Brick homes are a staple of Australian architecture—classic, durable, and built to last. But over time, even the most solid brick façade can start to look dated or weather-worn. If your home’s exterior is starting to feel tired, a quality paint job might be just what it needs. More homeowners are choosing to paint their brick homes to modernise the look, boost street appeal, and protect their property from Melbourne’s unpredictable weather. With the right residential painters in Melbourne who are also professionally licensed painters in Melbourne, painting a brick house can offer transformative results. Here’s what you need to know about painting brick houses and the pros and cons of DIY vs using exterior painting services. Let’s dive in.
Why Paint a Brick Home?
Brick is a sturdy, timeless building material—but that doesn’t mean it always looks fresh. Painting your brick house can provide several advantages:
- Modernise outdated finishes: Painting over dated red or orange brick can instantly give your home a sleek, contemporary appearance. Shades like crisp white, warm greys or even bold blacks are popular in Melbourne suburbs like Brighton, Northcote and Kew.
- Improve curb appeal: A clean, cohesive colour palette can elevate your home’s presence—especially helpful if you’re planning to sell.
- Add protection from the elements: Specialised masonry paints form a barrier against moisture, UV damage, and dirt, helping to extend the life of your exterior.
- Create uniformity after repairs: Painting can help hide patched bricks or mismatched extensions and renovations.
When done properly, brick painting offers a modern update that lasts for years—especially when backed by high-quality exterior painting services.
It’s Not Like Painting Any Other Surface
Painting brick isn’t the same as painting timber weatherboards or plaster walls. Bricks are porous, textured, and sometimes uneven. That means prep and product choice are everything.
Here’s what makes brick painting different:
- Thorough cleaning is essential: Brick must be cleaned with high-pressure water and sometimes mild acid to remove grime, mildew, and efflorescence (white salt deposits).
- Repairs come first: Any cracks or damaged mortar joints must be fixed before paint is applied.
- Priming matters: Masonry primers ensure better paint adhesion and seal the porous surface.
- Masonry paint is a must: Standard exterior paints won’t hold up long-term. Brick requires breathable, flexible paint that allows moisture to escape without peeling or cracking.
This is where engaging licensed painters in Melbourne can save you a lot of stress (and money). They understand the right systems, primers, and topcoats needed for Melbourne’s unique conditions and can guarantee a finish that won’t peel after one season.
DIY vs Professional: Should You Tackle It Yourself?
There’s no shortage of online tutorials claiming brick painting is a weekend DIY job—but the reality is, this kind of project is time-consuming and physically demanding. Consider:
DIY Pros:
- Can save on upfront labour costs
- More control over timing and execution
DIY Cons:
- Risk of uneven or patchy coverage
- Lack of knowledge around proper masonry preparation and breathable products
- High chance of paint failure if not applied correctly
- Potential damage to heritage bricks or mortar
Professional residential painters in Melbourne bring years of experience to the table, using specialist tools like airless sprayers, scaffolding, and moisture meters. They also offer warranties on workmanship—something DIY can’t provide.
Why Repairs and Painting Should Go Hand-in-Hand
It’s not uncommon to discover minor issues—like cracked bricks, flaking mortar, or water damage—during surface prep. Choosing a team that offers both exterior painting services and general repairs gives you a complete solution in one go.
From minor render fixes to roof tile touch-ups or even timber trims, the ability to tackle multiple areas of concern ensures your home isn’t just painted—it’s protected.
This integrated approach is especially valuable for older brick homes across suburbs like Hawthorn, Williamstown, and the Mornington Peninsula, where salt exposure and seasonal shifts can take a toll.
Ready for a Colour Change?
If you’re painting brick, it’s the perfect time to rethink your colour scheme. Some trends gaining traction across Melbourne include:
- Soft neutrals: Timeless and versatile, shades like sandy beige and off-white offer a clean finish.
- Dark and moody: Deep grey, charcoal and navy work beautifully with modern landscaping and metal accents.
- Two-tone combos: Try a dark body colour with contrasting white trims or natural timber highlights.
The right palette not only complements your architecture—it adds serious value to your property overall.
A Modern Look with Lasting Results
Painting your brick home is more than just a visual upgrade—it’s a smart investment in protection, longevity, and property value. Whether you’re aiming for a contemporary look or simply want to give your exterior a clean, refreshed finish, working with experienced residential painters in Melbourne ensures the job is done right. From surface prep to the final coat, quality exterior painting services make all the difference. And with the added expertise of licensed painters in Melbourne who also provide maintenance and repair services, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your brick home is both stylish and structurally sound—ready to face every Melbourne season in style.
