Ohhhhh.....I was just thinking about this very topic today. I have two great examples across the street from my shop that support my position of NEVER painting brick. One is an older paint job, the other within the last three years.

I think it depends on the brick color and your personal taste. My mother in her previous home had horrendous brick. She painted it with great results. I have also seen people simply change the mortar on the outside and that made a huge impact. I have also seen a messy mortar done as well with nice results.

When done right this is an excellent way to breathe new life into tired brick. Brick homes are lovely; naked brick for a more traditional look or a couple coats of paint to completely modernize a brick exterior, there are no wrong answers. You can even try sandblasting if you want to refresh the look of the exterior without giving up the natural brick completely. When it comes down to it there's only one thing that can ruin painted brick and thats a poor paint job. If you're going to do it, do it right nothing gives off a "cheaper look" like cut corners and sloppy finish work. Best of luck! J

It will entail more maintenance, but may be worth it for a new look. I rarely see a new brick home that I love. Brick seems a natural with classic home styles, but sometimes even they look better with a coat of paint.

I just whitewashed an interior brick wall, using a 50/50 mix of chalk white paint and water....wonder if that could be done on the exterior? Photo

shows the same wall, before and after

"When done right this is an excellent way to "breathe" new life into tired brick."

Brick needs to BREATHE (it is a porous substance!) & with the incorrect paint...you will smother!!!

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"You can even try sandblasting if you want to refresh the look of the exterior without giving up the natural brick completely. "

Not so fast...any idiot with a sandblaster or power washer can do irreprable damage to morter. This is a delicate process to be done by a professional.

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" there are no wrong answers"

Yes...there are.

I say don't paint if it's never been painted.

If it has been & you want to repaint...speak to a pro.