Brick Painting & LimeWashing

Why Consider Limewashing?

• Breathable finish — allows moisture to escape
• Natural, aged aesthetic — not a coated look
• Low maintenance — no peeling or cracking
• Eco-conscious — made from natural materials

We adjust the level of opacity based on your preference — from a light wash to a more solid finish — always tailored to your home’s architecture and brick tone.

Limewashing is still relatively uncommon in our region, but it’s a high-performing, long-lasting finish with deep roots in European architecture and other areas of the U.S. For inspiration or to better understand the look, we often recommend browsing product lines such as Romabio and Portola Paints.

Limewash can also be used on interior brick surfaces, where it’s often preferred by designers and homeowners alike for its natural texture and subtle elegance. Unlike exterior use, interior limewash requires virtually no maintenance — making it an excellent choice for fireplaces, accent walls, and feature areas.

When is Brick Painting Appropriate?

• When the brick’s color or pattern is undesirable
• When sealing is needed to address moisture problems
• When a fully uniform or modern look is the goal
• When the brick has been previously painted

If painting is your preferred option — or if the brick has already been painted — we know exactly how to approach it. Brick can hold paint well when it’s properly prepared and maintained. However, if and when it begins to peel, thorough surface prep is essential — because any new coating will only adhere as well as the layer beneath it.

We tuckpoint as needed, remove any loose or failing paint, and apply a high-performance masonry primer such as Sherwin-Williams Loxon. From there, we finish with either a premium exterior paint or an elastomeric coating based on the surface and conditions.

That said, this guidance pertains specifically to brick. Block surfaces — such as those found on commercial and industrial buildings — are often ideal candidates for painting, and usually benefit both functionally and aesthetically from it.