Exterior brick can be painted successfully and deliver a durable, long-lasting finish when the surface is properly prepared and any moisture issues are addressed before painting begins.
For many Australian homeowners, painting brick is an effective way to modernise an older façade, unify extensions with existing brickwork or completely refresh a home's appearance. However, exterior brick behaves differently from many other building materials. Because masonry naturally absorbs and releases moisture, problems such as peeling, blistering and premature coating failure can occur if underlying issues are not identified and resolved before painting.
As Australia's largest Australian Made and Owned paint brand, Haymes Paint has been helping Australians protect and transform their homes since 1935. With decades of experience developing paints for Australian conditions, we understand the importance of selecting the right preparation products and exterior paint systems for masonry surfaces.
Can You Paint Exterior Brick?
Yes, exterior brick can be painted. Painted brick homes are common throughout Australia and can completely transform the appearance of an older property.
Painting exterior brick is often chosen to:
- Modernise dated brick colours
- Refresh weathered façades
- Create a cohesive look between original homes and extensions
- Complement contemporary architectural styles
- Improve overall street appeal
However, painting brick should be viewed as a long-term design decision rather than a quick cosmetic update. Unlike repainting a wall inside the home, removing paint from brick later can be difficult and expensive. Taking the time to assess the condition of the brickwork and carefully consider colour choices before painting is worthwhile.
Should You Paint Exterior Brick?
Painting brick can be highly effective, but it isn't the right solution for every home.
Brickwork is often a good candidate for painting when:
- The existing brick colour feels dated
- Brick additions do not match the original home
- The façade has weathered unevenly over time
- The property has already been painted previously
Some situations require additional assessment before painting begins. Homes experiencing persistent damp issues, rising moisture, severe mortar deterioration or structural movement should have these issues addressed first. Likewise, heritage properties may have additional requirements that influence whether painting is appropriate.
Why Moisture Matters When Painting Brick
Understanding moisture is the most important part of painting exterior brick successfully.
Brick is a porous building material. It naturally absorbs moisture and releases it over time as environmental conditions change. Rainfall, humidity, leaking gutters, irrigation systems and poor drainage can all contribute to moisture movement within masonry.Â
Problems arise when moisture issues are ignored and coatings are applied over brickwork that is already experiencing damp-related concerns.
Common signs that warrant further investigation include:
- Peeling paint
- Blistering coatings
- Damp patches
- Mould growth
- Water staining
- White salt deposits known as efflorescence
Many homeowners assume these issues are caused by paint failure alone. In reality, they can indicate underlying moisture problems that should be resolved before repainting.
What Is Efflorescence?
Efflorescence is the white, powdery deposit that can appear on the surface of brick and masonry. It occurs when moisture moves through the substrate and carries soluble salts to the surface. As the moisture evaporates, the salts remain behind.
While efflorescence can often be removed, it should not simply be painted over. The presence of salt deposits may indicate an ongoing moisture source that needs to be identified and addressed before coating begins.
Inspect Exterior Brick Before Painting
A thorough inspection can help prevent costly mistakes later. Before selecting colours or products, examine the brickwork carefully. Check for:
- Damp areas
- Efflorescence
- Mould and mildew
- Cracked mortar joints
- Water staining
- Surface deterioration
- Flaking paint
- Chalking or powdery coatings
Pay particular attention to areas around gutters, downpipes, retaining walls, garden beds and other locations where water may accumulate.
If the surface has been painted previously, test the condition of the existing coating. Any loose or failing paint should be removed before recoating.
Where moisture concerns appear significant or ongoing, professional advice should be sought before proceeding.
Clean Exterior Brick Properly
Preparation is one of the most important stages of any exterior painting project. Before painting, all surfaces should be clean, dry and free from contaminants that may interfere with adhesion. This includes:
- Dirt and dust
- Grease
- Loose material
- Surface contaminants
- Mould and mildew
Where mould is present, it should be treated and removed completely before painting.
Efflorescence should also be removed before coating. However, cleaning alone is not enough if the underlying moisture source remains unresolved.
For previously painted brick, remove loose or flaking paint and smooth rough edges to create a stable surface for recoating.
Choosing the Right Primer and Sealer
Successful brick painting relies on selecting preparation products that suit the condition of the substrate. Together, these products form part of a complete preparation system designed to support long-term coating performance.
Porous brickwork can absorb coatings unevenly. Haymes Paint Prepcoat Acrylic Sealer Undercoat Ultraseal® is suitable for porous masonry, repaired areas and surfaces with variable absorption. Applying a suitable sealer undercoat helps create a more consistent surface before topcoating.
