Brick Painting and Masonry Painting
in Central Indiana
Painting brick is a decision worth thinking through carefully, and we’ll be upfront about that. Done well with the right products and preparation, painted brick looks intentional and holds up for a long time.
Done poorly, it creates moisture problems and maintenance headaches that are difficult and expensive to reverse. If you’re considering painting your brick home or commercial building in Central Indiana, here’s an honest look at what’s involved and what to expect from a professional job.
Should You Paint Your Brick?
This is the question most homeowners start with, and it’s a fair one. Brick has natural moisture management properties that paint can interfere with if the wrong product is used or if the surface isn’t prepared correctly.
Brick is porous by design, and that porosity allows it to absorb and release moisture without trapping it. A paint film that’s too rigid or too thick can trap moisture behind the surface, which eventually leads to spalling, efflorescence, and other problems.
That said, millions of brick homes across the country are painted and performing well because the job was done with materials that allow the wall to breathe.
Mineral-based paints and high-quality masonry-specific products can be applied to brick in a way that respects the material’s properties.
When does painting brick make sense? Generally when the brick has already been painted and needs a fresh coat, when the brick is in good structural condition but has significant color variation or staining that affects the home’s appearance, or when a homeowner simply wants a different aesthetic and understands the commitment.
Painted brick is largely a permanent choice, and we’ll talk through that with you honestly before any work begins. When does it not make sense? If the brick has active moisture intrusion, significant efflorescence, or structural cracks, those issues need to be addressed first. Painting over a problem doesn’t fix it, and we won’t recommend doing so.
Preparing Brick for Paint
Preparation is the most important part of any masonry painting project.
Brick that isn’t properly cleaned and primed will reject paint no matter how good the product is.
We start with power washing to remove dirt, algae, mildew, and any existing loose paint.
Brick that has been painted before needs special attention to ensure the old coating is stable.
If there’s flaking or peeling, it has to come off before anything new goes on.
After washing and a full dry-out period, we inspect the mortar joints for cracks or deterioration.
Damaged mortar should be tuck-pointed before painting.
Once the surface is clean and structurally sound, we apply a masonry primer designed specifically for brick.
The primer seals the surface, blocks efflorescence, and creates a uniform base for the topcoat.
The Right Paint Makes All the Difference
We use masonry-specific exterior paints from Sherwin-Williams, PPG, and Benjamin Moore on every brick project.
These products are formulated to flex with the surface, resist moisture, and breathe rather than seal the brick off entirely.
For most brick painting projects, we’re looking at a product with good alkali resistance, since masonry is naturally alkaline and can break down standard paints from beneath over time.
We’ll walk you through the product we recommend for your specific project during the estimate and explain why.
Masonry Beyond Brick
The same principles that apply to brick apply to other masonry surfaces: concrete block, poured concrete walls, and stone.
Heritage Painting handles all exterior masonry painting, whether that’s a full brick home, a concrete foundation, a retaining wall, or a combination of masonry surfaces on a commercial building.
The preparation and product requirements vary by material, and we assess each project individually.
Commercial Masonry Painting
Brick and masonry are common on older commercial buildings throughout Central Indiana, and a fresh exterior coat can significantly change how a building reads from the street.
We work with property owners, property managers, and commercial clients on masonry exterior projects of all sizes, including multi-building properties.
Our commercial team handles scheduling flexibility, including after-hours and weekend work when needed, to minimize disruption to tenants and operations.
Color Consultation Included
Choosing a color for brick is different from choosing a color for siding.
The texture, the mortar joint color, the surrounding landscaping, and the architectural style of the building all factor into what’s going to look right.
Our in-house color consultant, Emily King, has a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design and is included on every Heritage project at no additional charge.
For exterior projects, we also provide two free virtual renderings so you can see how a color will look on your actual building before committing.
Related Brick and Masonry Painting Services
Serving Central Indiana
Heritage Painting is based in Tipton, Indiana, and serves residential and commercial clients throughout Central Indiana, including Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Kokomo, Lafayette, and beyond.
We’re veteran and firefighter-owned, BBB-accredited, and celebrating 17 years of experience.
If you have brick or masonry that needs painting, reach out for a free estimate. We’ll give you a straight answer on what the project involves and what to expect.