Painting exterior brick homes isn’t just about freshening up the look. It’s also about adding protection, character, and long-term value, especially in a place like Vero Beach, FL, where salty air, humidity, and heat can wear down brick faster than you’d think.
If you’re sitting there wondering if this is the right move for your home, you’re not alone. Whether you’re tired of the outdated brick color, you’re prepping for a sale, or you’re just ready for something that feels more you, painting brick might be the thing that finally makes your house feel like home.
Now, let’s make sure it’s done right.
Key Takeaways:
- Prepping brick the right way helps paint stick and last longer
- Use masonry-specific primer to handle Vero Beach’s heat and moisture
- Lighter paint colors reflect sunlight and brighten up brick homes
- A second coat gives better coverage and boosts protection
- Painted brick can last 7–10 years with basic yearly maintenance
Why Homeowners Choose Painting Exterior Brick Homes
Brick is durable, but it’s not invincible. Coastal homes face moisture, sun, rain, and mold issues year-round. Painting can act like a shield and help:
- Block moisture from penetrating the masonry
- Cover up stains and aging mortar
- Brighten darker areas like your basement exterior or fireplace façade
- Modernize tired brick colors for house exterior
- Improve curb appeal and resale value instantly
Painting the exterior doesn’t just protect—it completely transforms the feel of your space. Plus, with so many exterior paint colors for brick homes, you can go bold or subtle and still make it look intentional.
Before Anything Else: Clean It Like You Mean It
If you paint over dirt or mildew, it’s going to trap all that mess underneath—and the paint won’t stick properly. We’re not talking about a quick hose-off here.
Here’s what works:
- Use a pressure washer on a low setting if your brick isn’t crumbling
- Scrub problem spots with a wire brush, warm water, and a mild cleaning solution
- Let the wall dry for at least 24 hours to keep trapped moisture out
- Painting on wet brick? That’s a fast way to waste good paint for exterior brick.
Also, if you’re dealing with years of exposure to sun and salt, check out weather mistakes when painting the exterior. You’d be surprised how much heat and rain affect prep.
Time for Repairs: Don’t Skip This Step
This is where most people get a little impatient. If your mortar joints are cracking or the brickwork is chipped, that damage will still show through the coat of paint.
You’ll want to:
- Patch cracks in the mortar with acrylic caulk or fresh mortar mix
- Replace any loose bricks for house exterior
- Sand smooth if there’s any loose or flaking old paint
This part might take a weekend, but skipping it will mean redoing the job much sooner.
Choosing the Right Primer and Paint
Painting exterior brick homes isn’t like painting drywall. Brick is porous. That means you need something that will soak in and stick without suffocating the brick exterior.
Use a masonry primer made specifically for concrete block, stucco, or brick. It helps the latex or acrylic paint stick better and last longer.
When it comes to the actual paint:
- Go with exterior latex paint (it breathes and flexes with the weather)
- Choose a color that matches your style and the Florida sun
- Stay away from oil-based paint—it seals in moisture and doesn’t do well on brick
Not sure what paint sheen to pick? If you’re trying to mask imperfections, flatter finishes like matte or satin help. Glossy paints tend to highlight every mortar joint and bump.
The Application Process: Brush, Roller, or Sprayer?
Let’s keep it real—painting brick homes takes patience. Even with the best sprayer, you’ll still need a brush to get into every little crevice.
Here’s what usually works best:
- Use a brush to cut in edges and work the primer deep into the brick
- A roller helps cover larger areas but may miss textured spots
- A sprayer is fast but requires excellent masking and control (plus a wind-free day in Vero Beach)
Apply two coats of paint for the best coverage. Let the first coat dry completely before starting the second. Read more about the painting method best for the exterior here.
Hot tip: Don’t rush this if the weather is bad. Florida’s rain and humidity can mess with drying times. If the paint stays tacky too long, it may not cure correctly.
Style Talk: Color Trends for Brick Homes in Vero Beach
Homeowners in Vero Beach are leaning toward lighter, more natural-looking palettes that feel clean and coastal. Popular choices include:
- White brick for house exterior (classic and goes with everything)
- Greige and light taupe brick colors for house exterior
- Slate blue or charcoal for those who want contrast
Want to go bold? Try pairing red brick with modern front door colors for brick homes like matte black, olive green, or muted navy. Just keep in mind how it works with your roof, shutters, and landscape.
You’ll also want to consider how the color looks in both harsh sun and cloudy days, which change fast near the Florida coast.
Maintenance and What to Expect Long-Term
Painted brick exteriors will need touch-ups eventually. You’re not off the hook forever, but a well-done paint job can last 7 to 10 years.
To make it last:
- Wash the wall gently once or twice a year
- Re-caulk where needed to keep moisture out
- Watch for peeling near areas that get more rain exposure (like under the roof overhang)
Wondering if your current paint job is ready for a refresh? Here’s how to spot the signs to repaint your house exterior.
Don’t Paint Your Brick Just to Regret It
Not every brick needs to be painted, but painting exterior brick homes can solve a lot of aesthetic and functional problems. If your brick façade feels dark, stained, or just doesn’t reflect your taste anymore, you’re not stuck with it.
If you love the natural look, you could also explore whitewash, which still shows off the brickwork but softens the tone. It’s less maintenance and still gives that updated feel.
Looking for something environmentally friendly? Some low-VOC paints are safe for your home and the planet, especially helpful if you’re also painting around areas like the basement, fireplace, or high-traffic walls inside.
Ready to Refresh Your Brick Exterior? Here’s How We Help!
Painting exterior brick homes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right prep, paint, and process, it can totally change the feel of your home without needing a full renovation.
Our team of exterior painters in Vero Beach, FL helps homeowners through every step—from picking the right color to the final walkthrough. Whether you’re upgrading faded brickwork, covering old stains, or just ready for a change, we’ll help make sure the finished look lasts.
Here’s our proven painting process:
- Pressure wash and clean the brick surface properly
- Repair damaged mortar joints and patch cracks
- Prime with masonry-specific primer for long-term adhesion
- Apply two full coats of high-quality latex exterior paint
- Final quality check and cleanup before we call it done
Home Perspective Painting & Staining proudly serves Lake Worth, Delray Beach, Space Coast, FL and the surrounding areas. Call us at 772-261-9133 for a FREE estimate today.
