Are you considering an exterior building remodel for an instant, cost-effective facelift for your business? If so, you are on the right track. Exterior remodels can bring in more traffic, thus having a positive impact on the overall success of a company. But if your building’s façade is brick or masonry, just be sure to avoid paint. Painting over brick can come with all sorts of difficulties and unexpected outcomes.

Continue reading to learn why many commercial general contractors discourage painting over brick exteriors, and how to find a better-looking, budget-friendly alternative.

Do Not Paint Over Brick if You Can Avoid It

Although there are some circumstances in which painting over brick can be attractive and worthwhile, when it comes to the outside of a building or structure, paint is not the most compatible material. Not only can painting over exterior brick instantly look unattractive, but it can also cause some serious structural damages to the brick and the edifice as a whole. Furthermore, once you paint over brick, there is no going back.

Let’s take a closer look at the key reasons why you should try to avoid painting over brick when you can…

It Can Look Really Bad

There are very few cases in which painted brick looks good. It can be done, but when it comes to the outside of a building, the end result is usually quite unattractive. A brick building that has been painted over will instantly look bad before the paint even dries. And no matter how many coats are applied, the outcome will look sloppy and half-complete. As mentioned, curb appeal is a very important element to a business’s success when they have a brick-and-mortar of some kind. Whether tenants, employees, clients, customers, or guests, the look and ambience of a building has a direct influence on traffic.

It Cannot Be Undone

The worst part of a bad brick paint job is that it cannot be undone. Once you paint over brick, there is no removing it, cleaning it off, or covering it up. You can try to power wash your building, or even sandblast the brick, but these two practices will only damage the masonry and worsen the appearance. So, if you are choosing this option for your building’s exterior, be sure you have really thought it through. Additionally, once you paint brick, you have entered an obligation to continue having your brick repainted on a regular basis. This can be invasive and expensive. But if you do not repaint brick, it will deteriorate and fade at a rapid rate.

It Can Cause Property Damages

Paint can damage brick. But not just the bricks, also the mortar between them. As a result, brick will begin to exponentially crumble and deteriorate, which can lead to an overall stability issue with the entire building exterior. Also, seasonal freeze-thaw cycles can further deteriorate brick and mortar. After water seeps into the porous material, it freezes into ice during the winter season, causing the brick to expand. When warmer temperatures arise, the water within the porous brick thaw, causing the brick to collapse back on itself. These movements and shifts in the brick can cause extreme damage overtime.

Side Notes About Painting Brick Exteriors

Older brick might have historical value. Traditionally made in a kiln, bricks of this time are harder and can stand up to the damaging outdoor elements. You don’t want to jeopardize the historic value of your brick building by painting over it!

Keep in mind that some types of older bricks are meant to be painted over. Just be sure to use a milk-based or lime whitewash paint for these kinds of bricks.

If your brick is severely damaged but replacing it is not investment-wise, painting might be the best option. Talk to your commercial general contractor to be sure.

If you do want to paint your brick building, be sure to choose a mineral-based paint or a silicate paint that is recommended for brick. These exterior paints are specially designed to be more breathable and last longer in between repainting.   

Alternatives to Painting Over Brick

If you are ready for an exterior façade renovation for a brick building, there are some cost-effective and worthwhile alternatives to a paint job. Talk to a licensed and insured commercial general contracting company for professional advice and guidance.

Not sure which commercial contracting company to choose in Indiana for your exterior remodeling or painting needs? Contact BAF Corporation at 317-253-0531 when you need the most trusted and qualified commercial general contractors for building remodeling and commercial painting in Indianapolis, IN. We serve clients all throughout the state.

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