Thinking about painting exterior brick homes in McLean, VA but feeling a little unsure where to start? A lot of homeowners in this area have gorgeous brick houses with tons of character, but after years of sun, rain, and changing trends, they’re ready for something different.
Whether you’re sprucing up curb appeal before selling or just want your home to feel more like you, giving your brick a fresh coat of paint can make a big difference. And the good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated. From the color you pick to how to handle mortar joints, this guide breaks down everything you actually need to know without overloading you with paint lingo.
We’re walking you through every stage of painting exterior brick homes—what to prep, what to watch for, and what to avoid.
Key Takeaways:
- Cleaning and drying the brick properly is the first step for long-lasting results.
- Repairing cracks and sealing mortar joints prevents moisture damage later.
- Use masonry primer to help paint stick and stop water from seeping in.
- Latex or acrylic paint is best for McLean’s changing weather conditions.
- Sprayers, rollers, and brushes each have a role depending on surface type.
Why More Brick Homes Are Getting Painted in McLean, VA
Let’s face it. Unpainted brick exteriors can look dated or patchy after a few decades. Between rain, moisture, and random mortar discoloration, things just start to look off.
Homeowners across McLean are turning to paint for one big reason: instant curb appeal. Whether you’re going with white brick for house exterior or something bolder, it gives your place a fresh, finished feel without doing a full renovation.
Plus, painted brick helps with:
- Sealing out moisture that seeps into porous masonry
- Covering up mismatched repairs or older stain
- Creating a cleaner look for blended materials like stucco, wood, and concrete block
Exterior painting also opens up your design options. You can match the front door colors for brick homes to the rest of your palette, play with house paint colors with red brick, or go totally modern with a smooth whitewash or natural latex finish.
How to Do Painting Exterior Brick Homes the Right Way
If you’re planning to paint your brick house in McLean, VA, there’s more to it than grabbing a brush and picking a color. Painting exterior brick homes takes the right prep, the right products, and a solid plan, especially if you want results that last through rain, sun, and everything in between.
We’ve worked with plenty of homeowners around McLean who wanted a cleaner, updated look without tearing anything out. With the right steps, that fresh exterior is totally doable. Let’s walk through how to get it done right the first time.
Before You Paint: Surface Prep Is Everything
We’ve seen it too many times—peeling paint, mortar showing through, and patchy finishes—and it always goes back to poor prep.
Before painting exterior brick homes, your brick needs to be completely clean and bone dry. That means pressure washing to get rid of dirt, mildew, and any old flaking paint. Don’t skip this. It helps the primer actually stick and makes the final coat last a lot longer.
Once the surface is clean:
- Repair cracked brickwork or loose mortar joints
- Caulk gaps around windows, doors, or vents
- Let everything dry for a full 24-48 hours (longer if it’s humid or after rain)
If your basement walls or fireplace surround are part of the project, double check for any previous stain or moisture damage. That can mess with adhesion too.
Primer Picks for Brick That Last
Brick is naturally porous, which means it’ll soak up paint like a sponge if you don’t seal it first. That’s where concrete and masonry primer comes in.
The right primer helps with:
- Better adhesion on rough brick and mortar
- Sealing out future moisture
- Creating a smoother base for paint
For homes in McLean, VA, we often recommend breathable primers that won’t trap water in the wall, especially if the house has older masonry or is near heavy humidity. This is especially important for painted stucco or concrete block foundations.
Choosing the Right Paint for Exterior Brick
When it comes to actual paint, you’ve got a few solid options. We usually recommend a high-quality latex or acrylic paint that’s made for masonry. These hold up best to the local climate, resist mildew, and won’t trap moisture like some oil-based paints can.
Also, if your roof, trim, or façade have colors you love, let them guide your brick choice. You don’t need to repaint everything. There are plenty of brick colors for house exterior that work beautifully with existing accents.
We’ve even had clients paint their concrete front steps or brick fireplace to tie the look together. And if you’re stuck between colors, don’t stress—exterior painters in McLean, VA like our team at JC Custom Painting LLC offer color consultations to help narrow it down.
If you’re unsure which type of paint works best, we covered this in exterior paint types which can help compare formulas based on your home’s material.
How to Apply Paint: Brush, Roller, or Sprayer?
Every surface is a little different, but for most painting exterior brick homes jobs, we use a mix of brush, roller, and sprayer:
- Brush: Perfect for cutting in around trim, vents, and tight corners
- Roller: Works well on flat areas and smooth brickwork
- Sprayer: Ideal for large walls and hard-to-reach spots like the second story or above the roofline
Each tool has its purpose, but sprayers definitely speed things up when used by pros. Just make sure the area is prepped properly, especially if nearby surfaces like windows, plants, or furniture could get hit with overspray.
If you’ve dealt with color fading or patchy spots in the past, check out our guide on weather mistakes when painting exterior so you don’t repeat the same problems.
How Long Will a Painted Brick Home Last?
With the right paint, primer, and prep, a painted brick house can hold up for 15-20 years, especially when using a waterproofing top coat. Still, it’s smart to inspect your walls, trim, and mortar every few seasons to catch early signs of wear.
If you notice fading, peeling, or discoloration, check out our signs to repaint your house exterior post to decide whether it’s time for touch-ups or a full repaint.
Ready to Transform Your Brick Home?
If you’re thinking about painting exterior brick homes in McLean, VA, the key is getting the prep right and using the right products. Whether you’re going for a bold color update or a fresh whitewash, it’s a smart way to update your home without a full remodel.
Just remember: clean thoroughly, repair first, prime properly, and use paint that can handle McLean’s changing climate. With the right team and tools, you’ll get results that last for years.
Here’s what working with JC Custom Painting LLC looks like:
- Free estimates and color consultations
- Surface prep that includes pressure washing, repairs, and waterproofing
- Brush, roller, or sprayer based on your home’s surface
- High-end products chosen for McLean’s weather
- Clear communication and daily project updates
Need help getting started? Contact JC Custom Painting LLC, your trusted exterior painters in McLean, VA, serving Chantilly, Reston, Arlington, VA and the surrounding areas. Call us at 571-575-6818 for your FREE estimate today!
