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 However, over time, the brick may begin to look faded, stained, or outdated. Many homeowners may consider painting their brick homes to give them a fresh new look. While painting may seem like a quick and easy solution, staining is actually a much better option.
In this blog, we will discuss eight (8) reasons why staining is better than painting a brick house.
Is Painting a Brick House a Good Idea?
The answer is no, never.
While painting a brick house may seem like a good way to update its appearance or cover up damage, it has some 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, leading to mold, mildew, and other damage. Additionally, paint can peel and flake over time, requiring frequent maintenance and touch-ups.
On the other hand, staining brick is a popular alternative to painting. Staining brick can provide a more natural, durable, and long-lasting finish. Staining allows the natural texture and color of the brick to shine through while enhancing its appearance, and it can last for up to 25 years or more with proper maintenance.
8 Reasons to Stain Your Brick, Not Paint It
Ultimately, the decision to paint or stain your brick house will depend on your individual preferences, budget, and the condition of your home’s exterior–but we don’t recommend painting your brick house. Here are 8 reasons what you should stain your house’s brick versus painting it.
- Staining preserves the natural look of brick
When evaluating if you should paint your brick house, it goes without saying that brick staining is a superior option. It provides a more lasting, low-maintenance, and customizable finish that enhances the unique character of the brick.
By allowing the natural texture and color of the brick to shine through, staining can give a home a timeless and sophisticated look that can last for decades.
- Staining provides a more lasting finish
With proper maintenance, a stained brick home can last up to 25 years or more, depending on the quality of the stain and the environmental conditions. Proper maintenance of stained brick is also much easier and less frequent than that of painted brick.
This makes it a cost-effective and long-lasting solution for homeowners who want to enhance the appearance of their brick homes. Stained brick lasts longer than painted brick due to the nature of the staining process, which creates a strong bond with the brick’s surface.
- 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 is essential that the brick 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, this 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 the buildup of mold, mildew, and other moisture-related issues.
By allowing the brick to breathe, stained brick remains drier, reducing the risk of damage from moisture-related issues.
- Staining is low maintenance
To maintain stained brick, all that is needed is periodic cleaning to remove dirt and grime. This can be done with a pressure washer or a gentle cleaning solution and a soft-bristled brush. Homeowners should avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning tools that can damage the stain or the brick surface. By regularly cleaning the stained brick exterior, homeowners can help ensure its longevity and maintain its beautiful appearance.
Compared to painted brick, stained brick requires significantly less maintenance, which makes it a more convenient option for homeowners. Additionally, because stained brick lasts longer than paint, homeowners can enjoy a beautiful and well-maintained home without the hassle of frequent touch-ups and maintenance.
- Staining is more cost-effective than painting
When you are considering whether you should paint your brick house, it is important to consider upfront and long-term costs.
While staining may have a slightly higher upfront cost, the long-term cost savings are well worth it. Stained brick requires less maintenance and lasts much longer than painted brick, which makes it a more cost-effective option over time. When compared to painted brick, stained brick adds a timeless and classic aesthetic to a home that can make it stand out from other properties in the neighborhood.
- Staining can enhance the value of your home
Another thing to consider when deciding if you should paint your brick house is the impact it has on a home’s value. A stained brick exterior not only enhances the curb appeal of a home but also provides durability and longevity. The durability of a stained brick exterior means that it can withstand harsh weather conditions, and it requires less maintenance in the long run. Additionally, the natural look of stained brick can give a home a warm and inviting feel, which is a quality many homebuyers are looking for.
In terms of resale value, a well-maintained, stained brick exterior can help a home sell for a higher price than one with a painted exterior. Homebuyers often view stained brick as a sign of quality and craftsmanship, which can make a home more desirable and easier to sell.
- Staining is more environmentally friendly
Staining brick 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 after it has been applied. Staining is a much cleaner process that does not involve the use of such chemicals.
Stains are typically made from natural materials such as pigments and water-based carriers. They contain fewer VOCs, making them a safer and more environmentally friendly option.
- Staining can be customized
Staining provides homeowners with a range of customization options that are not available with paint. Unlike paint, which typically only comes in a limited number of colors, stains come in a range of shades and hues, allowing homeowners to achieve the exact look they want for their home.
Stains also offer a variety of finishes that can be used to enhance the texture and appearance of the brick. Homeowners can choose from semi-transparent or solid stains that can help achieve a specific look, such as a weathered or antique appearance. Stains can also be customized to match other design elements of the home, such as the roof or landscaping, creating a cohesive look that ties everything together.
So Should I Paint My Brick House?
Absolutely not.
While painting may seem like a tempting solution for a faded or outdated brick home, staining is actually the better option. Staining is more durable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, and provides a more lasting and customizable finish. With its long-lasting benefits and natural look, staining is the perfect way to enhance the beauty of your brick home.
Stain Your Brick with BrickImaging
Family-owned and operated, BrickImaging was founded in 1976 and is the oldest brick staining firm in North America. From private residences throughout the Denver area to large commercial real estate properties nationwide, our professional-grade Stayntech® masonry stains have been modernizing and revitalizing homes, apartment complexes, hospitals, government buildings, shopping centers, warehouses, and much more for decades. All of our brick, block, stone, and mortar staining projects are backed with a standard 15-year limited warranty.
