If you’re thinking about updating your home’s brick exterior, you’re probably wondering, how long is this actually going to take?
Most brick exterior painting projects in Raleigh take about 7–14 days on average. However, depending on your home, materials, and the type of finish you choose, that timeline can look a little different.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through exactly what affects the timeline, what to expect, and how long your specific project might take.
In This Post
Average Time to Paint a Brick Exterior
For most homes in the Raleigh area, painting a brick exterior typically takes:
- 7–14 days on average
- 4–5 days for smaller, one-story ranch homes
The reason there’s such a range comes down to prep work, weather, and the type of coating used. Brick isn’t like siding or drywall. It requires more care to get a long-lasting, even finish.
Keep in mind, these timelines are based on painting brick, trim, shutters, doors, etc… the entire exterior. However, if you are only looking to paint the brick exterior itself, these estimated timelines can be cut down by about half.
What Impacts the Timeline of Painting Brick Exterior?
Prep Work (This Is the Big One)
Before any exterior paint goes on brick, the surface needs to be fully prepped.
This includes:
- Power washing
- Drying time (see note below for specific recommendations)
- Repairs or sealing cracks
- Priming (depending on the product)
This step alone can take several days, but it’s what makes the finish last, so don’t skip it or rush it.
A quick note on drying time: The drying time needed for brick depends on the type of paint you’re using. Lime washes and mineral paints actually need the brick surface slightly damp to work properly. Here at Oak City Coatings, we will pre-wet the brick with the hose before application. For Elastomeric and Latex Paints, you do need the surface completely dry, or the product will fail. Those two types of products are not breathable enough for moisture to escape.
When trying to nail down your timeline, it’s important to know which type of paint you’ll be using and the specific drying requirements for it.
Weather in Raleigh
The weather in Raleigh can be humid and rainy, which can really slow things down. For some brick paints, like elastomeric and latex paints, the brick needs to be completely dry before painting. Lime washes and mineral paints need the brick to be slightly damp, so a little bit of moisture can actually work in your favor with those products. Certain products also require specific temperature ranges to cure properly, so keep that in mind as well.
Size and Layout of the Home
A larger home or one with multiple stories, detailed trim, or hard-to-reach areas will naturally take longer than a simple ranch-style house.
How Long Does It Take to Paint Brick with Limewash?
If you’re going for a softer, more natural look, limewash is a popular option. Limewash gives a more whitewashed, antique look, allowing the natural brick to shine through.
Estimated timeline:
- Typically 7-14 days total, faster if only doing the brick
Limewash can be a slow process because it takes time to patina. It’s like an art. In the end, it takes about the same amount of time as mineral paint.
Limewash:
- Doesn’t require a traditional primer
- Is a direct-to-brick application
- Absorbs into the brick rather than sitting on top
Limewash also allows for a more breathable finish, which is a big benefit for brick homes.
How Long Does It Take to Paint Brick with Masonry Paint?
Masonry paint creates a more solid, uniform finish on brick and typically involves a bit more of a process.
Estimated timeline:
- Typically 7–14 days
Masonry products like mineral paints and elastomeric paints:
- Don’t require a traditional primer
- Are usually direct-to-brick application
- Require multiple coats
- Need ample dry time between coats
On the other hand, acrylic latex exterior paint does require a primer.
Masonry paint gives a durable, long-lasting finish that completely transforms the look of your home.
If you’re trying to decide between finishes, check out our guide on Limewash vs Masonry Paint.
Is Painting a Brick Exterior Worth It?
Painting brick can completely change the look of your home, but it’s not the right choice for everyone.
Some homeowners love:
- The updated, modern appearance of painted brick
- Increased curb appeal
- Long-term protection
However, there are a few things to consider before painting brick. Once you paint brick, it’s really hard to go back. Sure, you can always paint over it with a different color, but once it’s painted, it’s difficult (and expensive) to go back to the natural brick, so just make sure you’re 100% set before making a decision.
Painted brick homes also require a bit more maintenance to keep clean and looking nice. This will require routine power washing and touch-ups as needed.
You also want to make sure you use a high-quality paint specifically formulated for brick. We always recommend Romabio Limewash and Masonry Paints. You can learn why we love it and recommend it to our clients in this blog post.
Here is a recent brick transformation:
What to Expect During the Brick Exterior Painting Process
Here’s a simple breakdown of what your timeline might look like when painting your brick home:
- Day 1: Power washing + cleaning
- Day 2-3: Drying + prep work
- Day 3-10+: Painting or limewashing application. Less depending on if we do the trim, doors, shutters, etc, or just the brick.
- Final Days: Touch-ups + walkthrough
Every home is a little different, but this gives you a realistic idea of what to expect.
Ready to Paint Your Brick Exterior?
If you’re thinking about painting your brick home and want a clear timeline for your specific home and project, the best next step is to get a customized quote. We’ll take a look at your home, assess the prep work and products needed, walk through your options, and give you a realistic timeframe based on your goals.
Contact Oak City Coatings today to get started on your brick home’s transformation!
