Melbourne has streets full of red, brown and cream brick homes, and at some point most owners wonder whether painting the brick would modernise the place. It can look stunning. It is also one of the few painting decisions that is very hard to undo.
Here is what to weigh up before painting brickwork, and the alternatives worth considering first.
Painting brick is close to permanent
Once brick is painted, it stays painted. Stripping paint off brick is slow, expensive and can damage the face of the bricks, especially on older homes with softer bricks. From then on you are committed to repainting every so often, where unpainted brick needed nothing.
That is not a reason to avoid it, but it should be a deliberate decision rather than a quick cosmetic fix.
The moisture question
Brick walls need to breathe. Older Melbourne homes, particularly solid brick construction from before the 1930s, rely on moisture passing out through the masonry. Seal that surface with the wrong paint and moisture can get trapped inside the wall, leading to bubbling paint, damp patches and damage to the mortar.
If you do paint brick, it needs a breathable, vapour-permeable masonry system rather than a standard exterior acrylic. This is the single most common mistake on painted brick.
Check for heritage controls
Many inner Melbourne suburbs sit within heritage overlays, and some include external paint controls. Painting previously unpainted brick is often exactly what those controls exist to prevent. Check your property’s planning details with your council before committing.
When painting brick makes sense
- The brick has already been painted, so the decision was made long ago
- The brickwork is patchy after extensions, repairs or removed render
- The bricks are a colour that dates the house and you plan to stay
- The wall has non-matching bricks from past alterations
When to leave it alone
- The brick is in good condition and characteristic of the home’s era
- The property is in a heritage overlay with paint controls
- There are existing damp problems that have not been diagnosed
- You may sell soon and buyers in your area favour original brick
The alternatives
| Option | What it involves | Reversible? |
|---|---|---|
| Paint | Masonry paint over prepared brick | No |
| Render | A cement-based coat over the brick, then painted | No |
| Bagging | A thin mortar wash softening the brick texture | No |
| Limewash | A mineral wash that weathers back over time | Partly |
| Clean only | Pressure washing and repointing | Yes |
Plenty of tired-looking brick homes simply need a proper clean and fresh mortar. It is worth seeing what the brick looks like cleaned before deciding to cover it.
How painted brick is done properly
- Diagnose and fix any damp or drainage problems first
- Repair and repoint damaged mortar
- Clean the brickwork thoroughly and let it dry fully
- Apply a suitable masonry sealer or primer
- Apply two coats of a breathable masonry paint
- Keep records of the products used for future maintenance
Rushing the preparation on brick shows quickly, because any trapped moisture pushes the paint straight back off.
Colours that work
Soft whites and warm off-whites are the most popular choice and make a home feel larger. Mid and dark greys suit modern extensions and pair well with black window frames. Heritage homes often look best in muted, period-appropriate tones rather than stark white.
Talk it through first
Expert Painting and Renovation is a family-run, Aussie-local company based in Richmond, with more than 9 years of experience. We will tell you honestly whether painting your brick is the right call, and what the alternatives would look like.
We offer exterior painting, rendering and house painting across Melbourne. See the areas we cover on our service areas page.
FAQ
Can painted brick be returned to natural brick?
Rarely without damage. Paint removal from brick is slow, costly and can harm the brick face.
What paint should be used on brick?
A breathable masonry paint system, not a standard exterior acrylic, so moisture can still escape the wall.
How long does painted brick last?
Typically similar to other exterior surfaces, around 7 to 10 years, depending on exposure and preparation.
Do I need council approval?
Possibly, if your property is in a heritage overlay with external paint controls. Check before starting.
Related guides
Thinking about painting your brick home? Contact Expert Painting and Renovation for honest advice.
About Expert Painting & Renovation
Expert Painting and Renovation is an Aussie-local, family-run company based in Richmond, Melbourne, with more than 9 years of experience in residential and commercial painting and renovation. Our specialists deliver premium workmanship, timely service and durable finishes designed for Melbourne homes.
- Ceiling crack repairs
- Sagging ceiling restoration
- Water‑damaged ceiling repairs
- Cornice replacement
- Full plastering services
- Interior & exterior painting
- Weatherboard restoration
- Deck & timber maintenance
- Roof painting
- Rendering & texture coating
- Commercial Painting
- Plastering Services
- House Painting
Whether you need maintenance advice, a single-room refresh or a full home makeover, our team is just a call away.
đź“Ť Our Service Areas Across Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, Surf Coast & Phillip Island
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