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Cost To Paint A Brick House

Cost To Paint A Brick House?

Transform your brick home’s look while protecting its structure – that’s the power of quality exterior painting. When planning this project, expect costs to fall between $3,500 and $10,500, though final prices depend on several key factors. Your location plays a role, as labor rates vary by region. The type of finish you choose matters too – some specialized coatings cost more but offer better protection. Your home’s size naturally affects the total, as larger surfaces require more materials and labor.

Here’s what homeowners across the United States typically pay for professional brick painting:

  1. Normal Range: $3,500 – $10,500
  2. Average Cost: $7,000
  3. Low End: $2,000
  4. High End: $13,000

These numbers reflect complete professional jobs, including proper preparation, quality materials, and skilled application. The wide range allows for varying project complexities and regional price differences.

Pricing Table

Painting Costs for a Brick House in Your Area

Geographic location significantly shapes brick painting costs across the United States. The same painting job might cost vastly different amounts depending on which state or city you call home. This variation stems from several regional factors that affect the bottom line.

Take Hawaii as an example – the cost to paint a brick home there can climb up to $13,000. Several factors drive these higher costs: the remote location means materials must be shipped in, labor costs tend to be higher, and the tropical climate requires specific paint types that can withstand intense sun and humidity.

Contrast this with Tennessee, where the same project typically tops out around $8,000. The lower cost reflects the state’s more moderate living expenses, easier access to materials, and competitive contractor market. The milder climate also means standard exterior paints often suffice, keeping material costs in check.

These regional price differences remind us why national averages only tell part of the story – your location plays a crucial role in determining your final project cost.

Breakdown of Brick House Painting Expenses

The expenses for painting a brick house are categorized into materials, labor, and pressure washing.

Materials Needed

Planning your brick painting supplies starts with understanding the basic coverage math. Picture this: for every 250 square feet of brick surface, you’ll need two key players – one gallon of primer and one gallon of paint. Let’s break down what this means for your wallet.

Primer sets the foundation, ranging from $7 to $15 per gallon. Think of it as preparing your canvas – it helps the paint stick better and last longer. The paint itself requires a bigger investment, typically between $30 and $70 per gallon, depending on quality and brand.

For perspective, let’s consider a 2,500-square-foot home. You’re looking at a materials budget between $370 and $850 just for the primer and paint. If you’re planning to tackle this as a DIY project, don’t forget the supporting cast – you’ll need to add about $100 for essential supplies like:

  • Paint trays for easy application
  • Quality brushes for detail work
  • Painter’s tape for clean edges
  • Drop cloths to protect surrounding areas
  • Caulk for sealing gaps

Remember to think carefully about your color choices and stain preferences before purchasing. Some specialty colors and finishes command premium prices, which could shift your final cost higher within these ranges.

Labor Costs

Professional brick painting involves more than just applying paint – it’s a comprehensive service that requires skill, experience, and proper preparation. When you hire experts, expect hourly rates between $150 and $350, with the exact cost varying based on your contractor’s expertise and location.

This labor cost covers several essential steps in the painting process:

  • Detailed project planning and assessment
  • Thorough surface preparation
  • Removal of existing paint or coatings
  • Professional caulking of gaps and cracks
  • Initial setup of equipment and materials
  • Complete post-project cleanup

Consider that what might look like “just painting” actually involves multiple specialized phases. Each step requires professional attention to ensure your brick’s longevity and the paint job’s durability. Proper preparation by experts helps prevent future issues like peeling, bubbling, or uneven coverage.

Think of it like this: while the hourly rate might seem substantial, you’re paying for years of experience, professional-grade equipment, and the assurance that each crucial step will be handled correctly the first time.

Pressure Washing Fees

Professional pressure washing lays critical groundwork before painting brick. This service adds $35-$100 to project costs based on home size and condition.

High-powered washing strips away:

  • Years of dirt buildup
  • Moss growth
  • Loose mortar
  • Surface debris

This step ensures paint bonds properly with clean brick, improving both immediate appearance and long-term durability. Clean surfaces mean better paint adhesion, extending the finish lifespan significantly.

Cost variables include:

  • Building height
  • Equipment needs
  • Dirt accumulation level
  • Stain severity

Think of pressure washing as insurance for your paint investment. Proper surface prep prevents common paint failures and helps achieve professional-quality results.

Costs Based on Finish Options for a Brick House

When choosing a finish for painting brick exteriors, various options are available to enhance your home’s appearance

Standard Paint

Applying a standard paint coat to brick costs about $7,000. Keep in mind that painted brick will eventually fade and chip, necessitating repainting every seven to 10 years

Whitewashing Technique

Whitewashing gives your home a rustic or vintage look by applying diluted white paint to the brick, highlighting its texture. This method costs between $2,225 and $4,000 for a 2,500-square-foot brick house.

Limewashing Method

Limewashing involves applying a thin layer of chalky, bright white, or tinted paint made with water, hydrated masonry lime, and salt. You can choose to leave some original brick exposed for stylistic purposes. Limewashing a brick house costs about $2,000.

German Schmear Technique

German Schmear, costing between $1,500 and $3,000, involves applying a white wash to dark-colored brick. It’s a viable option for DIY enthusiasts who can dedicate time to the project. Note that this technique isn’t suitable for painted or varnished brick.

Cost of Painting a Brick House Per Square Foot

Painting a brick house involves costs that generally fall between $1.40 and $4.20 per square foot. For an exterior spanning 2,500 square feet, the expense typically ranges from $3,500 to $10,500, with an average cost of approximately $7,000
table

Cost of Painting a Brick House Per Square Foot

The cost of painting a house can be influenced by several variables, including the number of paint coats required. Typically, expect to pay your painting contractor a deposit of 20% to 30% upfront, although payment schedules can differ between companies

Painting vs. Staining: Cost Comparison

The average expense to paint a brick house ranges from $3,500 to $10,500, with the national norm being $7,000. In contrast, staining a brick exterior costs between $1,200 and $10,000 on average or $1 to $4 per square foot. Painting might be pricier, but local costs may make staining a more affordable option. Factors such as brick condition and house size will also affect costs.

DIY Painting: Is It Worth It?

Painting brick yourself saves labor costs but requires investment in materials and significant time. A medium home takes 3-4 days, larger homes up to a week, weather permitting.

Initial Expenses:

  • Pressure washer: $40/day rental or $100-$380 purchase
  • Paint/primer (2,500 sq ft): $370-$850
  • Paint sprayer rental: $430/week
  • Ladder/scaffold rental: $130-$160 each

The project demands proper surface preparation and working at heights. Consider safety requirements and your comfort level with elevated work. Weather conditions impact timeline and results.

Additional Opportunities: While equipment is on hand, consider related projects like deck painting ($2-$5 per square foot).

This DIY approach trades professional expertise for cost savings, requiring careful planning and proper safety measures.

DIY vs. Professional Painting

Hiring a painting contractor might offer better value, as professionals bring expertise and equipment to ensure high-quality, lasting results. They often receive better paint rates due to bulkpurchasing. Professional painting services cost $1.40 to $4.20 per square foot, covering labor and materials

Painting Brick: Pros and Cons

Painting a brick house can enhance its aesthetic appeal, but it’s important to note that paint may reduce the brick’s lifespan if moisture is trapped. Regular maintenance is necessary to prevent issues like flaking and blistering.

Choosing Paint Application Techniques

When considering whether to roll or spray paint on brick, evaluate the advantages and disadvantages to determine the best method for your home

Selecting Your Brick House Color

Consider various factors when deciding on the color to paint your brick house to ensure it complements the overall look and feel of your home.