Seven Ways to Freshen up a Brick Facade Without Painting It White
If your brick needs highlighting, there are many things you can do other than paint it white. Besides being a mediocre choice, painting brick can cause structural damage to your home if done incorrectly. You can avoid these problems and still transform your appearance with other simple cosmetic upgrades.
Paint trim, porch and other features.
If your brick is already looking too dull, try adding a contrasting color to the trim. You might be surprised at how different the brick will look if you add a contrasting color to it. You can try turquoise , black or yellow , which contrast well with classic red brick. Instead of leaning towards more neutral colors, using complementary bright colors will help your brick stand out.
Likewise, painting your porch, steps, railings and front door a complementary color can update the look of your brick. You can freshen up your home’s exterior and add some curb appeal without spending the time and money of completely covering the brick.
Add shutters
Window shutters are a good way to add detail, as well as a surface that can be painted to complement the brick exterior. Decorative shutters can be painted any color you like, they will add interest to your exterior and can be made in a variety of styles to suit your taste. Shutters typically cost between $45 and $250 per pair, depending on the material they are made from and the type of shutters.
Use lime wash to change color
Limewash is a natural pigment that can lighten the color of your brick while retaining some of its natural surface. Another important difference between lime plaster and paint is that lime plaster is breathable, allowing the brick to shed moisture when needed. Because brick is a porous surface, its internal moisture content must change as the environment changes. Limewash is a lightening pigment that allows you to do this without taking any special measures to ensure the brick’s ability to breathe.
Use a brick or mortar stain
You can change the color of brick by using a brick or mortar stain. The advantage of stain is that it allows air to pass through, but at the same time allows you to change the appearance of the brick. Like paint, brick staining is permanent, so you should be confident in your color choice before you decide to apply it.
Improve your landscaping
Another way to change the look of brick is to add some greenery to your home’s exterior. Adding bushes or climbing vines to the trellis can improve the appearance of your brick walls without requiring painting. You can also add window boxes and plant them with seasonal flowers to add color; paint your window frames a complementary color to double the effect. Be sure to plant plants at least two feet from the wall to prevent bushes from damaging the brick.
Improve tracks (or add them)
If you love a particular garden feature or if the path to your front door needs updating, you can freshen up the look of your brick home by improving paths or adding new ones. Electric power washing your pavers, raking gravel, or adding steps to create a new walkway are all ways to improve the appearance of your exterior.
Clean your brick
Brick can become dirty over time, collecting dirt, moss and grime. To change its appearance, you may only need to wipe it down with soapy water or power wash it to bring back some of its former glory. While you may be able to power wash your own, washing brick with too much pressure can damage the mortar, so if you’re not confident in your abilities, it’s best to seek professional help.