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Design Dilemma Paint Polls

Should I paint my brick home from 1860's?

Rebecca Wofford

6 years ago

I can't decide between just painting the door, window frame and trims...or everything including the brick. please vote below the different paint examples.

Featured Answer

tatts

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

1960s, surely.

If that brick is from the 1860s, I'll eat my hat.

If it is very old, you're asking for a world of trouble by painting it. Brick and mortar are porous, and your brick goes down into the soil. Paint seals in moisture, and if the bricks can't dry out (or if the moisture can evaporate only into the wall cavity), you'll have problems. It could even cause failure of the mortar, depending on what they used long ago.

Comments (26)

grapefruit1_ar
6 years ago
Please do not paint the brick!
smitrovich
6 years ago
+1 for not painting the brick.
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acm
6 years ago
I'm another No vote -- it took my attempt to blow up the thumbnail as a Yes vote instead! :( Don't do it! Your house is beautiful.
Joe
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
+2

Edit: +3 ;-)
Kerry Blossom
6 years ago
no!
S Reams
6 years ago
I’m a no, too. Start by painting the trim and adding appropriately-fitting shutters.
Melissa Gallagher
6 years ago
What a pretty entryway!
Did you mean 1960’s?
I would not paint the brick, either.
Kras Childers
6 years ago
Don't paint the brick, just give it a face lift. Do a bold door, add color to the front landscaping try a different trim color. So many options to get a bold change without painting the brick.
Rebecca Wofford
Original Author
6 years ago
Tatts, your observation was keen, the home is from 1860’s but it was moved from its original location near downtown Raleigh in 1984 and they redid all the brick at that time.
PRO
J Design Group - Interior Designers Miami - Modern
6 years ago
No, don't paint the brick.

J Design Group | Interior Design company in Miami, FL
225 Malaga Ave
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Ph: 305-444-4611
https://www.JDesignGroup.com
smit2380
6 years ago
I wouldn't paint the brick.
User
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
It would be criminal to paint that. It’s also pretty dumb to take a virtually maintenance free material and turn it into a high maintenance one. Although you probably do need to repoint.
lovliny
6 years ago
NO NO NO!
acm
6 years ago
Do paint that downspout to match the brick, though!
K Laurence
6 years ago
No.... and I can’t imagine WHY in the world would you even think about doing it? Beautiful house.
Claire Pope
6 years ago
no paint
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
6 years ago
Stain the Brick
petlover
6 years ago
The brick is beautiful do NOT paint it.
Rebecca Wofford
Original Author
6 years ago
I️ completely understand the logic of making a maintenance free material now requiring maintenance, however what is confusing me is that I’ve read that as long as you use breathable quality paint specifically for brick, it should last decades and have no issue. This is why I️ considered this option to begin with. I’m curious if it scares people away bc potential buyers/people still assume it is a nightmare maintenance issue and are not aware of the latest paint products? Or are there other reasons? Just curious.
nuthinontv
6 years ago
Is the house year a typo? I think it should say 1960s, no?

Do change the icky pale yellow wood trim as it does nothing to enhance the home at all.

And no, just no to painting the brick. End of discussion.

Focus instead on the roof shingles. They are an entirely wrong tone for the home. By renewing the shingles, paint trim and some investment in landscaping the home will have much more impact.
Rebecca Wofford
Original Author
6 years ago
the home is from 1860’s but it was moved from its original location near downtown Raleigh in 1984 and they redid all the brick at that time. Thanks, I will not be painting the brick!
housegal200
6 years ago
Yay! Spend some of the budget it would've cost to paint the brick to get beautiful landscaping. Hire a pro to create the kind of elegant landscaping your house deserves.
PRO
BC Custom Construction
6 years ago
I must say keeping true to the history of your home and keep the natural brick. I think updating your front door color and trim can give you the look you are hoping for. Good Luck!
PRO
Carolina Kitchen & Bath
6 years ago
I'd keep it. What area of Raleigh (NC) is it in?
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
6 years ago
Don't like the cream trim with the cool tone brick, & I would add real shutters to the windows

You can also do lime wash or mortar smear to create an interesting texture

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