Brick homes have unique color considerations. Whether you're selecting paint colors to complement your natural brick or deciding on a color to paint your brick, this guide covers the best options for stunning curb appeal in 2026.
Should You Paint Your Brick?
Painting brick is a significant decision. Here's when it makes sense:
β Consider Painting If:
- Brick is damaged, stained, or discolored
- Multiple brick types/colors look mismatched
- You want a dramatic transformation
- Brick doesn't match your style goals
- Previous repairs are visibly different
β Don't Paint If:
- Brick is historic or architecturally significant
- Brick is in excellent condition
- You want maintenance-free exterior
- Brick matches your style already
- You may want to return to natural brick
β οΈ Important: Painting Brick is Largely Permanent
Once painted, brick is nearly impossible to return to natural state. Paint removal can damage brick. Plan to repaint every 5-10 years.
Best Colors by Brick Type
Different brick colors call for different complementary palettes:
Red Brick
Traditional warm red tones
Best Colors:
- β Warm White
- β Sage Green
- β Navy Blue
- β Black Shutters
Avoid:
- β Cool Gray
- β Stark White
Brown Brick
Warm earth tones
Best Colors:
- β Cream White
- β Taupe
- β Forest Green
- β Burgundy
Avoid:
- β Cool Blues
- β Pink Tones
Orange Brick
Vibrant warm undertones
Best Colors:
- β Cream
- β Warm Greens
- β Brown Accents
- β Black
Avoid:
- β Red
- β Cool Colors
Gray Brick
Cool neutral base
Best Colors:
- β Cool White
- β Navy
- β Black
- β Slate Blue
Avoid:
- β Warm Yellows
- β Peachy Tones
Painted White Brick
Already painted
Best Colors:
- β Black Trim
- β Navy Door
- β Forest Green
- β Wood Accents
Avoid:
- β Nothing major
Best White Paint Colors for Brick
White is the most popular choice for painting brick. These whites work beautifully:
Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17)
Soft, warm white. Not stark or harsh. The designer's favorite for painted brick. Works with any accent.
Warm UndertoneSherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008)
Creamy white with cozy warmth. Perfect farmhouse aesthetic. Pairs beautifully with black trim.
Warm UndertoneBenjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (OC-65)
Purest, crispest white. Modern and bright. Best for contemporary homes with clean lines.
True WhiteSherwin-Williams Greek Villa (SW 7551)
European villa warmth. Elegant cream-white. Beautiful with natural stone and warm landscaping.
Warm UndertoneBest Trim & Accent Colors for Unpainted Brick
If keeping your natural brick, these colors complement beautifully:
For Red Brick Homes
For Brown Brick Homes
Popular Brick Home Color Combinations
Classic Colonial
Brick: Red Brick
Trim: White
Shutters: Black
Door: Red or Black
Modern Farmhouse
Brick: Painted White
Trim: Black
Shutters: None
Door: Natural Wood
Southern Charm
Brick: Red Brick
Trim: Cream
Shutters: Hunter Green
Door: Black
Coastal Fresh
Brick: Painted White
Trim: White
Shutters: Navy
Door: Navy or Teal
Earth Tones
Brick: Brown Brick
Trim: Cream
Shutters: Brown
Door: Sage Green
Modern Drama
Brick: Painted Gray
Trim: White
Shutters: Black
Door: Yellow/Red
Expert Tips for Brick Home Colors
π§ͺ Test on Actual Brick
Colors look different on porous brick. Paint large samples on your actual brick and view in different lighting.
π¨ Consider Undertones
Red brick has pink/orange undertones. Brown brick has yellow/orange. Match paint undertones accordingly.
π Factor in Fixed Elements
Your roof, driveway, and stone elements can't change. Factor these into your color decisions.
π³ Think About Landscaping
Mature trees and plants are essentially fixed. Choose colors that complement your greenery.
Brick Painting Process: What to Expect
If you decide to paint your brick, here's what a professional job includes:
Inspection & Repair
Check mortar joints, cracks, and efflorescence. Repair any damaged areas before painting. Efflorescence must be completely removed.
Power Washing
Deep clean brick to remove dirt, mold, and debris. Allow 24-48 hours to dry completely before priming.
Masonry Primer
Apply premium masonry primer to seal the porous surface and ensure paint adhesion. Don't skip this step!
Paint Application
Apply 2 coats of high-quality exterior masonry paint. Spraying is common for even coverage on textured brick.
β° Timeline & Cost
Professional brick painting typically takes 2-4 days and costs $2-4 per square foot. A 2,000 sq ft home ranges from $4,000-$8,000.
Limewash: A Paintable Alternative
Don't want to commit to paint? Limewash offers a beautiful middle ground:
β Limewash Benefits:
- Allows brick to breathe (no trapped moisture)
- Develops beautiful patina over time
- Can be removed or reapplied
- European old-world aesthetic
- More forgiving application
β Limewash Drawbacks:
- Limited color options (mostly whites/creams)
- Less uniform finish
- May need more frequent reapplication
- Rubbing off possible on high-touch areas
- Not suitable for all brick types
Popular Limewash Products
Romabio Limewash
Most popular choice. Available at Home Depot. Easy to apply, beautiful finish.
Gordura Limewash
Traditional European formula. Thicker application for more coverage.
Portola Paints Roman Clay
Premium designer option. Stunning finish but higher price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Warm whites, creams, sage greens, navy blues, and black complement natural brick beautifully. For painted brick, classic whites like Alabaster or White Dove are most popular.
Only if brick is damaged, mismatched, or you want dramatic change. It's largely irreversible and requires maintenance every 5-10 years.
Benjamin Moore White Dove for soft warmth, Sherwin-Williams Alabaster for creamy tone, or Chantilly Lace for crisp modern white.
Quality painted brick lasts 5-10 years with proper preparation and premium masonry paint.
Expert Brick Home Painting
Carolina Renew Painting & Finishes specializes in painting brick homes throughout Charlotte. Free color consultations included with every estimate!
Get Free Estimate π (980) 408-8122