A brick house can last for decades, even centuries, if well-constructed. No matter how sturdy it is, though, over time, it can start showing signs of unsightly surface wear. A coat of paint will cover that wear, brightening up your home. If you're considering adding it to Atlanta homes for sale, it can even increase resale value. How do you paint brick? Here are a few considerations to help you do it properly and avoid mistakes.

• Moisture. Some say never to paint bricks because they're porous and absorb moisture. Thus, when you paint them, you can trap that moisture between the brick and the water-tight paint layer, which causes damage over time. While true, it can also be avoided by getting special masonry paint designed for hard, porous surfaces such as brick, stone, and concrete. Also called elastodynamic paint, it can wick moisture from the bricks' pores and dissipate it, allowing them to breathe.
  
  
• Weather. The summer and fall months tend to be the best time to paint brick, as the warmer weather and lack of rain ensure the paint dries more quickly. Choose a day forecasted between 50 and 90 degrees, with no rain predicted and as low humidity as possible.
  
  
• Prep. To prepare your bricks for painting, first repair any damage they may have, from patching cracked or chipped bricks to replacing missing ones. Then, clean the bricks using a power washer and let them dry completely—again, any moisture can cause damage. If your bricks are older, consider applying a masonry conditioner. This allows the paint to adhere better to a chalky surface. Finally, apply a sealant. Not only does this keep the moisture out, but many sealants also act as primers that make the paint easier to apply. Use at least two coats of sealant before painting.
  
  
• Color. Softer, neutral colors are usually best for painting brick. Brighter, more vibrant colors are less likely to enhance curb appeal and more likely to be an eyesore. White and gray are often the best options, along with beige or tan. If you want a pop of color, paint the door or the shutters a brighter hue than the actual bricks.
  
  
• Limewash Paint. An inexpensive alternative to traditional paint is limewash. Lime, extracted from limestone, is mixed with water and applied to your bricks, permeating the pores and giving it a chalky, matte finish. It typically creates a white façade but is also available in a variety of other natural colors. It's eco-friendly, low maintenance, and resistant to bacteria. However, it also takes longer to apply than regular paint, as several coats often need to be used to get a consistent color.
  
  
• Whitewash Paint. If you prefer a smoother finish, consider a whitewash paint instead of a limewash. Contrary to its name, it's available in virtually any color, not just white. It's durable and low-maintenance, and unlike limewash, it can be applied to bricks that have already been painted. However, whitewash paint is also more expensive than limewash, plus it's less eco-friendly.
  
  
• Repainting. The one drawback to painting brick is that it requires a bit of upkeep. Over time, the paint can start to chip and peel, ruining that curb appeal. To maintain the aesthetic, you should repaint your bricks every three to five years. The better quality paint you use, though, the longer it will last.

Whether brick, wood, or stucco, if you're looking for a home with great curb appeal, our real estate agents can help you find it. Contact us to get started in finding your dream house.