If you’ve been thinking about painting exterior brick homes in Northville, MI, you’re not alone. A lot of homeowners in this area have started to rethink the look of their older brick homes.

Maybe the color feels too dated. Maybe the mortar joints are showing their age. Or maybe the brick just doesn’t match the new front door or roof color anymore. Whatever the reason, giving your brick exterior a clean coat of paint can completely change the feel of your home without a full renovation.

This guide breaks down what you need to know before getting your exterior painting project started, what materials work best, and how professional exterior painters in Northville, MI can help you avoid the most common mistakes. Whether you’re dealing with red brick, white brick, or aging mortar joints, this process isn’t as intimidating as it seems.

Let’s walk through it, one step at a time.

Key Takeaways:

  • Painting brick protects it from water, UV rays, and Michigan weather.
  • Always clean and repair brick before applying any paint or primer.
  • Use masonry-specific primer and latex paint for long-term results.
  • Brushed and sprayed techniques work best for full coverage on textured walls.
  • Choosing the right color for your brick exterior can boost curb appeal fast.

 

painting exterior brick homes

Should You Paint Your Brick at All?

There’s a little debate about painting brick. Some people love the natural look. Others want something that feels cleaner or more updated. If your brick is in good condition and you like the color, maybe a power wash and a sealant are all you need. But if your brick is dull, stained, mismatched, or simply not your style anymore, paint is a solid option.

Here in Northville, it’s common to see a mix of natural brick and homes that have gone for a modern, painted exterior. Trends like white brick for house exterior or softer brick colors for house exterior (think gray, cream, or even warm taupe) are showing up more in neighborhoods that used to be all red brick.

Paint won’t just change the color of your home—it also offers added protection. Brick is a porous building material. Once water or moisture gets inside, it can damage the mortar joints, cause mildew, and even mess with insulation in basement walls. A good exterior paint coat keeps that out and adds curb appeal at the same time.

Before You Grab a Brush—What Needs to Happen First

Before painting exterior brick homes in Northville, MI, you need to know this: prep is everything. If you skip this step or rush it, the paint won’t stick well, and you’ll be doing this all over again in a year or two.

Here’s what we do before any brush touches brick:

  • Inspect the brickwork. Look for cracked bricks, loose mortar, or signs of moisture. These need to be addressed before anything else. If you see dark spots on your wall or around the fireplace, that could mean moisture has already gotten in.
  • Repair damaged spots. Patch those cracks or holes using mortar or caulk made for masonry. Fixing gaps prevents water from seeping in later and creating bubbles under the paint.
  • Pressure wash the surface. This removes stain, dirt, mold, and loose particles from the brick and mortar joints. You want a surface that’s clean and dry so the primer can grab hold properly.
  • Let the wall dry fully. This is not something to rush. Damp brick and concrete block hold water for longer than you might think. Give it at least 24–48 hours depending on the weather.

If you’re unsure about when to schedule your project, check out our tips on weather mistakes when painting exterior for better timing.

Choosing the Right Products for the Project

One of the biggest mistakes we see? People using the wrong type of paint. Not all paint is made for brick, concrete, or stucco.

Here’s what works best:

  • Primer: Use a masonry primer designed to seal and bond to textured surfaces like brickwork. It helps the paint go on smoother and last longer, especially in rain-prone areas like Northville.
  • Paint: Stick with latex exterior paint or acrylic paint made for masonry. These are breathable, flexible, and resist peeling. Don’t use interior paint on outdoor surfaces, ever.
  • Tools: Use a combination of brush, roller, and sprayer. A brush works well in mortar lines, while a sprayer helps cover large sections of brick exteriors evenly.

Think about color too. The best exterior paint colors for brick homes in Northville tend to be soft neutrals—greige, off-white, or deep charcoal. And don’t forget the little details. Things like front door colors for brick homes or matching roof and trim color can really tie the whole look together.

 

How to Actually Paint Exterior Brick Like a Pro

Once everything’s clean, repaired, and dry, and you’ve got your supplies ready—it’s go time.

Here’s how exterior painters in Northville, MI approach it step by step:

  1. Apply Primer. Use a brush or roller to work the primer into the mortar joints and textured surfaces. Let it dry completely before applying your paint coat.
  2. First Coat of Paint. Start from the top of the house and work your way down. Cut in with a brush around windows, doors, and fireplace areas.
  3. Use a roller or sprayer for wide, flat walls. Go slowly. Make sure you don’t leave light patches or miss crevices.
  4. Let it Cure. Allow the first coat to dry before adding a second layer. Dry time varies depending on humidity and temperature.
  5. Second Coat. This locks in the color and makes the surface more durable against rain, heat, and moisture.

Once the paint is dry and cured, your home will feel brand new. The difference can be dramatic. Not just in looks, but also in how well your home holds up through Michigan’s weather cycles.

If your brick paint is peeling, fading, or cracking, you might be overdue. Take a peek at these signs to repaint your house exterior to see if now’s the right time.

 

Final Thoughts- Painting Exterior Brick Homes

If you’re ready to start painting exterior brick homes in Northville, MI, don’t go it alone. It takes time, care, and the right materials to do it right, nd to make sure it lasts. A good paint job protects your brick, keeps out moisture, and brings fresh life to your home exterior.

At J&B Painting, we’ve helped homeowners transform everything from faded masonry walls to entire brick façades. Whether you’re updating your basement, rethinking your brick color for houses, or sealing up concrete for a better look, our team is here to help.

Here’s how we do it:

  • Thorough inspection of your existing brick exteriors
  • Full pressure washing and waterproofing prep
  • High-quality masonry primer and latex paint application
  • Neat and clean finish with zero mess left behind
  • Color consultations for brick colors for house exterior and accent combinations

Serving Northville, Farmington, Commerce, Bloomfield, MI and the surrounding areas. Call us at 248-629-2458 for a FREE estimate.