8 Ways To Update Your Brick Without Painting It White

At one point in home renovation history, painting brick was all the rage. Thankfully, that fad has passed and we can enjoy the beauty of brick in all its natural glory. That said, plain old red brick can start to feel a little boring after a while. If you're looking for ways to update it without painting house brick walls, fireplaces, and more, here are eight ideas to get you started.

Pros and cons of painting your brick house

If you want to paint your brick house (or any brick structure, for that matter), there are pros and cons to consider. White painted brick might sound as a good option, but a paint job can be difficult to undo later if you reconsider, unless painted properly.

Pros of painted brick

House exterior paint can give a modern look to your home.
Painting can also protect a home's brick exterior from rain and other seasonal weather changes.
The paint job will be less costly than a complete remodel.

Cons of painted brick

Natural brick can be hard to paint, so you may not get the look you want.
Paint can peel and chip over time, especially in regions with extreme weather.
It can also be difficult and expensive to remove paint from brick
Wrong paint colors can make your brick look outdated.
The brick surface can become damaged, leading to costly repairs.

Refresh your brick home appliances

Paint brick can sometimes make appliances and other fixtures look dated or dingy. However, painting exterior brick (or other brick surfaces) isn't the only way to give them a fresh look. When you paint a brick appliance, it feels more modern. But what if you don’t want to paint the brick? Whether you have a brick exterior home, your brick is unpainted, or a brick façade, you can still update these with the following options.

Brick Stain

If you want to change the color of your brick without painting it, staining is an option. Brick stain penetrates the pores of the brick and changes the color from the inside out. This means that any imperfections in the surface of the brick will still be visible after staining. Brick stain is also a semi-permanent solution, so if you decide you don't like the new color, it will be difficult to go back to the original. However, if you're looking for a way to give your space an updated look, stain is a good option.

Mortar Wash

Mortar wash is another way to change the color of your brick without painting it. Unlike stain, mortar wash sits on top of the brick and won't penetrate into the pores. This means that any imperfections on the surface of the brick will be hidden after applying mortar wash. Mortar wash is also a temporary solution, so it's easy to go back to the original color if you decide you don't like the new look. However, reapplying mortar wash can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Repair or replace brick

Usually, brick requires very little maintenance. However, if your brick is cracked or damaged, it may need to be replaced. This can be a costly and labor-intensive process but will ensure that your brick looks its best. This can be a great way to give your brick a totally new look.

Brick Paint

Yes, we know we said we wouldn't get painted brick this time...but sometimes exceptions must be made. If your bricks are in bad shape or if you really want to change the color of your space, painting may be your only option. Luckily, there are now masonry paints that are specifically designed for bricks and won't chip or peel like regular paint would. So if you do decide to go this route, make sure you use a masonry paint to achieve optimal results.

Pressure wash

Also called pressure washing, it is a great way to give your brick an instant facelift. This process literally blasts away dirt and grime from the surface of the brick, leaving it looking like new. However, make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions when pressure washing brick to avoid damaging the surface. Unpainted brick is best suited for this method because it doesn't require the use of harsh chemicals. Every brick home needs a good cleaning every few years, and pressure washing is an easy way to do it.

Try lime wash

This is a great way to update the look of your brick without completely changing its color. It is a mixture of lime, water, and pigment that can be applied directly to the bare brick and will give it a whitewashed look. Lime wash is also more subtle than painting and is easier to remove if you don't like the look.

Add Texture

If your brick is looking a bit dull, consider adding texture to it. You can do this with stencils, sandblasting, or even stamping. Each of these processes will add a unique and interesting texture to your brick that can instantly liven up any space. You can combine texture and paint your brick in one fell swoop, or you can just stick to adding texture. Either way, your brick will be looking fabulous in no time.

Update brick facade

Painted brick homes can be quickly and easily updated with a fresh coat of paint. But even if you're not ready to go full-onaçade, you can still update these design elements with other materials like lamps, window treatments, plantings, and more. The options are truly endless!

Bonus: Add landscaping

Adding some landscaping around brick exteriors can help to create an inviting atmosphere and hide any imperfections in the brick. Planting flowers, shrubs or trees can all be used to frame and draw attention away from your brick. Plus, this is a great way to give your home extra curb appeal! From painted exterior brick to brick staining and texture, the options are endless when it comes to updating your brick facade. With a few simple changes, you can give your home a fresh look and create an inviting space for you and your family.

Remember you can do a combination of the above to really create a unique and beautiful look for your existing brick. Take the time to research all of the options available and use these tips to give your brick a much-needed makeover!

We hope this article has inspired you with some creative ways to update your space without resorting to bland white paint! Color can completely transform a room, so don't be afraid to experiment until you find something you love.

Conclusion

Thankfully, there are a few simple ways you can update the look of your home's exterior brick without painting it white. By adding a fresh coat of paint in a trendy new color, power washing your brick to remove any dirt or grime, or even just giving it a good ol' fashioned scrub down, you can easily breathe new life into your home's exterior.

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