If you’re a homeowner in Portland or Vancouver wondering whether you should paint that old brick fireplace – or even the entire exterior of your home – you’re not alone. We hear this question all the time from our neighbors in Alberta, Sellwood, and all over Clark County: “Can I paint over brick?”
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Yes, but only if you do it right.
Painting brick can completely transform your space, modernizing a dated fireplace, giving your home exterior a fresh feel, and increasing curb appeal. But unlike drywall or wood trim, brick is porous, unpredictable, and not very forgiving. So this is one of those projects where the prep work and product choice matter a LOT.
Let’s walk through what to know before you pick up a paintbrush. And if you want to skip the learning curve and call in a local crew that specializes in this kind of work, well, we’re here for that too.
First: Should You Paint Brick at All?
Painting brick is a permanent decision. Once it’s painted, there’s no easy going back. Brick is naturally breathable and designed to handle moisture in a way that painted surfaces aren’t. So if the wrong paint is used—or if the prep isn’t done right—you could end up with trapped moisture, bubbling, peeling, or even mold.
That said? If your brick is in good shape and prepped correctly, painted brick can last decades. We’ve helped dozens of clients paint interior fireplaces, accent walls, and full home exteriors—with beautiful, lasting results.
Pros and Cons of Painting Brick
✅ Pros:
- Instant Style Update – Great for older Portland homes needing a modern refresh.
- Custom Color Options – Match your brick to your trim, decor, or dream neutral palette.
- Increased Curb Appeal – Fresh paint can help your home stand out in a crowded market.
- Protection from Elements – When done properly, exterior brick paint can repel rain, mildew, and UV damage.
❌ Cons:
- Traps Moisture – Especially risky in the Pacific Northwest if poor products or prep are used.
- High Maintenance – Paint may chip or peel over time, especially in exposed areas.
- Irreversible Decision – Once you paint, there’s no easy way to return to raw brick.
- Not DIY Friendly – Brick painting requires skill, product knowledge, and specialty tools.
When It’s Not a Good Idea
Not every brick surface is a good candidate. Painting might do more harm than good in some cases:
- The brick is cracked, soft, or flaking.
- There’s visible mold, mildew, or efflorescence (that powdery white residue).
- The wall is constantly exposed to heavy moisture or flooding.
- You’re unsure about painting over historic or original brick in character homes.
If you’re unsure, don’t guess—reach out. We can come assess your brick and give you an honest answer.
Common Pain Points We Hear (and How We Fix Them)
“I’m worried about paint bubbling or peeling.”
You should be! That’s a major risk if prep is skipped. We never paint over dirty or damp brick. We take the time to clean thoroughly, dry fully, and prime with the right product for your surface.
“We had efflorescence after our last paint job.”
Efflorescence is a sign that water is moving through your brick. We treat the source, not just the symptom—and we use breathable paints that won’t trap that moisture and make things worse.
“We just want it to look clean, not like a rushed flip.”
We get it. You’re not flipping a house—you’re living in it. We specialize in finishes that feel high-end and customized, not cookie-cutter.
Step 1: Cleaning Is Everything
Brick soaks in years of dust, soot, and grime. You can’t just wipe it down like drywall.
Before we paint any brick, we:
- Use a stiff brush and mild detergent (no pressure washers—too harsh!)
- Let the brick dry for at least 24–48 hours
- Check for water damage or old sealants that could affect adhesion
This cleaning step is 100% non-negotiable. Paint won’t stick—or last—without it.
Step 2: Choose the Right Products
Not all paints are brick-friendly. And here in the rainy PNW, it’s even more important to choose breathable, moisture-tolerant coatings.
For exteriors:
We often use elastomeric paint or mineral-based masonry coatings that allow brick to “breathe” while sealing out water.
For interiors:
We use high-adhesion masonry primers and durable, low-sheen topcoats that won’t scuff or discolor around fireplaces or high-use areas.
Want a limewash or whitewash look instead of full coverage? We do that too. These methods soften the appearance of red or brown brick while preserving the natural texture.
Step 3: How We Apply It Right
Painting brick takes more than a roller. Our crew knows how to do it clean, smooth, and even:
- Prime thoroughly using a masonry-specific primer
- Apply two full coats of paint, working it deep into all the crevices and mortar joints
- Use angled brushes and specialty rollers to avoid visible lines or missed areas
- Paint under the right conditions—never too humid, too cold, or too hot
This is not a weekend DIY job, and our clients are always glad they called us in.
Why Homeowners Trust Bella Vista With Brick Painting
We’re not a national franchise or a fly-by-night crew. We’re a family-run painting business rooted right here in the Portland–Vancouver area.
Our clients say they appreciate:
- A team that’s warm, respectful, and fun to have around
- Honest pricing and realistic timelines
- Clean cut-in lines and pride in every project
- The feeling of falling back in love with their home again
From Hawthorne to Hazel Dell, we’ve revived fireplaces, updated full facades, and brightened cozy living rooms—without losing the character of the original brickwork.
Final Thoughts: Is Painting Brick Worth It?
Painting brick can:
- Add instant warmth to your space
- Brighten dark interiors
- Modernize a tired exterior
- Increase buyer appeal if you’re selling
But it’s also permanent and a little risky—unless it’s done by pros who understand how Portland’s moisture, mold, and historic homes work. Schedule your free brick painting consult today. Let’s bring new life to your brick—without losing what makes your home feel like home.✨
