THINK YOU CAN'T CHANGE YOUR BRICK OR STONE? YOU CAN.

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Generally, the definition of whitewash is to apply a diluted paint solution to a brick surface. If you whitewash your brick house, it provides a similar effect to mortar washing or limewashing; however, no mortar is involved in this technique. You can even whitewash wood or stone, as well. This look is excellent for interior and exterior applications.

The difference between painting brick and whitewashing is that whitewashing allows some of your brick's natural color and texture to show through. It is more of a translucent, thin film or glaze than the paint's opaque and smooth look. Whitewashing implies that you must use white. You can use other colors for a different result. 

Whitewashing brick involves using latex paint that is thinned with water (half and half, or whatever consistency you prefer) and then brushed or rolled over the brick surface. Apply until you get the level of coverage you desire. You may want to use an old rag to wipe away any excess paint. Sometimes, this may take a few coats of your whitewash paint.

• Whitewashed brick, although relatively permanent, is easier to remove than mortar wash or limewash. It can potentially be power washed away, sandblasted off, or chemically stripped. But if you do want to remove it, leave that to the professionals to avoid damaging your valuable brick.
• Whitewashed brick looks more uniform with less chunky, rough texture than some other brick washing techniques.
• You can pick from a wide range of color options. It doesn’t have to be white!
• Whitewash often lasts longer than paint.

• You will most likely want to touch up the whitewash after many years or do some maintenance because it is not as permanent as mortar wash or limewash.
• If you don’t choose breathable paint, you can have moisture problems.

Whitewash can last for many years, even up to twenty or so, especially if you like the look of the aging process. If you want to freshen up your whitewash at some point, applying another coat or two later is easy.

Limewash soaks into porous surfaces, like brick and stone, maintaining the original texture. Since it soaks in, limewash is a durable solution. Limewash is durable, has a high UV resistance, won’t chip or peel if applied correctly, and is safe on porous brick and other masonry surfaces. 

Limewash and German smear use a similar technique but different materials. Limewash is ground limestone and water. German Smear involves wet mortar. 

Like a German schmear, you paint on the brick limewash paste over your (wet) brick wall surface with a masonry brush.

Then after 30-45 minutes, use a hose or wet sponge to remove some of the limewash so that the brick or stone shows through. 

Ideally, apply it on an overcast day to prevent it from drying faster than you would like. For best results, bring in the pros.

• It is chalky and breathable, which means moisture doesn’t get trapped inside your brick the way it can with certain types of paint (Although, if you choose the right paint for brick, that shouldn’t be an issue)
• Limewash on a brick house is a natural fungicide, preventing mold and mildew issues. It is quite water-resistant
• Covering the brick with limewash helps to protect the brick from weathering and damage. It sinks deeply into the porous surface of the brick, bonding firmly to it
• Lime mortar, unlike some other options, can be removed within 48 hours after application in most cases
• Limewash is extremely low maintenance. Many people even prefer the look as it ages over time
• It has a beautiful matte finish that is light and airy. It has a softer look than mortar wash
• Lime “paint” for brick is available in different tints and colors.
• Limewash is often much less expensive than paint
• Limewash, like mortar wash, can last much longer than whitewash or paint
• It is an environmentally friendly choice

• Within a couple of days, limewash becomes very permanent.
• This substance, once dried, can be a bit chalky and powdery to the touch
• If you feel that the look becomes too faded over many years, you may decide to reapply a new coat of limewash

The amount of time limewash will last depends on your type of brick, the weather and climate, how thick your initial application was, and what aesthetic you prefer. On an interior application, a limewash brick fireplace, for example, can last almost indefinitely without weathering.

The limewash calcifies to your brick walls, then goes through an aging process called “patina” over time.

Limewash can last for many years, possibly even decades, particularly if you enjoy the look of it as it ages, which many people do.

Brick staining doesn’t cover the texture of your brick at all. It’s almost like changing the color of your brick to be something new on the surface. The mortar can remain the same color as before, or you can stain the mortar too. With a significant wow-factor result, it's relatively easy and affordable. 

If the home lacks architectural interest or was built with inexpensive and or what they consider ugly bricks, it's a reno-free refresh that is relatively easy and affordable. For example, some people choose t stain individual bricks for a staggered, random addition of a different color. 

Whitewash uses diluted latex paint to change the surface color of the brick. 

Stains are available in many formulas. 

