The weather hasn’t been perfect for photos and our landscaping isn’t at its finest right now, but I’m so excited about our painted brick house that I couldn’t wait to share pictures. I’m a 36-year-old suburban mom and yes, I am genuinely thrilled.

In this post we cover everything about painting our brick house white:

• Why we decided to paint
• What paint we used
• How we selected the right white
• The step-by-step process
• What the project cost

I’ll try to keep the enthusiasm readable, but I love how this turned out.

Below are before-and-after photos and details about the project.

Painted Brick House Before & Afters

We have plenty of before-and-after photos here. The “before” photos already show improvements we’d made over the years, so the full transformation is even more dramatic compared to how the house looked when we first bought it.

Removing the old porch and updating other exterior elements brought in a lot more light and modernized the curb appeal.

The back of the house changed dramatically too once the deck was removed and fresh paint unified the different materials.

Why Paint Our Brick House?

The simple reason: we wanted to. This was a long-time daydream for me and, after years of discussion and research, we felt confident moving forward. Our house is an early 80s brick—maroon and textured with uneven mortar—so we were comfortable painting it rather than hiding historic brick. We also learned that painted brick can be common and long-lasting in our city’s older neighborhoods.

A small test swatch showed how painting softens the ragged texture and neutralizes the uneven mortar, which convinced us it was the right move.

What Brick Paint We Used

We used Romabio’s Masonry Flat Paint, a mineral-based product designed specifically for brick, stone, and stucco. Unlike traditional latex, mineral paints are breathable and act more like a stain, which helps prevent trapped moisture. That breathability reduces the risk of peeling and supports long-term durability.

Key benefits that convinced us to use this product:

• High alkalinity that helps resist mold and mildew.
• Pressure-washable with low pressure recommended.
• A long warranty—Romabio offers a 20-year warranty and the product is known to last much longer in many cases.
• Breathability that prevents the common issues associated with latex paints on masonry.
• Concentrated, low-toxicity formula.
• A very flat, matte finish that gives a historic, high-end look.

What White Paint Color We Chose

We color-matched Romabio’s Masonry Flat Paint to several familiar whites and tested them. Our final choice was Sherwin-Williams Moderne White, which reads as a soft, warm white—neither too beige nor too stark. For consistency, ask your supplier for the exact formula or a test pot before committing to an entire house.

We were careful to test the color next to our existing trim and window finishes to make sure everything harmonized.

How To Paint Your Brick House

We hired professionals for our large two-story house, but the process is straightforward and many people can do this as a DIY on smaller homes. The main challenge for large homes is access—lifts or scaffolding are often needed.

1. Prep Your House

Essential prep steps:

• Move outdoor furniture and decor
• Remove shutters and hardware
• Tape and protect windows, lights, and fixtures
• Pressure-wash areas with dirt or mildew

You don’t need to pressure-wash every inch—focus on grimy spots. This product typically doesn’t require primer when applied to brick.

2. Mix, Spray, and Backroll the First Coat

Romabio comes concentrated and is diluted slightly before use. The product can be rolled, but spraying is faster and reaches textured areas better. Wetting the brick before application helps the mineral paint penetrate. Backrolling after spraying smooths and evens coverage and makes the second coat quicker.

3. Caulk Gaps

After the first coat dries, fill large crags or deep mortar shadows with paintable caulk to eliminate dark spots. This step is optional but improves the look.

4. Spray the Second Coat

The second coat can often be sprayed without backrolling if the first was thorough. The mineral paint’s coverage usually reduces the need for extra coats compared with traditional latex.

5. Paint Any Non-Brick Areas

Use appropriate paint for siding, trim, meter boxes, and vents. The masonry product is meant for brick and stone; other surfaces may need different primers or finishes to match the matte aesthetic.

6. Clean Up and Replace Items

Remove tape and tarps, return furniture, and reinstall or decide against shutters. We chose not to rehang ours and prefer the cleaner look without them.

Timeline

Our job took five days total (four days on-site excluding travel) with a crew of three working long days:

• Day 1: Travel and prep
• Day 2: First coat on front and chimney side
• Day 3: First coat on back and garage side
• Day 4: Second coat on entire house
• Day 5: Siding touch-ups, cleanup, travel

Cost

Final costs vary by region and house size. Our final total for painting ended up around $7,500. Labor estimates for homes our size often range from $1.50–$2.50 per square foot when using a professional who applies Romabio correctly. We purchased seven four-gallon buckets for our project and also bought siding paint for specific non-masonry areas.

What’s Next?

During the painting week we also removed and reworked the portico, added new door trim, and updated lighting. We plan to tile or refinish the porch floor and continue landscaping and back-yard improvements over time. Painting the house opened up a lot of new possibilities and made many other updates feel cohesive.

In short: we love the result. The white paint unified the house, brightened the interior light, and gave us the fresh, classic look we wanted. Our neighbors have been enthusiastic, and we’re excited to continue refining landscaping and finishing touches.

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