Brick Staining vs Painting. Which one is better? (2023)

I don’t recommend painting your bricks (exterior or interior). Instead, look into staining your brickwork. Staining allows the brick to breathe while giving your exterior and interior vertical brickwork or masonry work, like a fireplace or exposed interior brick wall, new life. Here’s all about brick staining vs painting for your reference.

Brick Staining vs Painting. Which one is better? (1)

If you have the option to stain your bricks I recommend doing that over brick painting.

Is staining exterior brick a good idea?

One of the best ways to update the look is to stain it. As long as your brick is structurally sound and the surface isn’t painted.

Look for brick stains that are non-toxic, non-VOC, water repellent, UV resistant, and mold and algae deterrent and therefore sustainable. In my books, that’s a good thing.

Disadvantages of Painting Your Brick

  • Paint can block brick’s porous nature. Remember brick needs to breathe and dissipate moisture.
  • Acrylic or latex paints sit on the brick’s surface and form a film that traps moisture
  • Paint doesn’t soak into the brick, so it’s not as long-lasting or durable as a stain.

Advantages of Painting Your Brick

  • Brick painting covers the entire surface of the brick, including the mortar, with (usually) a thick layer of paint. This will give your brick a uniform, opaque appearance.
  • One advantage of painting brick is that the paint covers all of the surface flaws. Patched areas are covered up.
  • This is a better option for treated brick. Staining your brickwork may not be an option, since the stain needs to be absorbed into the brick. How do you know if the brick has been treated? It’s easy to test — just put water onto the surface of the brick, concrete, etc., that you want to stain. If the water is absorbed, you are good to go.

If the water pools on the surface, the brick cannot absorb liquid and probably has some sealant. This could cause some challenges and may require removing the sealant using a mild detergent, bristle brush, or a power washer. Either way, it’s best to consult with a brick-staining specialist.

Brick Staining. Should You Do It?

In my opinion, brick staining is a much better option than painting.

Here are some advantages of staining brick:

#1 Let the bricks breathe.

Mineral-based stains are breathable, bonded by crystallization, and will never peel. Why? The unique binding ingredient is potassium silicate, found in any mineral-based product. Potassium silicate is mined from rock and heated at a very high temperature to create a liquid. Then it recrystallizes back into a rock when it comes in contact with carbon dioxide. Basically, it becomes part of the brick being stained.

Paint remains on the surface. In comparison, the brick stain is a mineral product that soaks into the brick and becomes a part of the brick. It can never chip, bubble, or pull away from the brick.

(Video) Staining vs Painting brick

#2 Change the look of your bricks.

You can make subtle or dramatic changes to the look of your bricks. See more color options for stains below.

#3 Low maintenance.

Brick stains are absorbed into the brick. This means the stain is not prone to chip away or peel like paint. You won’t have to worry about your color fading or having to do touch-ups all the time.

#4 Match the new with the old.

In a project for Holmes Family Rescue, we installed an elevator in a bungalow for a wonderful family. To do so, we had to replace the existing windows with much smaller windows. We added new brick to make up the difference. Brick staining was the perfect option here because we simply stained the new bricks to match the old ones. The result? Perfect match.

#5 Brick staining

is an excellent way to refresh your home. Staining not only can help protect the exterior brick of your home, it can also provide a modern update that can truly transform the look of your home, improving your home’s curb appeal and increasing the value of your home. Staining can last 40 to 50 years, with typical warranties that cover a 30-year period.

Colors for Brick Staining

Staining allows you to make subtle changes or more obvious changes to your brickwork — depending on the finish and thickness. The stain can be semi-transparent or opaque.

Semi-transparent finishes work with your existing brick colors. So if your brickwork is different shades, a semi-transparent finish will work well and allow the subtle variations in color to show.

Say you have red, orange, and brown brickwork, and your stain is a gray semi-transparent stain. Your stained bricks will look like a paler, mid, and darker version of the original colors.

Almost any color of the stain is available and most pros provide on-site custom color matching.

RELATED

What’s solid brick vs brick veneer?

How To Stain Brick

I recommend hiring a professional to stain your bricks. This is a very labor-intensive job, and best left to pros that have the right tools for it. On our projects, we use Permatint for all our brick staining. They have a great crew and are always thrilled with the results.

