Brick is a popular building material for homes due to its durability and classic aesthetic. However, over time, the brick may begin to look faded, stained, or outdated. While painting brick may seem like a quick and easy solution, staining with Stayntech® masonry stains is actually a much better option.
Is Painting a Brick Home a Good Idea?
Painting a brick home may seem like a quick and easy way to update its appearance or to cover up damage but it has many downsides. Unlike painting other types of surfaces, painting brick can be difficult to undo once it’s done. Brick is a porous material that can absorb moisture, and painting it can trap moisture inside the masonry, leading to mold, mildew, and other damage. Additionally, paint applied to exterior masonry will chip or flake after just a few years, requiring frequent maintenance including touch-ups.
Staining brick is a favored alternative to painting it. Stayntech® brick stains provide a more natural looking, durable, and longer-lasting finish compared to paint. Staining also allows the natural textures of the brick to shine through, all while enhancing its appearance. Additionally, stained brick can be re-stained a different color in the future if desired.
7 Reasons to Stain Your Brick, Not Paint It
1. Staining preserves the natural look of brick
When evaluating if you should paint or stain your brick home, it goes without saying that brick staining is a superior option. It provides a longer lasting, low-maintenance, and customizable finish that enhances the unique character of brick. Brick staining can give a home a timeless and sophisticated look that can last for decades.
2. Staining allows the brick to breathe
Brick is a porous material, meaning that it is capable of absorbing and releasing moisture. This is why it's essential that masonry is allowed to breathe. When a brick surface is painted, the paint creates a barrier that prevents moisture and air from passing through the brick. Over time, trapped moisture can cause mold and mildew to form on the surface of the brick, which can cause a variety of problems. Staining allows the brick to breathe, meaning moisture and air can pass through the brick, preventing moisture-related issues.
3. Staining is low maintenance
Compared to painted brick, stained brick requires significantly less maintenance, if any, which makes it a more convenient option for homeowners. Additionally, because brick stain lasts longer than paint, homeowners can enjoy a beautiful and well-maintained home without the hassle of frequent touch-ups and maintenance.
4. Staining is more cost-effective than painting
When contemplating whether you should paint or stain your brick home, it's important to consider long-term costs. Painted exterior brick will begin to peel in as little as three to five years, requiring maintenance including repainting the entire home. Stained brick is maintenance-free, is exceptionally durable, and lasts much longer than painted brick, which makes it a more cost-effective option over time.
5. Staining can increase the value of your home
A stained brick exterior not only enhances the curb appeal of a home but can also improve its property value. The extraordinary durability of Stayntech® masonry stains can help a home sell for a higher price than one with a painted exterior. Homebuyers often view brick stain as a high quality coating, which can make a home more desirable and easier to sell. Real estate experts agree that updating a home’s exterior masonry with a new brick stain color can yield up to a 55% return on investment (ROI), depending on your location and the condition of the home.
6. Staining is more environmentally friendly
Staining brick with Stayntech® is a more environmentally friendly option when compared to painting. Paint can contain harmful chemicals and solvents that can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air during the painting process and for a period of time after it has been applied. Staining is a much healthier process that does not involve the use of such chemicals. Stayntech® masonry stains contain fewer VOCs, making them a safer and more environmentally friendly option.
7. Staining can be customized
Masonry staining provides homeowners with a range of customization options that are not available with paint. Unlike paint, Stayntech® masonry stains offer a wide variety of looks that modernize the appearance of brick. Homeowners can choose from a semi-transparent to a more opaque finish as well as apply natural-looking color variations using Stayntech Enhance®.