Painting exterior brick homes in Fairfield, CT isn’t just about switching up the color. It’s about breathing new life into a tired façade, protecting your brickwork from the elements, and giving your house a curb appeal boost that actually lasts. If your home’s brick exterior feels a little too faded, too dark, or too outdated, paint might just be the reset button it needs.
And hey, if you’re like most homeowners in Fairfield County, you’ve probably wondered if painting brick is even a good idea. Maybe the word “permanent” has you hesitating. Maybe you’ve heard myths about peeling or moisture problems. Truth is, when done right, painting brick can last for years and help solve issues like staining, discoloration, or uneven brick colors.
Whether you’re planning to sell or just want your home to feel a little more you, a fresh coat of paint can go a long way. Let’s break it all down so you know exactly what to expect, what to avoid, and how professional exterior painters in Fairfield, CT handle the process.
Key Takeaways:
- Painting brick adds long-lasting curb appeal and protects against moisture, UV, and weather damage.
- Prepping the brick surface (cleaning, repairs, drying) is critical for proper paint adhesion.
- Masonry primer is a must for sealing porous brick before applying exterior paint.
- Breathable latex paint helps prevent peeling and mildew buildup on brick exteriors.
- Hiring exterior painters saves time and avoids common DIY mistakes.
What Makes Painting Brick Different From Painting Other Exteriors?
Unlike wood or vinyl siding, brick is a porous building material. That means it absorbs water, dust, and sometimes even leftover grime from that rainy season we all love so much here in Fairfield. Because of this, painting exterior brick homes takes more prep work and a different strategy than a standard exterior paint job.
The brick itself, the mortar joints, and the brickwork’s texture all need to be cleaned, patched, and primed properly. Moisture control is everything. Skipping those steps is one of the most common causes of peeling paint or mildew buildup.
There’s also the fact that not all paints are up for the job. You’ll need something breathable and durable, like a high-quality latex or mineral-based paint, that won’t trap moisture and lead to long-term problems.
Want to learn which paint holds up best outdoors? You might like this breakdown on different paint types.
Do You Really Need Primer for Brick?
Short answer? Yes.
Brick absorbs paint like a sponge, and that can leave you with patchy or uneven color without a good primer. A masonry-specific primer acts like a sealer, helping paint stick better while reducing how much product gets soaked up by the surface.
It also blocks out moisture and stains, especially if your brick has been exposed to the elements for years. Primer is particularly helpful for homes near the coast or in areas like Westport and Weston, where wind and rain are frequent players.
Think of primer as the base coat that sets the tone. It gives your exterior paint color for brick homes a cleaner, more uniform look while helping it last longer.
Best Paints for Exterior Brick Homes
When you’re painting brick, not just any paint will do. Here’s what we look for when choosing paint for exterior brick:
- Breathability: You want the brick to “exhale” moisture instead of trapping it
- UV resistance: Especially important if your brick façade gets direct sunlight
- Mildew and mold resistance: A big plus in areas with humidity or rainfall
- Flexibility: To deal with expansion and contraction from heat or cold
Latex paint is often a favorite for painting exterior brick homes because of its durability and water resistance. Some homeowners opt for whitewash if they prefer a softer, more natural look that lets the texture of the brickwork show through.
Have a basement or chimney involved? These surfaces often require extra moisture protection. You might even need a waterproofing coat before painting depending on how much exposure they get.
Common Mistakes to Avoid (Especially in Fairfield’s Weather)
Painting exterior brick homes isn’t rocket science, but there are a few missteps that can ruin a good project. We’ve seen it all, and here are the ones worth avoiding:
- Skipping surface prep: Dirt, moss, or loose mortar can ruin adhesion
- Painting over wet brick: Traps moisture inside and leads to peeling or bubbling
- Using non-breathable paint: This can lock in water and damage the brick over time
- Ignoring the weather forecast: New England rain can hit out of nowhere
Want to avoid some of the seasonal traps we see in Fairfield? Take a look at our blog on weather mistakes when painting exterior.
How to Prep Brick Before Painting
Prepping is half the job. If your brick exterior has been exposed to years of moisture, mold, or general wear and tear, here’s what needs to happen before a paintbrush ever touches the surface:
- Pressure washing the brick to remove dirt and debris
- Inspecting and repairing mortar joints with patching compounds
- Scraping off old paint, stains, or efflorescence
- Drying the surface thoroughly (this can take a day or two depending on humidity)
- Priming with the right product made for brick, stone, or concrete
A clean surface is everything. Moisture is your biggest enemy here, especially on concrete block walls, basements, or around the fireplace where humidity tends to linger.
Choosing the Right Color for Your Brick Home
You don’t have to go all white. While white brick for house exteriors is a timeless choice, paint color trends in Fairfield range from soft neutrals to rich, warm tones that complement natural elements like wood shutters or a dark roof.
Here are a few combos homeowners love:
- House paint colors with red brick like creamy beige or charcoal gray
- Front door colors for brick homes like navy blue, sage green, or even black
- Exterior paint colors for brick homes with lighter stucco accents or wood trim
Selecting a color that complements the rest of your property, including your masonry, concrete, or stucco details, can tie everything together beautifully.
Should You DIY or Hire Exterior Painters in Fairfield, CT?
We get it. Painting can be tempting to take on yourself, especially if you’ve got the sprayer, the ladder, and a weekend to kill. But painting exterior brick homes isn’t quite like painting your bathroom.
You’ll need the right prep work, tools, and weather window to make it last. Plus, professional painters can often spot issues with moisture, stain damage, or mortar cracks that could cause problems later.
Still not sure? Check out our post on signs to repaint your house exterior. If anything on that list sounds familiar, it might be time to call in a pro.
Final Thoughts on Painting Exterior Brick Homes in Fairfield, CT
There’s a lot more to painting exterior brick homes than picking a color and calling it a day. From protecting against rain and moisture, to picking the right primer, to navigating Fairfield’s unpredictable weather, you want to get it done right the first time.
With the right paint, prep, and pros, your brick home can go from tired to standout. A new look, better protection, and longer-lasting curb appeal? Worth every drop of paint.
Here’s How We Can Help You Refresh Your Brick Exterior
When you work with GreenHaus Painting, you get a thorough process built around experience, quality materials, and smart prep work. Here’s how we make it easy:
- We pressure wash and prep your brick, stucco, or concrete surfaces the right way
- We fix mortar joints and cracks before applying anything
- We apply high-quality, breathable primer and paint for maximum durability
- We help you pick colors that match your roof, trim, and surrounding features
- We paint with precision, whether it’s brush, roller, or sprayer application
Call us at 203-429-4424 for a FREE estimate. Let’s give your brick exterior the care it deserves!