Required PPE for brick staining:

  • Hard hat
  • Safety glasses
  • Steel toe boots/shoes
  • Harness
  • Safety vest
  • First aid kit
  • Disposable gloves
  • Face masks

Tint Kit Necessities

  • Brushes
  • Mixing brush
  • Pigment
  • Brush/Pigment Bag
  • Water
  • Scoops
  • Folding table (optional)
  • Masking tape/Paper
  • Small propane torch
  • Scrapper
  • Mr. Clean magic eraser
  • Mixing pails
  • Razor for windows
  • Buckets and lids
  • Non-scratch cleaning pads
  • Drop sheet(s)
  • Rags
  • Garbage bags
  • Wire brush
  • 24’ Jaws ladder
  • Step ladder

Here are the basic steps to stain your bricks:

Brick Staining vs Painting. Which one is better? (2)

Each individual brick is stained, which allows for detailed work and better control.

(Video) Should you paint or stain brick?

Prep Work Before Staining Brick

Before applying the brick stain, you can power wash (at low pressure) the surface if required to remove any excess dirt. Remember to remove plant vines on the walls of the house by wire brush and torch too. If tinting a concrete wall, a primer will be applied first.

It’s also important to note that some bricks may be too porous and will absorb the liquid too quickly, resulting in a chalky residue on the surface. If this happens, your brickwork may require a primer before the staining process can begin.

Repair Your Bricks

You will need to scrape out any damaged mortar and replace it. This is repointing. Whatever manufacturer you choose for the new mortar, make sure you follow their instructions correctly. Wait for a few days for the mortar to dry before staining your brick. Here is a full article on repointing.

Prepare your area

Protect and cover everything that the stain should not get on. This means your window sills, door frames, etc.

Choosing your Stain Application

Typically the stain is applied using a brush. This allows for better control of the technique and is more artistic, producing a more natural and thinner color. Using a brush also requires less prep work. However, if the house is being renovated with new soffits, windows, etc., and the design calls for a solid, painted look then a spray application may be considered.

Brick Staining vs Painting. Which one is better? (3)

One coat of semi-transparent stain is all that is required and most applications last for 40 to 50 years.

For semi-transparent stain application, it is always one base coat. If necessary, accent colors can be added afterward for artistic merit. For a solid/opaque look, use two coats of color.

(Video) Exterior Brick Staining Questions Answered | Home Painters Toronto

Staining Your Fireplace

Use brick staining for interior features, like a brick fireplace or exposed internal wall. The stain has zero VOCs and is perfectly safe to use indoors. The process is no different from doing an exterior job, other than it will be much easier to do because it is a smaller job. This is actually something that CAN be a DIY project.

RELATED

EASY Fireplace Maintenance Tips (DIY)

Brick Staining vs Painting. Which one is better? (4)

A fireplace staining project by Permatint, is almost complete, note the various colored tints used.

Check out the transformation below:

Brick Staining vs Painting. Which one is better? (5)

A brick home before brick staining.

Brick Staining vs Painting. Which one is better? (6)

A progress shot of a gray semi-transparent colored stain application

(Video) Brick Staining | Mike Holmes

Brick Staining vs Painting. Which one is better? (7)

What a transformation! Brick staining provides an updated look to this older home.

If done correctly, brick staining can protect your property from the weather and retain the integrity of the brick while also making the exterior look brand new. I love it and recommend this option if you are looking to give the exterior of your home a refresh. It can really transform your home.

READ NEXT

Exterior Painting Tips For Your Home
Spray Cork for Exterior

Another way to enhance the look of your house is by using Thermal CorkShield™ which can provide a “functioning finish” to the exterior building envelope and create a thermal break as well.

Consult with a Vipeq representative to find out how this product can help you with your home or other applications.

Brick Staining vs Painting. Which one is better? (8)

Holmes Approved Product Partner, Vipeq

For a list of dealers and applicators in your specific areas click the appropriate link:

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(Video) Is it better to paint or stain brick? #shorts

FAQs

Is it better to stain brick or paint brick? ›

You may ask yourself, “Is staining brick better than painting?” The short answer is “Yes, it is! “. Staining is more robust and can lead to your brick exterior looking great for many years. Painting may seem like a classic option, but it is outdated for your brick exterior.

Is brick staining more expensive than painting? ›

Brick staining costs an average of roughly $0.70 to $2 per square foot, or $300 to $3,000 for entire projects. By contrast, costs to paint a brick house often start at $3,500 and brick repair costs are about $1,500 on average.

