Are you tired of the worn appearance of your home caused by bricks that have lost their original vibrancy and luster? Brick homes in Williamsburg, Norfolk, and throughout the Hampton Roads area are known for their classic charm and curb appeal. Learning how to update your brick exterior without paint can bring back your home’s classic look and curb appeal.
At Batchelder & Collins, we work diligently with brick house homeowners and contractors to provide high-quality materials and cost-effective solutions. Rather than slapping on a coat of paint that you could end up regretting later, we encourage community members to consider smart, stylish, DIY, and professional possibilities. We hope the following information helps you make an informed decision regarding your brick home’s exterior.
Should You Paint Your Brick House?
The decision to paint your brick house requires thoughtful consideration. While painted brick can give the facade a new look, it can also result in a number of issues that end up giving homeowners headaches and costing them money. We recommend weighing the pros and cons of painting over red brick.
Pros and Cons of Painting Your Brick House
Homeowners should consider the long-term implications of painting a brick exterior thoroughly before taking action. One of the primary reasons this type of extensive exterior change makes a significant difference is that outdoor paint is typically a permanent solution. Here are a few more points to consider when updating old brick.
Pros of Painting Your Brick House
Painting your brick exterior can offer a few visual and practical benefits, such as:
- Creating a smooth, updated look that hides worn or faded brick.
- Enhancing curb appeal, especially if you plan to sell your home.
- Keeping the shape and character of the original brick pattern.
Cons of Painting Your Brick House
But before you commit, it’s important to think through some potential drawbacks, including:
- More maintenance over time, such as repainting and touch-ups.
- Permanent changes to the original brick surface and texture.
- Possible moisture buildup due to reduced breathability in the brick.
How Can You Update Your Brick Exterior Without Painting?
Homeowners who decide to revitalize the existing brick have a wide variety of solutions available. Some DIY options prove time-consuming but minimize the cost. If the project is more complicated, it might be worth hiring a contractor in the Williamsburg or Norfolk area.
Keeping your original brick gives you the option to paint later if you change your mind. There are several ways to update your home’s exterior without relying on paint.
Power Washing and Grout Cleaning
Handy DIY property owners can rent a power washing unit or hire a professional to remove grime from their property. An annual pressure washing treatment restores aesthetically pleasing grout lines and refreshes the home’s exterior. Even if you decide to go another route, a thorough cleaning is essential.
Brick Staining for a Custom Color
You can apply mineral-based pigments right onto your brick for a fresh look. Much like staining wood, high-quality brick stains can make the house exterior look brand new. The right product can last for decades.
Whitewash, Limewash, or German Smear
Three types of finishes can alter the look of your brick in different ways. These are key differences to consider regarding whitewash, limewash, and German smear.
- Whitewash: This product is essentially a thin, water-based paint that can be wiped away easily while still wet, creating a distressed look.
- Limewash: Limewash is a mixture of calcium hydroxide and water, which can be tinted. When applied, the excess can be wiped away to achieve a soft, matte finish.
- German smear: This method involves spreading wet mortar over existing bricks. The excess mortar is wiped off before it sets, leaving parts of the brick exposed for a textured look.
Sandblasting
When brick surfaces are caked with grit, grime, soot, and old exterior paint, sandblasting can effectively clean them. A DIY sandblasting project can bring back the brick’s original color and classic charm.
Stucco or Render
Like paint, stucco, and other rendering solutions completely cover exterior facades. They change the complexion of the home while adding a layer of insulation.
Veneer or Cladding
Adding veneer or cladding can significantly boost the curb appeal of a brick home. High-quality siding products are nearly indistinguishable from original brick and wood materials.
Repair or Replace Brick
Depending on the age and condition of the brickwork and mortar, repairs and replacements may prove to be the best option. A mason can remove loose and cracked mortar through a process known as repointing. Failing old bricks can also be replaced if you can acquire matching products. Repairing mortar and replacing bricks preserves both the appearance and the structural function of the exterior walls.
Add Landscaping Elements
If your goal is to improve the home’s curb appeal and the brickwork has not fallen into disrepair, landscaping might be just what you need. By adding flowering plants, shrubs, lighting, and hardscapes, you can change the overall exterior appearance.
Rather than a passerby noticing slightly old bricks, they’ll be impressed with the homeowner’s taste and style. Low-cost landscaping upgrades are generally less time-consuming than a comprehensive brick wall makeover.
Add or Update Shutters, Trim, and Doors
The cost of a complete paint job can be prohibitive for working families in the Williamsburg, Norfolk, and Hampton Roads areas. Even if you have the funds in your home improvement budget, there are other, less expensive options available to improve the look of your brick home. Consider adding or updating these elements:
- Shutters: Many wood and composite shutters look brand new when properly sanded, primed, and painted. Replacing them has proven to be a more cost-effective and less time-consuming solution.
- Gutters and trim: Refreshing the gutters and trim with a new paint job accentuates the home’s exterior. You can also change the paint colors and design by adding new ones.
- Front door: A new or restored front door marks a major exterior design change. Today’s energy-efficient main entrance doors come in rich colors, textures, and mirror natural wood. Many also feature enhanced security systems.
The paint colors and new products you select change the home’s exterior dynamic. While some gravitate toward vibrant colors and subtle hues, traditional white paint never goes out of style.
Why Our Customers Choose Batchelder & Collins
At Batchelder & Collins, we work closely with homeowners, contractors, and commercial building owners to provide high-quality materials and products. We offer a variety of standard brick products, brick veneers, and hardscape materials. We appreciate the kind words our customers have shared about their experience with us.
Testimonials
“What an amazing place. I brought in a brick that was from my 10yr old house… they matched it pretty well. They have 2 yards full of brick and stone.” — Jacqueline K.
“Visited to buy tools for my son’s new job as a mason apprentice… Great staff, very helpful. Thank you.” — Victoria L.
“Very helpful staff. Helped me in deciding how many and of which bricks to get. Very quick in and out process they have set up.” — Victor P.
Give Your Brick Home a New Look Without Using Paint
At Batchelder & Collins, we have everything homeowners and contractors need to revitalize brick surfaces without resorting to paint. We also offer a diverse inventory of high-quality brick stains, treatments, veneers, and hardscape materials. Contact our team today at 757-625-2506 or complete our online contact form. Let’s get the process started.
