Brick is one of the most common exterior surfaces on Perth homes, yet it is also one of the most misunderstood when it comes to paint selection. The wrong finish can trap moisture, peel within a couple of years, or leave a patchy result that is costly to fix. Getting the product choice right from the start depends on understanding how brick behaves, what the existing surface looks like, and what Perth’s UV and moisture conditions will put it through over time.
Why Brick Behaves Differently From Render or Timber
Brick is porous and textured, which means it absorbs moisture and releases it again as temperatures change. That cycle of expansion and contraction puts a lot of stress on any coating sitting over the surface. A finish that works well on render, where the surface is denser and smoother, may not perform the same way on bare or previously painted brick. Render can be topcoated with a wider range of exterior acrylics, while brick generally needs a coating that can flex slightly and breathe, rather than one that forms a hard, sealed film. Timber has its own movement characteristics entirely and is a separate conversation. Understanding which substrate you are painting is the first decision that shapes everything else.
Is a Flat or Low Sheen Finish Better for Exterior Brick?
For most exterior brick, a low sheen or flat acrylic finish is the practical choice because it minimises the appearance of surface irregularities and allows some moisture vapour to pass through the film. High gloss finishes tend to highlight every crack, mortar line and textural variation in brick, and can look out of place on a residential exterior unless the property specifically suits it. Satin sits between the two and is sometimes used on brick where a slightly more refined look is wanted, though it requires a well prepared surface to read consistently. The finish level should also be matched to the exposure: walls that catch direct afternoon sun all year round in Perth benefit from a product with strong UV resistance. As a general rule of thumb across the trade, a product with a low acrylic resin content or poor UV rating tends to chalk and fade more quickly in high exposure conditions, regardless of sheen level.
What About Texture Coatings and Masonry Paints?
Masonry paints are specifically formulated for high alkalinity surfaces like brick and concrete block, and they are a more suitable base choice than a standard interior or all purpose exterior acrylic. Some masonry paints include a fine texture component that helps fill minor surface imperfections and gives brick a more uniform appearance after painting. Full texture coatings go further, adding significant body to the surface, but they change the character of the brickwork substantially and can be difficult to remove if a future owner wants to return to a lighter finish. Elastomeric coatings, which have a high stretch to flex ratio, are sometimes used on cracked or weathered masonry where minor movement is ongoing. They are effective for that purpose but are not necessary on sound brick in good condition.
How Does Preparation Affect Which Finish You Can Use?
Surface preparation determines which products will actually adhere and perform as expected. Brick that has efflorescence (the white salt deposits that leach through from behind the face) needs to be treated before any coating goes on, because painting over active efflorescence will cause the new paint to lift and bubble within months. Old, chalking paint needs to be removed or abraded back so the new coat has a clean, stable surface to bond to. Mortar joints in poor condition can allow moisture through even a well applied finish if they are left unfilled. Most exterior painting jobs on brick involve cleaning, scraping or sanding, filling cracks and damaged mortar, and applying a suitable primer before the finishing coats. Skipping those steps to save time is one of the most common reasons exterior brick paint fails early.
Does Previously Painted Brick Change the Options?
Brick that has been painted before presents a different set of decisions. If the existing coating is in good condition and well adhered, it can usually be overcoated with a compatible product after cleaning and minor repairs. If the existing paint is peeling, flaking or showing widespread adhesion failure, the question becomes how much needs to come off before repainting can begin. Removing paint from brick is generally labour intensive work, and the approach taken will depend on the type of coating and its condition. The existing finish type also matters: a cement based paint behaves differently to an acrylic masonry paint, and using the wrong primer over the top can cause compatibility problems. A painter assessing a previously painted brick surface will look at the existing coating’s condition and type before recommending how to proceed, rather than simply painting over whatever is there.
What to Know Before Repainting Your Brick Exterior in Perth
Perth’s climate is a genuine factor in product selection, not just a talking point. Strong UV radiation accelerates the breakdown of exterior coatings, particularly on north and west facing walls that receive sun for most of the day. A quality exterior masonry paint with a high acrylic resin content and good UV resistance will generally outlast a lower grade product by several years in these conditions. Repainting your home exterior in Perth covers the broader factors that affect how a job should be approached, from recognising when the surface needs attention through to paint system selection and what to check before work begins. For brick specifically, breathability and UV resistance are the two properties worth prioritising above sheen level or brand preference.
Getting a Quote for Exterior Brick Painting
The cost and scope of painting exterior brick varies depending on the size of the area, the condition of the existing surface, how much preparation is needed, and whether mortar repairs or efflorescence treatment are required. A quote that does not account for preparation is unlikely to deliver a lasting result, so it is worth asking specifically what prep work is included before comparing prices. Recommended Painters WA assesses the condition of each surface before painting, completes the preparation required for the job, and selects suitable exterior paint systems with Perth’s sun, weather exposure and surface conditions in mind. If you have brick walls that need repainting, including previously painted surfaces or brick with visible cracking or weathering, our exterior painting service in Perth is the right starting point. You can also call us on 0412 691 750 or email karlos@paintperth.com to discuss the job before committing to anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any exterior acrylic paint on brick?
Not all exterior acrylics are suitable for brick. Brick is alkaline and porous, so a masonry specific or high alkali resistant formula is a better choice than a general exterior acrylic. Using the wrong product can lead to adhesion failure, colour change from alkaline bleed through, or premature peeling.
Do I need a primer before painting exterior brick?
In most cases, yes. Bare brick or brick with deteriorating paint generally benefits from a suitable masonry primer before the finish coat is applied. Primer helps the topcoat adhere properly, seals the porous surface to reduce product absorption, and can address minor alkalinity issues before they affect the finish.
Will painting my brick walls cause moisture problems?
Using a non-breathable or fully waterproofing coating on brick that has ongoing moisture movement from inside the wall can cause paint to lift or bubbling to appear behind the film. A breathable masonry finish reduces this risk. If the brick has known damp or rising moisture issues, those problems should be investigated before painting is carried out.
How many coats does exterior brick typically need?
The number of finish coats required depends on the porosity of the brick, the degree of colour change, and how evenly the surface absorbs the product. Highly porous brick or a significant colour shift will often require more coats than a previously painted surface in good condition. The exact number should be confirmed during the quoting process, as it affects both the cost and the durability of the finished result.
Can I paint feature brick the same way as full rendered walls?
Feature brick panels and full rendered walls often need different primers and sometimes different topcoat formulations because the surfaces have different porosity, texture and alkalinity levels. Applying a render specific product to bare brick without checking compatibility first is a common source of adhesion problems on mixed material exteriors.
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