To Paint A Brick Wall

There’s often a temptation, when renovating an older home, to start fresh by covering everything up. In this case, I could have rendered the original brickwork, creating a smooth and more contemporary finish. But sometimes, the best design decision is not to erase what’s there, but to enhance it.

By choosing to paint the existing brick instead, the result retained a sense of authenticity while still feeling refreshed and contemporary. The natural texture of the brickwork became a feature in its own right, catching light and adding interest across the façade. Rendering would have meant additional cost, more time on site, and ultimately the loss of that original character that gives a home its story.

What made this approach successful was selecting a paint system that did more than just add colour. A subtle textured coating helped soften imperfections while still allowing the brick pattern to come through. It offered protection from the elements and delivered a refined, matte finish that feels current without being overly polished.

For this project, a crisp white was the natural choice. It lifted the entire home, creating a clean backdrop that highlights architectural details while keeping the overall look calm and timeless. The Armawall ® Texture system was here applied as a base coat with additional layers of colour, though newer formulations now offer even more flexibility with top coat options in a range of bases. Armawall offers a premium texture system promising long-lasting surface protection with a highquality finish. The new additions to the range help designers and specifiers meet requirements of buildings from an aesthetic and structural viewpoint. Their matt finishes masks imperfections whilst also highlighting interesting features of the building which can be highlighted.

But the real test of any exterior finish is how it performs over time. More than three years on, the paint job of our renovation still looks as fresh as the day it was completed, no peeling, no visible wear, just a consistent, durable finish that continues to elevate the home.

For those considering painting their own brickwork, a few practical decisions can make all the difference. Here are some basic tips:

1. Start with proper preparation:

   Brick is porous and often holds dust, salts and moisture. A thorough clean, and allowing the wall to fully dry, ensures the paint system bonds properly and performs over time.

2. Choose a system, not just a colour:

   It’s easy to focus on the shade, but the real value lies in the coating itself. Look for products that offer breathability, durability and a finish that can soften imperfections without flattening the texture completely.

3. Respect the texture:

   Avoid heavy applications that fill the joints and smooth everything out. The beauty of painted brick lies in its depth and variation, so aim for a finish that enhances rather than hides it.

It’s a simple reminder that good design is not just about what you see on day one. Choosing quality materials and finishes ensures that the result not only looks right, but lasts.

Watch the stunning renovation of an 'ugly duckling' into a 'beautiful swan' - James Bought A House is free to stream on YouTube.

James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information. Learn more from James' knowledge via his FREE online shows James Bought A House (a renovation) and James Bought A Guest House (a brand new build).