If you’ve ever driven through Gretna, NE and admired a freshly painted brick home, you know exactly how much curb appeal it can add. Painting exterior brick homes has become one of the most rewarding home updates, whether you’re prepping to sell or just want to fall in love with your home all over again.
Now, if you’ve been debating whether to go for it, you’re not alone. A lot of homeowners feel stuck between liking the charm of brick and wanting a cleaner, brighter look.
So if you’re asking, “Should I paint my brick home?”—you’re in the right place. Let’s talk about what really goes into the process of painting brick, how to prep, which products to use, and what to expect afterward. You’ll walk away with everything you need to decide if it’s the right move for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Cleaning and drying brick fully is a must before painting—moisture ruins the job.
- Use breathable masonry primer and latex paint to prevent trapping water inside the wall.
- Repair cracks in mortar joints first to avoid paint failure and long-term water damage.
- The right color can boost curb appeal while still complementing your roof and trim.
- Painted brick needs regular upkeep like pressure washing and touch-ups every few years.
Should You Paint Exterior Brick?
Painting exterior brick homes isn’t just about looks (though it definitely gives your façade a clean new face). It’s also about protection. Nebraska weather swings hard, from hot summers to ice-cold winters, and that can really mess with untreated masonry.
When properly done, painted brick can help shield your exterior from moisture, mildew, and heat damage. Especially if you go with breathable, environmentally friendly paint that allows vapor to escape. If your brickwork is already showing its age—faded, chipped, or just plain blah—a fresh coat might be exactly what it needs.
But heads up: once you paint, there’s no going back. That’s why prep and product choice matter a ton here.
What to Know Before You Start: Essential Factors to Consider
Before you pick up a paintbrush or call exterior painters, it helps to step back and think about a few key things. Painting exterior brick homes isn’t like painting drywall or even siding.
Brick is a living, breathing surface. It holds onto moisture, reacts to temperature changes, and can be unpredictable if not handled right.
So, is your brick ready? Is it the right type of brick or masonry for paint? What kind of finish are you after—smooth and modern, or textured and rustic? And how will this affect your home’s exterior long term?
Let’s walk through the big factors that can make or break your exterior painting project.
Don’t Skip This: Cleaning and Prepping Your Brick Surface
You know that feeling when you think something will take 10 minutes, then you find yourself scrubbing for hours? Welcome to prepping brick. It’s not hard, but it takes some patience.
Here’s what your prep should look like before you even touch a paint sprayer or brush:
- Sweep off loose dirt and debris.
- Wash thoroughly with a mix of water and trisodium phosphate (TSP) or heavy-duty soap.
- Use a wire brush or pressure washer for deeper stains or mildew buildup.
- Let the surface dry completely—seriously, completely—before priming.
Moisture is the enemy of painted brick. If the wall is damp, the paint won’t stick properly. In Gretna, NE where rain can surprise us midweek, this step’s non-negotiable.
Related article: Thinking About Painting Your Home Exterior? Skip These Weather Scenarios First
Repairing Cracks, Chips, and Mortar Joints
Before getting into painting exterior brick homes, take a walk around your house and actually look at your brick and mortar joints. Small cracks or loose areas might not seem like a big deal, but they can cause the paint to fail over time.
Patch up trouble spots with acrylic caulk or mortar repair compound. For deeper issues around your concrete block, fireplace, or basement brick walls, you may want to call a pro. This is especially true for older brick exteriors where the building material might be more porous.
Got stucco or mixed surfaces like concrete or masonry on your façade? You’ll want to treat those with the same prep care, including priming each material properly.
Choosing the Right Primer and Paint
Let’s talk primer and paint types for a second. You’ll want something built for masonry that helps with adhesion and fights off moisture.
A good latex or acrylic masonry primer helps lock in porous surfaces and sets you up for a longer-lasting finish.
After that? Go with a paint for exterior brick that’s breathable, durable, and mildew-resistant. Flat or matte finishes tend to work best for brick because they hide imperfections better than gloss.
And if you’re not sure which to pick, here’s a breakdown:
- Flat latex paint. Suitable for hiding flaws and gives that classic chalky look
- Acrylic masonry paint. Flexible and durable, perfect for Gretna weather swings
- Elastomeric coatings. Extra thick and ideal for older, cracked surfaces
Related article: Different Paint Sheen Options for Interior vs Exterior Projects
Tips When Applying the First Coat
You’ve cleaned. You’ve repaired. You’ve primed. Now the fun part—actually painting.
Most exterior painters in Gretna, NE will tell you: take your time here. The first coat sets the tone for how the rest of the job will go. Use a sprayer for smoother coverage and a brush to get into the cracks and mortar joints.
Be sure to:
- Start at the top and work your way down
- Apply in the shade if possible (heat makes it dry too fast)
- Let the paint dry fully before doing a second coat
Depending on your brick color for houses, you may need two or even three coats. White or lighter colors on dark bricks for house exterior often take a little more work.
Picking Exterior Paint Colors for Brick Homes
This might be the hardest part of all—color. Painting your house is a big deal, so picking a color that works with your roof, front door, and surroundings makes a huge difference.
Here are some go-to combos people in Gretna love:
- White brick for house exterior + black shutters = timeless and crisp
- Soft gray brick + navy front door colors for brick homes = modern farmhouse vibe
- Beige or taupe brick + deep green accents = earthy and warm
Trying to pair house paint colors with red brick? Go for creams, greiges, and deep blues. These help balance the boldness of red while still letting the brick color shine.
Paint Isn’t Just for Looks—It Protects Too
Painting exterior brick homes helps protect your investment. It acts like a shield, reducing water penetration, preventing stain, and keeping mildew at bay. When done properly, it even extends the life of your mortar, concrete, and brickwork.
If you’re dealing with an older basement, crumbling fireplace, or dated façade, fresh paint can lock things in while giving it a whole new feel.
Plus, it’s way more affordable than a full renovation or siding replacement.
Related article: Signs to Repaint Your House Exterior
How Long Does Painted Brick Last in Gretna, NE?
With Nebraska’s freeze-thaw cycles, exterior painters in Gretna, NE aim for durability. You can expect your painted brick to hold up for 7–15 years, depending on how well it was prepped, painted, and maintained.
Keep your paint looking great with occasional pressure washing, inspecting for peeling, and doing minor touch-ups every few years. And avoid painting during high humidity or on wet days. That mistake can cost you.
Our Final Thoughts on Painting Exterior Brick Homes
So, is painting exterior brick homes in Gretna, NE worth it? Absolutely. If your brick is in good shape and you’re ready for a visual upgrade, it’s one of the best ways to freshen things up.
It adds charm, adds value, and adds a layer of protection. Just take time to prep properly, choose paint designed for masonry, and don’t rush it. If you’re not quite ready to tackle it yourself, you can always call in pros who know how to handle Nebraska’s unpredictable weather and protect your home’s façade the right way.
Here’s what you can expect when you work with Kieser's Painting:
- We inspect and repair cracks in brick and mortar before anything else
- Full pressure washing and cleaning to remove debris, mildew, or peeling areas
- Priming the surface with high-performance masonry primer
- Applying two coats of long-lasting paint for exterior brick
- Clean-up and walkthrough to make sure you’re happy with the results
Whether you’re in Bellevue, Boys Town, Washington, NE, or nearby, we’re here to help you love your home again.
Call Kieser's Painting at 402-866-8260 today to schedule your FREE estimate. Let’s get your brick exterior looking better than ever!
