There seem to be a few iron clad beliefs among Americans: God, Mother, Country, and YOU DON'T PAINT BRICK! Despite this there is no reason not to paint brick this ugly. No, it is not a maintenance headache, no it is not costly (just the paint; the labor is minimal) and it is a whole lot easier than trying to find a color that works with it.

When you match what you think is the predominant color in brick- it is always a mix of colors- you will find that it will just make the other colors jump out. You have to find a sort scatter-shot, ballpark color to go with a brick. It is not all that easy but having ugly brick begs the question.

The technique is to put on a primer coat tinted close to the color you want. It doesn't have to be primer which is expensive. You must use latex paint though, because latex breathes and lets the moisture transpire through the masonry. Alkyd does not breathe and will cause the paint to fail. First coat should be a fairly light coat. A heavy coat will tend to pull itself off and not make a good bond. Let it dry well; then put on your final coat. Wall temperature MUST be over 40degrees minimum and too hot is bad also. You want the best conditions for a good job.

I know brick buildings that were painted 80 years ago and the paint is still adhering. When it is time to paint the house again you can change it all to suit your pleasure.

I think it is kind like realtors telling people they have to have beige inside because otherwise the house won't sell. So people live for 40 years with a boring house. Why live with a house that doesn't bring you pleasure every time you come home? Life's too short.