White Painted Brick House Exteriors

If we've ever considered painting the exterior brick on our house white, we're not alone. White painted brick houses are a popular trend that can give homes an instant facelift. Painting brick white adds style, illuminates home features, and comes at a fraction of the cost of other brick finishing techniques. But before we grab a paintbrush, it's important to understand the process and considerations involved.

We'll also look at stunning real-world examples of white painted brick homes. By the end, we'll have all the information we need to decide if a white painted brick exterior is the right choice for our own home.

Why Choose White Paint for Brick Houses

Painting brick exteriors white may feel like a bold choice, but it offers many advantages. Here are some of the top reasons homeowners opt for white paint on their brick walls:

• White paint gives brick homes a clean, fresh facelift instantly. It makes houses look crisp and updated.
• Painting brick white can make small homes appear larger. The light color reflects more light and opens up facades.
• White provides visual contrast against colorful flowers, bushes, green lawns and other landscaping.
• If our brick is mismatched from additions or repairs, white paint provides a uniform appearance.
• Paint covers unsightly brick flaws like cracks, stains or deterioration.
• White reflects heat in summer and insulates in winter. It protects brick from weathering.
• At around $2-$6 per square foot, paint costs a fraction of other facade upgrades.

Those curb appeal and practical benefits help explain why white painted brick is trending. But before applying the first coat, proper prep work is crucial.

Preparing Brick Surfaces for Painting

Achieving a smooth, flawless finish with painted brick starts with appropriate surface prep. Follow these key steps before painting brick exteriors white:

• Pressure wash the brick thoroughly to remove dirt, mildew and loose paint.
• Repair any cracks, gaps or deteriorated mortar so paint adheres properly.
• Remove any existing clear brick coatings or failing paint.
• Fill any holes or uneven textures with caulk and smoothing compounds.
• Prime bare brick before painting for maximum adhesion and coverage.

It's tempting to cut corners on prep work, but resist the urge. Properly prepping surfaces takes time but ensures the paint has a sound foundation. Next we'll look at best practices for applying white paint to brick.

Painting White Over Brick Surfaces

With surfaces thoroughly prepped, we can focus on painting techniques. Follow these tips when applying white paint to external brick walls:

• Choose an exterior masonry paint designed specifically for brick surfaces.
• Consider flat, satin or semi-gloss sheens. Glossier paints enhance vibrancy.
• Paint when temperatures are between 50-90degF for proper curing and adhesion.
• Use oil-based primers on bare brick rather than water-based versions.
• Apply at least two finish coats for full coverage and durability.
• "Cutting in" edges before rolling large sections prevents drips.
• Allow proper drying time between coats according to manufacturer guidelines.

Top-quality application materials like china bristle brushes and microfiber paint rollers also promote smoother painted brick outcomes. Patience is vital too - rushing the painting process can ruin the final results.

Achieving a Seamless Painted Brick Finish

Painting over brick surfaces presents unique challenges versus drywall or wood. Follow these tips for the most flawless, professional finish:

• Use high-density foam rollers to evenly coat the textured brick surface.
• Maintain a consistent "wet edge" and avoid lap marks as you paint.
• Work paint thoroughly into the mortar joints between bricks.
• Caulk any gaps between brick and trim to prevent bleeding.
• Allow adequate prep and cure times for each coat.
• Lightly sand painted brick between coats if needed to smooth uneven textures.

Rushing through painting steps inevitably shows in the final finish. But by exercising patience, we can achieve painted brick results that look professionally sprayed on.

Maintaining White Painted Brick

Painting brick white boosts curb appeal, but maintenance is required to keep it looking its best. Here are some tips for keeping white painted brick pristine:

• Wait at least 30 days after painting before cleaning to allow full curing.
• Clean gently with mild, non-abrasive soap and low pressure rinse.
• Avoid aggressive power washing, which can damage paint.
• Touch up any worn or damaged paint as soon as possible.
• Plan to repaint every 5-7 years to refresh the color.
• Watch for bubbling, cracking or peeling paint that indicates issues.

With proper maintenance and care, freshly painted white brick can maintain its charm for years before needing refreshed. Next we'll explore choosing the perfect white paint color.

Choosing White Paint Colors for Brick

Homeowners are often drawn to bright white when painting brick exteriors. But shades like Swiss coffee, mist gray and alabaster also look stunning against brick surfaces. Here are appealing white and off-white paint colors to consider:

• Pure White - Crisp, clean bright whites like Ultra Pure White pop against landscaping.
• Swiss Coffee - Warmer off-whites like Swiss Coffee soften and add subtle contrast.
• Cloud White - Cool, ethereal whites like Cloud White add serene elegance.
• Dove White - Dove White offers a pale, peaceful off-white shade.
• Gray Mist - Soft white grays like Gray Mist offer flexibility.

Choosing the right undertone of white for our home's architectural style and surroundings is key. Now let's look at stunning examples of white painted brick houses.

Beautiful White Painted Brick Homes

Seeing how others have successfully painted brick white helps inspire our own exterior plans. Here are a few gorgeous real-world examples of white painted brick houses:

• This Charleston single house was coated in Benjamin Moore Gray Mist for contrast against black shutters.
• A Dallas Tudor used Sherwin Williams Alabaster on the brick and Shoji White on trim for a crisp, elegant look.
• An 80s red brick ranch was transformed through Benjamin Moore Simply White and Stonington Gray.
• This brick Cape Cod used Black Forest Green on the door for bold contrast against clean Snowbound White walls.
• A modern farmhouse opted for Sherwin Williams Pure White on brick and Extra White for trim and balusters.

Those stunning painted brick examples showcase the dramatic transformations white paint can bring about. Finally, let's recap key learnings to decide if white paint could benefit our own homes.

Painting any exterior surface white seems daring, but white brick homes illustrate why this trend endures. If we're still unsure, ask ourselves:

• Do we need to conceal flawed or mismatched brick textures?
• Could our brick benefit from a cleaned, brightened appearance?
• Do we want our home to stand out with a light, striking facade?
• Are we willing to commit to maintenance like washing, touching up paint, and occasional repainting?

If we answered yes, a white painted brick exterior could be right for our house. With proper prep work and painting technique, we can enjoy this classic, coveted look. And if later we decide to change directions, paint can be removed to uncover the original brick once more.