Project: Fairway Ridge Remodel
Photo: Erin Ren Photography
Brick Color: Sherwin Williams Eider White (Painted)
Like many people sitting at home right now, you may be looking at your brick exterior or brick fireplace thinking, "quick, bring me some paint." Painted and treated brick is a look that has been around for decades, even dating back to the 18th Century. It offers an instant refresh at an affordable price while still remaining sophisticated and timeless. From paint to lime washing to the German smear, there are many ways to achieve these looks. So before you run to buy that bucket of paint, read on! And decide which look is right for you.
Project: Fairway Ridge Remodel
Brick Color: Sherwin Williams Eider White (Painted)
Trim Color: Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze (Painted)
Question 1: Do you want to put a finish on your brick? All of the finishes I'm going to go over are permanent (without a major headache of removal) and require some level of maintenance. Brick is a porous material, so you need to make sure the finish you choose is breathable - especially if you are in colder climates where expansion and contraction is more common.
Question 2: Which treatment is right for you? Well, let's go over your options...
PAINTED BRICK:
Paint is going to offer the most coverage of them all. You can control how much coverage you achieve with the number of coats you apply, however your painter is most likely going to be spraying this finish on. A mineral based paint should be used to provide proper breathing and a masonry primer is key in order to adhere the paint to the brick surface. Paint is going to be the most cost effective solution as it's fairly easy to apply (and fairly hard to screw up). Since this is an applied finish, it will require a good amount of maintenance - especially if you are in a harsh climate with varying temperatures, moisture, etc. Paint does chip and it does fade, BUT with a proper application, you should be able to go a few years before a full refresh is needed. If you're wanting a look with a little less coverage, consider adding in 20-40% water to your paint and use a sponge application-pro tip!
And if you think white is your only color option, sit back while I make your jaw drop...
For darker hues - consider mixing in deep wood tones & creamy whites for a richer look...
While lighter tones make for a great backdrop for greenery to pop!
Black is a neutral! Add some DRAMA by mixing it in small doses with pops of rich leather & light woods.
LIME WASHING:
Lime washing is a masonry treatment that has been used for centuries and was originally meant as a protective layer for brick. It can give the same look as paint but since it is a treatment and not a finish - it is far more durable than paint. It gives the brick a more worn look and provides a level or protection from the elements. You can purchase lime washing paint at almost any hardware store and is comprised of water, hydrated lime and pigment (color). The hydrated lime acts almost as an acid treatment to the brick, giving that aged look and can be applied in one layer resulting in a more rustic look, or multiple layers for more of an opaque painted look. Since this is considered a more natural process for the brick, the maintenance is lower and will be less likely to chip than regular paint. However, you will still need a refresh around the 5 year mark.
GERMAN SMEAR:
Lastly, there is the German Smear. This application is the most laborious as it requires a very thoughtful application by a professional. Instead of a thin layer of white wash or paint, German smear is achieved by layering brick mortar to get a textured finish. It provides a timeless over-grouted look seen in old cottages or natural stone. Since this is actual mortar, it will hold up to the elements quite well and is much more durable than paint. Like all finishes discussed here, a pigment or color can be added for a variety of looks!
Black or charcoal grey trim adds a level of sophistication to any white exterior.
Dreamy creamy! I love the rustic look of this paired with some rich taupe trim.
HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR NATURAL BRICK:
If you are not ready to commit to refinishing your brick, you are in luck because natural brick can be stunning. ....Here are some tips!
1. Incorporate black trim to give an elevated look.
2. Consider mixing in other materials like natural stone or siding onto the facade to break up the brick and give a layered look.
3. Carry the light mortar color from your brick onto your exterior trim for a fresher look while leaving the integrity of your natural brick.