Previously painted brick often requires additional preparation. Haymes Paint Prepcoat Primer Sealer Undercoat Ultracover® can help create a stable, uniform foundation before applying exterior finishes. It is particularly useful where existing coatings require improved adhesion and consistency.Â
Choosing the Best Paint for Exterior Brick
Once the surface has been properly assessed and prepared, selecting the right exterior finish becomes much easier. The Solashield® range is suitable for exterior masonry substrates, including brick, and has been developed for Australian conditions.
Solashield® Matt provides a contemporary, low-reflective appearance. Its understated finish works particularly well on modern homes where a softer aesthetic is preferred.
Solashield® Low Sheen remains one of the most versatile choices for exterior brick. It balances durability with appearance and helps minimise the visual impact of minor surface imperfections while maintaining a refined finish.
Solashield® Satin offers slightly more sheen and visual definition. It can be a suitable option where homeowners want a finish with greater reflectivity and enhanced cleanability.
Solashield® Gloss delivers the highest level of sheen within the range. Its reflective appearance can create visual impact on selected architectural features and decorative applications.
Choosing Colours for Painted Brick Homes
Colour selection has a major influence on the final result.
Lighter colours continue to be popular because they create a fresh, timeless appearance that suits a wide variety of architectural styles.
Darker colours can deliver dramatic, contemporary results. However, when selecting dark exterior colours, Light Reflectance Value recommendations should always be considered.
Rather than focusing solely on the brickwork, consider the entire exterior palette. Think about how the chosen colour will coordinate with:
- Roofing materials
- Gutters and downpipes
- Window frames
- Garage doors
- Landscaping features
A carefully considered colour scheme often produces a more cohesive and enduring result. For inspiration, explore our colour collections and get colour inspiration.
Common Exterior Brick Painting Mistakes
Many coating failures can be traced back to avoidable mistakes.
- Painting Damp Brick: Moisture-related issues should always be resolved before painting.
- Ignoring Efflorescence: Salt deposits may indicate underlying moisture movement and should never be dismissed as a cosmetic issue.
- Skipping Preparation: Cleaning, repairs and priming all contribute to long-term performance.
- Choosing the Wrong Preparation Products: Different brick conditions require different preparation systems.
- Painting in Unsuitable Weather Conditions: Applying paint when rain or dew is expected can affect coating performance.
The most successful projects are not completed quickly. They are usually the projects where preparation received the greatest attention.
Maintaining Painted Brickwork
One of the most common concerns homeowners have is whether painted brick becomes high maintenance. Painted brickwork does benefit from periodic inspection and care, but maintenance is generally straightforward.
Regularly check:
- Gutters and downpipes
- Drainage around the home
- Mortar joints
- Areas exposed to persistent moisture
Occasional cleaning can help maintain appearance and remove accumulated dirt and contaminants. Addressing small issues early often helps prevent more significant maintenance requirements later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Painting Brick Trap Moisture? Painting brick does not automatically create moisture problems. Moisture-related coating issues are more likely to occur when existing damp problems are ignored or surfaces are painted before they are properly prepared.
What is the Best Paint for Exterior Brick? A quality exterior paint system designed for masonry surfaces is recommended. The Haymes Paint Solashield® range is suitable for exterior brick and masonry substrates.
Do You Need a Primer Before Painting Brick? Many brick surfaces benefit from a suitable primer or sealer undercoat, particularly where the substrate is porous, repaired or previously painted.
Can You Paint Previously Painted Brick? Yes. Existing coatings should be assessed carefully and any loose, peeling or unstable paint should be removed before recoating.
Can You Paint Brick with Efflorescence? Efflorescence should be removed and the source of moisture investigated before painting begins.
Can You Paint Exterior Brick a Dark Colour? Yes. However, Light Reflectance Value recommendations should be considered when selecting darker colours for exterior applications.
How Long Does Painted Brick Last? Longevity depends on preparation, substrate condition, environmental exposure and ongoing maintenance. Proper preparation and a suitable exterior paint system can help maximise service life.
Start Your Painting Project Today
If you're planning to paint exterior brick and would like help selecting the right preparation products, colours or exterior finishes, visit your nearest Haymes Paint stockist and talk to the local experts in-store.
A successful painted brick project starts long before the first coat is applied. Understanding your brickwork today can help create a finish you'll be confident in for years to come.
