browns and shades of gray, complementing the existing palette.
Consider Contrast vs. Blending
In addition to picking a color with coordinating undertones, you'll also want to decide whether you prefer a paint that strongly contrasts with the red brick or a more harmonious, blended look.
For bold contrast, cool colors like navy, deep greens, or slate gray make the red bricks pop. White paint also creates striking contrast against rich red hues.
For a subtler, blended effect, neutral browns, taupes, and grays in the same depth range as the bricks can help unify the look. Soft sage greens can also blend nicely with red brick's natural tones.
There's no right or wrong approach, just personal preference for the intended effect. Sometimes a home's architecture calls for more blending while a historic downtown property looks best with contrasting pops of color against the brick.
Application Tips for Painting Red Brick
Once you've selected the perfect exterior paint color to complement your home's red bricks, proper application is key for achieving the desired look.
Paint Gloss Level
When painting directly onto brick, a flat or matte finish often looks best by mimicking the natural unpainted texture. Glossy paints can make the brickwork look plastic-y.
Low to medium luster options like eggshell and satin are ideal for painting trim and doors without looking too slick against the brick walls.
Prep Brick Surfaces
Ensure bricks are clean before painting. Use a pressure washer and degreasing cleaner to remove built-up dirt and grime that could cause the paint to peel.
Let the bricks dry fully before applying primer. Newer, smoother bricks require less prep beyond just washing.
Use Brick-Painting Primer
Quality primer is a must for painting brick. Look for an alkaline-resistant primer specifically formulated for masonry surfaces. This helps paint adhere. Opt for a tinted primer close to your finish paint color for extra coverage.
Apply Paint Evenly
Use a brush to cut-in edges around trim and corners. Then use a paint sprayer or paint roller to coat the bricks evenly for a smooth, consistent look. Applying the right thickness of paint helps it hold up on brick's rough surface.
Focus Areas for Paint Color
When painting exterior brick, you don't necessarily have to coat the entire facade. Strategic use of paint color on trim, doors, and accents allows the gorgeous natural brick to still shine.
Paint Front Door
Painting your front door a bold color that either matches or contrasts with the red brick is an easy way to increase curb appeal. Black, navy, red, and emerald green all make great front door colors against red brick.
Accent Window Trim
Use an exterior paint in a lighter or darker tone than the bricks to accent window and door trim and moldings. This framing effect draws the eye to architectural details.
Paint Porch Ceilings
Painting your front porch ceiling a light, bright color casts a lovely glow and creates visual interest. Robin's egg blue or buttery yellow look fresh against red bricks.
Use Accent Walls
Paint a side or rear portion of the home that doesn't feature exposed brickwork to create a striking accent wall that complements the red brick facade.
Maintenance Considerations
While a new coat of exterior paint can give red brick a beautiful facelift, keep in mind painting brick is a permanent modification. Removing paint from brick is extremely difficult, so the decision requires commitment.
Painting can also lead to potential issues like trapped moisture and amplified weathering. Properly seal any cracks plus use high-quality primer and paint to limit damage risks.
Consider limewashing brick instead for a less drastic, more reversible color change. This ages gracefully over time.
Choosing an exterior paint color that complements red brick comes down to understanding the brick's unique mix of tones and finding a shade that aligns in both hue and depth. Follow these tips for the most flattering combination:
- View bricks in different lighting to discern undertones.
- Test paint swatches at various times of day.
- Match subtle undertones like grays, taupes, and beiges.
- Consider contrasting colors for bold brick accentuation.
- Use finishes like matte or eggshell for ideal brick adhesion.
- Prep, prime, and apply paint properly for maximum durability.
You can accentuate the beauty of your home's red brick facade with the right color selection. Just take time to find the perfect nuanced shade that coordinates beautifully with the tones that make your home one of a kind.