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Writer's pictureAmiras Simeonidis

How to Choose the Best Paint for Your Brick Exterior

Updated: Nov 28


Does your home need a fresh coat of exterior paint? If so, you’re probably wondering which paint will hold up best over time. Selecting good quality paint isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a long-term investment in your home’s durability. Imagine spending hours on a paint job only to see it fade or chip within a few months. 

Frustrating, right? Here, we’ll walk you through why quality exterior paint matters, especially for homes with brick exteriors, and share expert tips on picking the best paint for brick exteriors to keep your home looking stunning for years to come.


Choosing the Right Paint

When it comes to exterior paint, not all options are created equal. Brick exteriors, in particular, require specific types of paint designed to handle harsh weather conditions and maintain their look over time. 

For Australian homes exposed to everything from sun to rain, all-weather exterior paint like Taubmans AllWeather can be a lifesaver.


Which Paint is Right for a Brick Exterior?

Not all paints work for all surfaces, so let’s break down the essentials. When painting brick, it’s crucial to start with a solid foundation, and Taubmans 3-in-1 Prep Sealer is a highly recommended option to prime and seal the surface. 

Once primed, an all-weather exterior paint becomes the ideal choice for brick, as it’s formulated to resist the effects of weather extremes and prevent issues like cracking or peeling.


Topcoat Considerations

For your final layer, choose a topcoat that’s water-resistant and built for Australian weather. Taubmans AllWeather paint fits the bill perfectly as the best paint for brick exterior finishes. Shannon, a homeowner in Sydney, used it on her house and was impressed by how it held up against the sun and rain without cracking.


Consult Paint Experts

Unsure how much paint you need? Talk to our paint experts to get guidance on the right type and quantity. We can help you navigate options, ensuring your brick exterior gets the protection it needs with the best paint for brick exterior.


Colour Selection: Make It Personal but Practical

Choosing a colour can feel like a daunting task, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to give your home a personal touch. Some homeowners, like Mel, use inspirational images and a paint calculator to bring a new vibe to their exterior, opting for colours that fit their style.


How to Choose a Paint Colour?

Colour choice is personal, but the process can be guided by the environment and style trends. Many Australian homeowners prefer a Hamptons-coastal look for a timeless, relaxing feel. 

Mel, for example, transformed her 90s brick home with Taubmans AllWeather white paint, achieving the perfect coastal feel with her new colour scheme—the best paint for brick exterior to enhance her home’s aesthetic.

  • Paint Calculator: Bricks can absorb more paint than flat surfaces, so don’t get caught short. Use an online paint calculator to estimate the quantity, then adjust as needed with the help of a store consultant. This helps you make sure the best paint for brick exterior application is seamless.

Painting Techniques: Ensuring an Even, Long-Lasting Finish

With the right paint chosen, it’s time to focus on techniques. For brick, achieving an even coverage is essential but can be challenging due to the uneven surface. 

Here are some strategies to make the job easier.


Effective Techniques for Painting Brick Surfaces

  1. Start with Primer: Using a primer, like Taubmans 3-in-1 Prep, creates a smoother surface and improves paint adherence. Without primer, paint may flake prematurely, especially when transitioning from a darker brick to a lighter colour. This primer is foundational for the best paint for brick exterior projects.

  2. Use the Right Tools: A roller with long nap fabric can help cover larger areas and get into crevices. The M-pattern technique is great for ensuring even coverage. Move the roller in a zigzag, overlapping slightly with each pass for the best results.

  3. Touching Up Edges: For smaller, harder-to-reach areas, use a quality brush to handle the detailed work. A 1m2 section approach allows you to focus on manageable areas and keep the paint looking even. Applying the best paint for brick exterior uniformly ensures longevity and a smooth finish.

Surface Preparation: Set Your Brick Up for Success

Brick may be tough, but that doesn’t mean it’s immune to weather effects. Surface preparation makes a huge difference, especially when dealing with issues like efflorescence or water damage.


Steps to Prepare Your Brick Exterior

  1. Clean Thoroughly: Dirt and grime affect paint adherence. Start with a scrub down using soapy water, then allow the surface to dry completely. If you notice white crystal salts on the brick, this is efflorescence. Clean it off using a 5% vinegar solution for a smooth finish, setting up the surface for the best paint for the brick exterior.

  2. Inspect for Damage: Check the brickwork for cracks, moisture damage, and any water issues. If there are any leaks, address them before you begin. For newly laid bricks, wait at least 28 days before painting to let everything settle, as this helps the best paint for brick exterior applications adhere better.

  3. Apply Primer: Taubmans 3-in-1 Prep acts as both a primer and sealer, helping the topcoat to adhere better while preventing the old brick colour from bleeding through. This is an essential step for the best paint for the brick exterior process.

Tools and Materials: Set Yourself Up for Success

Before you start, gather the essentials to make sure the project runs smoothly. Having the right tools can make all the difference in achieving a clean, polished look.

Essential Tools and Materials Checklist

  • Primer and Sealer: For prepping bare bricks and ensuring the topcoat sticks.

  • Quality Roller and Brush: A roller with long nap fabric for large areas and a brush for edges.

  • Paint Calculator: This helps you avoid underestimating the paint quantity.

  • Plastic Cling Wrap: Useful for protecting surfaces from drips and keeping paint trays covered.

To Sum Up

Choosing good quality paint for your brick exterior can significantly boost your home’s durability and aesthetic appeal. 

Whether it's prepping with Taubmans 3-in-1, selecting a weather-resistant topcoat, or using the right tools, each step plays a role in creating a finish that stands up to time and weather. 

Which of these tips will you try first? For expert painting assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Amiras Painting Services (APS) for quality-driven, reliable service across Sydney.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of paint works best for brick exteriors? 

High-quality, weather-resistant paints like Taubmans AllWeather are ideal for brick exteriors due to their durability.


How much paint do I need for a brick home? 

Bricks can be more absorbent than other surfaces. Using a paint calculator is a helpful starting point, and consulting with a paint expert can ensure accuracy.


Can I paint my brick home without primer? 

Primer is essential for brick. It prevents peeling, especially on porous surfaces, and enhances topcoat adhesion.


What’s the best way to apply paint on brick? 

Use a roller with long nap fabric for even coverage, and follow up with a brush for the edges. For best results, apply using the M-pattern technique.


How do I prepare the brick surface before painting? 

Start by cleaning with soapy water, remove any efflorescence with a 5% vinegar solution, then apply a primer like Taubmans 3-in-1 for better paint adherence.

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