Painting brick is a great way to refresh your home’s appearance, add curb appeal, and protect your exterior. But not just any paint will do. Choosing the right type of paint for brick is essential to ensure long-lasting results that won’t peel, crack, or trap moisture. At Schneider Painting, we specialize in helping homeowners across Northwest Arkansas select the proper products for their brick surfaces, whether interior or exterior.
In this post, we’ll walk you through what kind of paint to use on brick, why it matters, and what to avoid so your project turns out beautifully.
Why Brick Requires Special Paint
Brick is porous by nature. That means it absorbs moisture from the air and rain. If you apply the wrong type of paint, especially one that traps moisture, you risk damaging the brick underneath. Trapped moisture can cause paint to blister or peel, and in cold conditions, it may even lead to cracking or spalling (when the surface of the brick flakes off).
That’s why breathable, water-resistant paints specifically designed for masonry are critical when painting brick.
Best Types of Paint for Brick Surfaces
- Mineral-Based Paint (Silicate Paint)
Mineral-based paint bonds chemically with brick and creates a highly breathable, long-lasting finish. It allows moisture to pass through without trapping it inside the brick, making it ideal for historic homes or older brick structures.
- Extremely durable
- Won’t peel or flake over time
- Best for unsealed, porous brick
- Limited color choices
- Higher cost and requires professional application
- Acrylic Latex Paint
Acrylic latex paint is a common and more budget-friendly option that still performs well on brick when paired with the right primer. It offers good adhesion, flexibility, and UV resistance.
- Works well for both interiors and exteriors
- Wide range of color choices
- Must be applied over a masonry primer
- Not as breathable as mineral-based paint
- Elastomeric Paint (for Exteriors)
Elastomeric coatings are thick, flexible paints that create a strong waterproof barrier. They’re best for sealing out moisture and protecting against harsh outdoor elements.
- Ideal for exterior brick walls
- Provides excellent protection against rain and wind
- Can bridge hairline cracks in the surface
- Less breathable and can trap moisture if the brick isn’t properly sealed or prepped
Primer: The Unsung Hero of a Successful Brick Paint Job
No matter which paint you choose, proper priming is critical for long-lasting results. Brick should always be primed with a masonry bonding primer before paint is applied. This helps seal the surface, improves adhesion, and prevents efflorescence (the chalky white residue that can appear under paint).
For older or previously painted brick, a stain-blocking primer is also recommended to prevent discoloration or bleed-through.
Interior vs. Exterior Brick: Is the Paint Different?
Yes. Interior brick doesn’t face the same weather exposure, so regular latex interior paint can work as long as it’s applied over masonry primer. For interior fireplaces, use heat-resistant paint and primers rated for high temperatures.
Exterior brick, on the other hand, needs to withstand moisture, sun exposure, temperature changes, and freeze-thaw cycles. That’s why acrylic latex or elastomeric paint with a breathable primer is the most reliable combination for outdoor projects.
What to Avoid When Painting Brick
- Never use oil-based paint on brick. It traps moisture and can lead to peeling and long-term damage.
- Avoid cheap, all-purpose paint. Brick needs products specifically formulated for masonry.
- Don’t paint wet or dirty brick. Moisture and debris will prevent the paint from sticking and can cause early failure.
- Skip the job if the brick is already damaged. Cracked or deteriorating brick needs to be repaired before painting.
Trust the Pros at Schneider Painting
Painting brick requires more than just a brush and a bucket. The surface must be cleaned, prepped, primed, and painted using the right products to achieve a finish that looks great and holds up for years. At Schneider Painting, we’ve handled brick painting projects across Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville, helping homeowners transform their homes with confidence.
We use only high-quality paints and primers formulated for masonry and always tailor our recommendations to the unique conditions of your home. Whether you’re updating a fireplace, refreshing a brick wall, or transforming your entire exterior, our team delivers clean, precise work you can count on.
Final Thoughts
So, what kind of paint do you use on brick? The short answer: a breathable, masonry-safe paint paired with the right primer. Mineral-based, acrylic latex, and elastomeric paints each have their place, depending on your needs and the location of the brick.
The best results come from proper prep, quality materials, and professional application. If you’re ready to bring new life to your brick, contact Schneider Painting today. We’ll help you choose the right solution and get the job done right the first time.
If you’re interested in knowing if painting a brick house is a good idea, you may check our previous blog.
