Brick painting has become one of the most requested exterior transformations in Utah, particularly for homes built in the 1970s-90s with dated orange, brown, or red brick that feels out of step with current design aesthetics. Painted brick can completely transform a home's appearance—making it look larger, brighter, more contemporary, and significantly more valuable. But brick painting is also controversial: done incorrectly, it can trap moisture, cause spalling (brick face deterioration), and create maintenance nightmares that owners regret for decades.
Professional brick painting in Utah requires deep understanding of masonry science. Brick is porous and constantly moves moisture—water vapor from inside the home migrates outward, while rain and snow approach from outside. Successful brick coatings must be vapor-permeable (breathable) while also being water-resistant—a seeming contradiction that only specialized masonry paints achieve. We've painted hundreds of brick homes across the Wasatch Front using products and techniques that respect brick's natural properties while delivering the modern aesthetic Utah homeowners desire.
What Makes This Service Different
Breathable Masonry Systems
We use only vapor-permeable masonry paints: they allow interior moisture to escape, prevent water intrusion from outside, won't trap moisture that causes spalling, maintain flexibility through freeze-thaw cycles, and include anti-efflorescence agents that prevent white mineral staining.
Comprehensive Brick Assessment
Not all brick should be painted. We evaluate brick condition before committing: check for existing moisture problems, test mortar joint integrity, identify spalling or deteriorating brick, assess whether painting will solve or create problems, and provide honest recommendations even if it means not painting.
Permanent Transformation
Brick painting is essentially permanent—removing paint from brick is difficult and expensive. We help homeowners understand the commitment: discuss color options that have long-term appeal, show portfolio of completed projects, explain maintenance requirements, and ensure the decision aligns with both current desires and future resale considerations.
Included With Every Project
Every Utah home we service receives the same concierge-level preparation, protection, and follow-through. Here's what you can expect for this specific service:
- Complete brick and mortar inspection
- Professional pressure washing
- Mortar joint repair and repointing as needed
- Efflorescence treatment and sealing
- Breathable masonry primer
- Two coats of vapor-permeable masonry paint
- Coordination with trim, windows, and doors
- Long-term maintenance guidance
Proven Process
Brick Condition Evaluation
We inspect brick and mortar thoroughly: check for moisture problems or efflorescence, test mortar hardness and integrity, identify any spalling or damaged brick, assess whether brick is suitable for painting, and document condition with photos and moisture readings.
Surface Preparation
Brick prep is extensive: pressure wash to remove dirt and organic growth, repair or repoint deteriorated mortar joints, treat efflorescence with cleaners and sealers, remove any peeling previous coatings, and allow 5-7 days minimum for drying.
Strategic Priming
We apply masonry primers that penetrate porous brick, seal surface while maintaining breathability, block efflorescence and tannins, provide uniform base for topcoats, and fill minor texture variations for smoother finish.
Professional Paint Application
We spray brick for complete coverage in mortar joints and texture, back-brush or roll to ensure penetration, apply two full coats for opacity and protection, mask all trim and windows carefully, and coordinate color with architectural details for cohesive result.