Expert: Joan Miller - 7/31/2009

Question
We bought a home 3 years ago that was built in 1977.  We need to update the exterior.  Currently we have a darker, dated, brown brick and I would like to lighten it up.  Friends have suggested stucco but I would prefer to lighten up the brick.  I think we have much potential.  Your thoughts?

Answer
Thank you for your question Bryan. If you choose to lighten up your brick, it is possible to do so. I suggest that you first contact a brick and stone distributor in your location. Ask them for a reference concerning a company that specializes in "staining" brick. Staining brick is a long lasting solution. The specialist applies the stain, like a coat of paint, over the brick and the results last for over 25 years. I must admit it is costly at first, but it opens the doors to a large variety of color choices, and most companies guarantee their work too. Beware, some may suggest to you to head over to the hardware store to purchase specialized paints that are used to paint over masonry products, a sort of "do it yourself" method. I STRONGLY don't recommend this procedure for the paint will prevent the brick from "breathing" resulting in having the paint chipping in two years time and the nightmare of seeing the brick chip on it's own too. Hope this helps.

Best regards,

Joan Miller