How long does brick staining last? ›

The conservative estimate for the lifespan of brick stain is about 20 years. That's a long time and underscores the importance of getting the stain done correctly. It's going to be on there for a long time, so make sure you get it right. Newer brick stains claim they last the lifetime of the brick.

Can brick be stained instead of painted? ›

Should you paint a brick house? I don't recommend painting your bricks (exterior or interior). Instead, look into staining your brickwork. Staining allows the brick to breathe while giving your exterior and interior vertical brickwork or masonry work, like a fireplace or exposed interior brick wall, new life.

Is staining brick a good idea? ›

Brick Staining, if done right, can not only make your home's exterior look brand new, it can also preserve the integrity of the brick and protect it from the elements. When you paint your brick, it eliminates the bricks natural porous surface. This prevents it from being able to breathe and traps moisture.

What is the downside of painting brick? ›

Cons: Maintenance: Painted brick requires regular maintenance, including touch-ups for chipped or peeling areas and regular cleaning for lighter-colored painted brick. Limited lifespan: Paint can start to bubble, blister, chip, and peel within a few years.

What is the average cost of brick staining? ›

Expect to pay an average of $1 per square foot to stain brick, including labor and materials. Typically, prices range from $0.70 to $1.90 per square foot, depending on the stain quality, brick condition, and exterior accessibility.

Is staining or painting better? ›

Wood surfaces are enhanced, rather than covered up, by stain. Stains give a more natural feel. Paint has the potential to peel, crack, or flake, whereas stain is more resistant to chipping but will fade over time.

Is painting the brick on a house a fad? ›

"Although painting brick has been around for a long time, thanks in part to the popularity of the 'modern farmhouse' look, painted exterior brick is very popular now," Bierman says. Like all trends, painted brick can go in and out of style.

Can you permanently stain brick? ›

The short answer is yes; brick staining is permanent. However, while the stain itself is permanent, the color may fade over time depending on exposure to sunlight and other elements. This means that you may need to touch up the color at some point to keep it looking its best.

Does brick stain peel? ›

Brick staining is a permanent finish made out of mineral-based pigments that seep and bind into the brick (rather than remaining on the surface as paint does), act as a moisture barrier, and allows the brick to breathe. Stain works best on clean, porous, and unpainted brick and won't peel, chip, or flake off.

What stain is best for brick? ›

Stayntech™ Is The Top Brick Stain in The Market Maintains the Natural Appearance of Your Masonry. When you paint over brick, it blocks the natural airflow process that can lead to chipping and cracking. The best brick stain is absorbed by the brick forming a protective layer and allowing it to breathe.

Does painting brick increase home value? ›

Huge visual impact — Painting brick gives your house a whole new look and can even 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.

Is painting brick out of style? ›

Is painted brick going out of style? Ask any exterior design expert, painting brick is not going out of style any time soon. Painted brick is here to stay as new homeowners prefer this modern look over traditional unpainted brick exteriors. Likewise, you can always change the color of your brick siding if you'd like.

How long does painted brick last? ›

A good paint job on brick can last about 15 to 20 years in the proper condition. If you notice that the bricks are in proper shape and don't affect the look of your house, you don't need to repaint it.

What color is good quality brick? ›

A good quality of bricks should be well burnt and have a colour of rich red or Copper colour, any other colour other than above resembles that brick is under burnt or over-burnt.

Is lime wash or stain better for brick? ›

There are various products available in the market such as lime wash or paint which are similar to whitewash in terms of cost, durability, etc. Hence, staining is more preferable in comparison to whitewash when it comes to cost, durability, maintenance, affordability, and long lasts.

What is the best way to change the color of a brick house? ›

Painting your brick will give it a solid, opaque color of choice. You will, however, have to repaint it every 3-5 years to maintain the color. In addition, it's an irreversible process: you can paint it again if you wish to change the color, but you can't get it back to the original brick.

Why are people against painting brick? ›

Painting over brick is essentially a death sentence for brick because you're stripping it of its natural ability to breathe and release any moisture that becomes trapped. Because of this, any moisture trapped inside the wall will begin to erode the brick, wearing it down over time.

