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Architecture/Dull Gray Brick Front House with White Trim

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Expert: - 3/22/2010


Question

Gray Brick House
I'm buying a beautiful brick front ranch, except it has not curb appeal.   The brick is gray and is very dull.   What can I do to spruce it up.   It there a clear coat I can put on it to brighten it up?   The white trim doesn't add anything to the front either.   I will have to get permission from HOA, but I was thinking about painting trim black,  The windows have brick trim around them because i had also thought of adding black shutters.  Any ideas on what I can do.

Answer
Thank you Sandra for your question. Adding a clear coat to your brick will not spruce it's look unfortunately. Clear coats are often used as water repellents for landscaping products, not for masonry. It could harm the brick causing it to crack and it's surface will peel off on its own. I don't recommend this procedure.

Painting the trim black in addition to the black shutters is a good idea to enhance the masonry. You could also try to find stone window sills in limestone, or white marble stone, that could match your keystone, a good way to make the windows stand out with richness. The windows may remain white, for it is a neutral color and will help accent the black shutters.

One popular trend that designers have often shared with me is matching the main entrance door and the garage door with the trims and roofing color. Therefore, changing the doors to black will create a very valuable addition to your home.

These helpful hints remain within a "humanly reasonable" budget and will do wonders to your new home.

If your budget permits, and if you sustain that the gray brick needs a defined change all in all, you may address yourself to your local brick and stone distributor and ask them to refer to you a company that specializes in staining brick. These specialists may change your brick into any color you wish, but beware, this is a high cost procedure. Staining brick gives you the liberty of having the exact color you want and is usually accompanied by a 25 year guarantee (more or less depending on company policy). Don't go to your hardware store to buy paint to simply paint the brick over, it will peel off in less than two years, and as the clear coat, may harm your brick the same way as described earlier.

I hope this helps, and good luck with your project.

Joan Miller

Joan Miller

Expertise

Bricks and Stones have always been my passion. There are thousands of products to choose from and to learn about. If you need to know the specifics about bricks and stones, I will be more than happy to answer any questions about the masonry world as in how it is made, how to install it, specifications and quality.

Experience

I have been employed by brick and stone distributors for the past 24 years, meaning I have access to all sorts of information provided by the manufacturers that enables me to guide homebuilders and architects to make the best choice for their projects.

Organizations
Member of the APCHQ

Publications
none

Education/Credentials
Masonry Specialist. Commercial and Industrial specialty. DEC in Commercial Business.

Awards and Honors
none

Past/Present Clients
Major Homebuilders, Masonry Contractors, Architects.

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