Painting Exterior Brick Walls – Everything You Need to Know

Q: What is Masonry Paint Used For?

Masonry paint is used for: • Protecting brickwork from water penetration and frost damage • Enhancing your property’s exterior with vibrant, long-lasting colour • Improving insulation and breathability of older walls • Reducing maintenance by preventing mould and algae growth There are two main types: • Water-based (acrylic) – Ideal for most homes and is easy to apply and clean up • Silicone-based – Offers superior water resistance while allowing the brickwork to breathe, perfect for heritage buildings We recommend choosing a breathable masonry paint to prevent moisture from becoming trapped inside walls, especially in older UK homes.

If you’re considering painting exterior brick walls to enhance your home’s kerb appeal or modernise its look, you’re not alone. This trend has gained popularity across the UK, offering homeowners a way to refresh their property. But before you get started, it’s crucial to understand the right techniques, products, and preparations involved.

In this guide, we’ll look at the considerations to take into account, explore the best exterior paint for brick walls, how to remove paint from brick exterior walls and walk you through how to paint exterior brick wall surfaces the right way.

Can You Paint Brick?

Yes, you can paint brick! In fact, painting exterior brick walls can give older properties a new lease of life or unify mismatched extensions. However, whether you should paint brick is a slightly different question.

Painting brickwork is a long-term decision. Once the exterior brick is painted, removing the paint can be time-consuming and potentially costly. You’ll also need to ensure that your bricks are in good condition and that exterior refurbishment works aren’t required before painting. Crumbling mortar, damp patches or flaking previous paintwork can all impact results and will determine whether painting is the right choice for you.

Signs that your house exterior needs repainting include faded paint, chalking and water damage. A full external inspection should be completed to understand the bricks current condition and what works are required. With the right preparation, products and know-how, painting your exterior brickwork can be a stylish way of upgrading your property whilst protecting it at the same time.

What is Masonry Paint?

Masonry paint is a specialist coating designed specifically for exterior surfaces like brick, concrete, render, and stone. Unlike standard emulsions, it’s formulated to handle the extreme weather conditions we’re faced with in the UK, from wind-driven rain to intense sun.

What is Masonry Paint Used For?

Masonry paint is used for:

Protecting brickwork from water penetration and frost damage
Enhancing your property’s exterior with vibrant, long-lasting colour
Improving insulation and breathability of older walls
Reducing maintenance by preventing mould and algae growth

There are two main types:

Water-based (acrylic) – Ideal for most homes and is easy to apply and clean up
Silicone-based – Offers superior water resistance while allowing the brickwork to breathe, perfect for heritage buildings

We recommend choosing a breathable masonry paint to prevent moisture from becoming trapped inside walls, especially in older UK homes.

What is the Best Paint for Exterior Brick Walls?

When selecting the best paint for exterior brick, it’s vital to pick a product designed for longevity and resistance to the UK climate. Look for features like UV resistance, dirt-repellence, and microporosity (breathability).

Some of the top-rated products in the UK include:

Dulux Weathershield Masonry Paint – Guarantee of 15 years of protection offering a smooth, even finish.
Sandtex Ultra Smooth Masonry Paint – Trusted brand with great weatherproofing credentials.
Zinsser AllWeather Exterior Paint – Excellent for previously painted or chalky surfaces.

Each product is suitable for different brick types and finishes, so it’s worth consulting with a professional exterior painting and decorating company, such as Marshels, to identify the best exterior paint for brick walls in your specific case.

Exterior Brick and Paint Colour Combinations

Choosing the right colour is one of the most enjoyable and important parts of painting your brickwork. Well-chosen shades can boost property value and kerb appeal, especially when paired with good landscaping and the correct trim.

Popular Painted Brick Colours

Popular exterior brick paint colours in the UK currently include:

Pebble Grey – Soft and neutral, perfect for suburban homes
Off-White – A crisp, clean look that suits both traditional and contemporary properties
Olive or Sage – Earthy and harmonious, ideal for countryside properties amongst nature

Consider your home’s surroundings, and the colour of your property’s exterior trim. If you’re painting your exterior windowsills and frames at the same time, ensure you pick a colour a colour that pairs well and won’t clash with the brickwork. The same applies if you are painting your front door or you’re looking to match your brick paint with the existing colour of your property’s trim.

painting exterior brick walls in white pebble dash

How to Paint Exterior Brick Wall: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re tackling this as a DIY project, understanding how to paint exterior brick wall surfaces properly is crucial to avoid costly mistakes.

1. Check and Repair Brickwork

Inspect for loose bricks, crumbling mortar or damp. Repoint if needed and let fresh mortar cure fully.

2. Clean the Surface

Use a stiff-bristle brush or pressure washer to remove dirt, moss and flaking paint. For mildew or algae, use a fungicidal wash.

3. Let the Brick Dry

Brick is porous so you’ll want a minimum of 24-48 hours of dry weather before and after painting to ensure moisture doesn’t get trapped.

4. Apply a Masonry Primer

Priming is essential for adhesion and long-lasting results, especially on previously painted or powdery brick.

5. Use High-Quality Masonry Paint

Apply with a roller or masonry brush. Two coats are recommended. Choose a dry, mild day, ideally between 10°C and 20°C with no rain forecast.

Summary

Painting exterior brick walls can completely transform your property, but only when done with care, expertise, and the right materials. Whilst this can be carried out as a DIY task, for a flawless finish, consider hiring an experienced professional that specialises in painting exterior brick walls.

If you’re looking for a professional exterior painter and decorator or advice on your project, at Marshels, we provide:

Decades of experience in painting brick walls exterior for residential and commercial buildings
Expert advice on colour combinations and masonry coatings
Surface preparation, repair, and professional application
Services across Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire and South West London

FAQs

How to strip paint from brick exterior?

Removing paint from brick can involve chemical paint removers, soda blasting, or steam systems. It’s a specialist task, especially for heritage buildings, and should be carried out by professionals to avoid damaging the surface.

How long does masonry paint take to dry?

Most masonry paint becomes touch dry within 2–6 hours, but full curing can take up to 48 hours depending on weather conditions. Always check the product label for exact times.