Does painting a brick devalue it? ›

Bottom line: If you live in a low-moisture region and you choose a neutral color, painting exterior brick shouldn't have a negative impact on your home's resale value. In fact, the improvements to your homes curb appeal is likely to increase the value.

Why would anyone paint brick? ›

Brick is naturally porous, so when left unpainted, dirt and debris can become trapped and difficult to clear away. Painted brick provides a smooth surface that is much easier to clean with occasional power washing.

Does brick stain fade? ›

Typically, when you come across a brick color that isn't aesthetically pleasing, it usually has more to do with the mismatching of brick paired with house color than the brick hue itself. However, no matter what you do to prevent it, brick stains will fade a minimal amount over time.

What lasts longer outside paint or stain? ›

Done right, an exterior paint job can last 10 years; stain needs to be reapplied more often, anywhere from two to 10 years, depending on the type of stain. One key to how long an exterior finish lasts is how well the surface is prepared.

What are the cons of staining? ›

Cons
  • Clear stains provide less protection from sun damage and moisture than solid or semi-transparent stains.
  • Doesn't hide imperfections on old or weathered wood.
  • Some wood varieties may not hold the staining material very well.
  • May require reapplication after a few years.

Is painting cheaper than staining? ›

Painted cabinets typically cost more than stained cabinets. By how much? It depends on the colour, but you can expect painted cabinets to cost roughly 10-15% more than stained cabinets. Take a paint-grade wood like birch, for instance.

What is a popular color to paint a brick house? ›

White is the most common brick paint color requested. It's perfect for people who want to have a house that looks crisp and clean. It's also a great way to hide brick if that's something you're interested in doing because from afar, most people can't tell that it's a brick house.

Is brick coming back in style? ›

Love it or hate it, the exposed brick wall is making a come-back and it's here to stay. Brick walls and modern interiors have been at odds with each other for a number of years but the rise of cottage core and loft style have inspired a new-found appreciation for the humble brick.

What is the best way to stain exterior brick? ›

How to Stain Brick
  1. Step 1: Clean the bricks. For a stain to penetrate well and take hold, the bricks should be relatively clean. ...
  2. Step 2: Make repairs. Colleen McQuaid. ...
  3. Step 3: Prep the area. ...
  4. Step 4: Mix the stain. ...
  5. Step 5: Load the paint sprayer. ...
  6. Step 6: Spray the brick.

Can you change red brick to GREY? ›

Changing the color of your brick is possible through various methods such as limewashing, brick painting or staining.

How long does it take brick stain to dry? ›

STEP 8: Allow the brick stain to dry completely.

Consult the stain manufacturer's instructions to get a more specific idea of how long your stain may take to dry, but expect it to be somewhere between 24 and 72 hours. While the stain is drying, avoid touching the brick, walking on it, or placing any items on top of it.

Is staining brick bad for the brick? ›

Staining brick is considered better than painting because of its breathability, longevity, and nice look. Stain doesn't damage brick unless you use a type with a sealant that traps water vapor in the brick, which might eventually cause brick cracks.

Can you stain brick more than once? ›

On the other hand, you may be concerned that you'll never be able to change the color once the brick is stained. Well, we have good news. Brick is able to have the color changed multiple times with staining – even from darker to lighter.

Do you need primer to stain brick? ›

No matter whether the brick you're painting is old or new, interior or exterior, you absolutely must use a primer. "You want a primer that will 'bite' into the brick; the better it can wrap around those pores and get into all the nooks and crannies, the better the paint will adhere," says Villar.

How do you prepare brick for staining? ›

Remove sealant if necessary.
  1. Apply lacquer thinner to a small area and let sit for ten minutes.
  2. Wipe off and test with water again. ...
  3. If the water is not absorbed, try again with a commercial brick or concrete sealer stripper.
  4. If the commercial stripper does not work, staining is not possible.

What is the best paint for old brick house? ›

Most homeowners with experience in brick painting prefer to use elastodynamic paint. It's specifically designed for painting bricks as they have a high level of elasticity. Because of that, this type of paint is excellent for filling cracks in brick walls!

How much should it cost to paint a brick house? ›

You can expect to pay $1.40 to $4.20 per square foot to paint a brick home. This comes out to a range of between $3,500 and $10,500 for 2,500 square feet of brick exterior, or about $7,000 on average. Prices could also depend on how many coats of paint a house needs.