Check out this great resource for staining brick:

https://nawkaw.com/your-guide-to-brick-stain-products

• Brick staining can also help protect the bricks from dirt, grime, and other substances leading to deterioration over time.
• It is considered to be permanent.
• Some stains are warranted not to bubble, chip, or flake due to moisture for 15 years. 
• Stain is affordable over time because there is no maintenance involved.

• Stain can be almost impossible to reverse, so it is a relatively permanent decision.
• You can still apply another stain later or paint the brick, but you may not be able to remove the color once it is used.
• The brick has to be very clean for the stain to absorb properly during application.

Depending on your climate, weather conditions, and the type of brick you have, it can last two decades or even longer.

Paint is the magic eraser of the design world. Painted brick is having a significant moment, rightfully so, and we don't see that changing anytime soon. Not everyone loves the color of brick; older brick colors can date a house and deteriorate over time. It can give you a new look and a great return on your investment. It's a reno-free update with instant impact results that are relatively quick and affordable. Painting creates a more uniform, smoother effect than other brick finishing techniques. 

However, if you decide to paint your brick, we recommend investing in the highest quality, breathable paint for masonry surfaces. Most types of paint are not vapored permeable, which means they trap moisture within the brick wall.  Keep in mind that, over time, the color may require a bit more maintenance than some of the other brick-washing options. 

Every building material decision comes with its pros and cons. Painted brick is no different. When thinking about whether to paint brick, it’s good to have a handle on the advantages and disadvantages that come with painted brick vs. bare brick.

There are quite a few benefits to painting a brick home. Here are a few top reasons you should paint your brick home.

• Huge visual impact — Painting brick gives your house a new look and can add to your home’s value by upping your curb appeal. It sets it apart from your neighbors’ homes and looks unique with a more uniform effect than unpainted brick. Painted brick, done well, looks very sophisticated and modern.
• Weather protection — Painted brick (using the right paint, preparation, and technique) can be better protected from water damage, fading, and the elements than unpainted brick.
• Easier to clean — With a smooth painted surface, rather than so many nooks and crannies of unpainted brick, it’s much easier to keep your home clean and beautiful. When the pine pollen coats everything in yellow, there is no problem. It’s easy to wash away in a snap.
• You’re not stuck with one color — Change the entire appearance of your home when you repaint by opting for a new color. If you prefer variety, this option may be very appealing.
• Creative opportunities — Most people who paint their brick homes use one color for all brick areas. But with paint, you have much more flexibility to make your style statement. Use two contrasting but complementary colors to highlight certain architectural elements

There are some downsides to painting a brick house. It's a good idea to consider them before you dive in.

• More maintenance may be required — Paint can sometimes need touching up. Using the highest quality paint can help significantly reduce the frequency of maintenance.
• More frequent power washing — Especially with lighter colors, paint allows dirt, mildew, and pine pollen to appear more noticeably. But the good news is that power washing is much faster with a smoother painted surface than with unpainted brick.
• Paint is relatively permanent — Once you paint the entire home, it is hard to return. You can repaint with a different color. Brick is a very porous material, making it nearly impossible to remove the paint completely without potentially damaging the brick and mortar.
• Moisture could be a problem if you use the wrong paint — Natural brick can “breathe.” Painted brick can trap moisture inside if there is a problem beneath the surface of the walls and water is trapped from the inside. Using “breathable” paint can help to overcome this concern.

Professional painters generally charge about $2.00-3.30+ per square foot for labor. There is the cost of labor for prep work, such as any repairs that need to be made before starting, as well as removal or covering of items you don't want to be painted, i.e., electrical fixtures, lawn furniture, etc. A key to having more extended durability with your paint is proper preparation of the brick surface. You never want to paint chipped, cracked, or poorly painted brick with putty cracks, holes, and sand if needed. All surfaces must be cleaned/power washed, so you start with a clean canvas. Paintable caulk is a professional painter's best friend. The brick should be completely dry before being primed for painting.  

Usually, one gallon of paint covers up to about 400 square feet for one coat. For a 2500 square foot house, the average cost to paint a brick home is about $7000 - according to homeadvisor.com. But it can go up to over $10,000, mainly if you use top-of-the-line products. Prices can vary depending on which type of paint you buy, how complicated the job is, the size of your home, and labor pricing fluctuations in your area. 

If you use high-quality paint suited to your climate, your paint job could last more than a decade. Talk with your paint store representative about choosing a paint product and color that lasts longer if you’d like to skip frequent maintenance. 

Know what you're paying for; when you pay for quality, you only cry once.

We have a plan for that too. Reach out to your HOA manager for a private link to see our many HOA pre-approved color palettes for the easiest and quickest way to realize your dream home.