What is the most popular brick color? ›

Some of the most popular brick colors include dark and medium shades of gray. These bricks often go well with darker hues or with high contrast designs that will make your property stand out. Another great choice is to opt for mixtures of beige and white.

What is the upkeep for painting brick? ›

Once you paint your house, there's no going back (at least without a major headache). In fact, painted brick requires regular maintenance--touch ups for chipped areas, cleaning on lighter colored brick, and fresh coats every so often. Moreover, painting your brick traps moisture and doesn't let the brick breathe.

Why is my painted brick turning yellow? ›

Generally the main cause of iron oxide staining is the improper process of acid cleaning brickwork. A chemical reaction occurs between the iron oxides in the brick and the hydrochloric acid application.

How often do you have to repaint a painted brick house? ›

According to the brick industry association, if you're painting brick, you should plan on repainting it every three to five years. That's a lot of time and money spent on something that should be low maintenance!

How many coats of paint on brick house? ›

How many paint coats should I use on brick? A minimum of two coats of paint should be applied to brick for the best results. Before putting on the second coat, let the first coat completely dry.

Is whitewashing brick better than painting? ›

Smoother Finish: Unlike Limewash, the whitewash formula provides a smoother surface finish. Long-Lasting: Unlike paint, which requires frequent maintenance, Whitewash is low maintenance and lasts for years.

Should I stain or whitewash brick? ›

There are various products available in the market such as lime wash or paint which are similar to whitewash in terms of cost, durability, etc. Hence, staining is more preferable in comparison to whitewash when it comes to cost, durability, maintenance, affordability, and long lasts.

Is it worth it to paint brick? ›

Huge visual impact — Painting brick gives your house a whole new look and can even 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.

How long will painted brick last? ›

A good paint job on brick can last about 15 to 20 years in the proper condition. If you notice that the bricks are in proper shape and don't affect the look of your house, you don't need to repaint it.

Is there difference in brick staining and painting? ›

Brick Staining, if done right, can not only make your home's exterior look brand new, it can also preserve the integrity of the brick and protect it from the elements. When you paint your brick, it eliminates the brick's natural porous surface. This prevents it from being able to breathe and traps moisture.

Is it better to Limewash or paint brick? ›

Paint is more maintenance because it can chip, peel, or discolor over time. Limewash is absorbed into the brick so it does not chip. It also ages beautifully. On the other hand, paint gives you more coverage and color options.

How much does brick staining cost? ›

Expect to pay an average of $1 per square foot to stain brick, including labor and materials. Typically, prices range from $0.70 to $1.90 per square foot, depending on the stain quality, brick condition, and exterior accessibility.

How long will whitewash brick last? ›

How long does whitewashed brick last? Whitewashed brick can last 20 to 30 years and requires very little maintenance.

Does stained brick fade? ›

The short answer is yes; brick staining is permanent. However, while the stain itself is permanent, the color may fade over time depending on exposure to sunlight and other elements. This means that you may need to touch up the color at some point to keep it looking its best.

Is whitewashing brick out of style? ›

What is Whitewashing. Whitewashed brick is fairly easy to identify. All the brick is covered in a thin layer of translucent white or grey paint that allows you to see the brick underneath. Whitewashing brick is very quickly going out of style.

Should old brick be painted? ›

Brick is naturally porous, so when left unpainted, dirt and debris can become trapped and difficult to clear away. Painted brick provides a smooth surface that is much easier to clean with occasional power washing.

Is painting brick a new trend? ›

"Although painting brick has been around for a long time, thanks in part to the popularity of the 'modern farmhouse' look, painted exterior brick is very popular now," Bierman says.

Videos

1. 🧱 Staining vs Painting Brick #brickstain #masonry #house #painting #architecture #hgtv
(midwest brick stain)
2. Masonry Finishes for Brick and Concrete | Ask This Old House
(This Old House)
3. Painting vs Staining Brick w/ Nawkaw | Episode 16
(Movers & Breakers Podcast with Belinda Carr)
4. How to Paint a Brick House the RIGHT Way | DIY Painting
(Home RenoVision DIY)
5. How to Paint & Maintain Your Brick Home | ALL YOU NEED IN ONE SIMPLE GUIDE! 👍👍
(Tribble Painting Company)
6. DON’T paint your bricks! Mike Holmes explains brick staining #mikeholmes
(Mike Holmes)

References

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