Painting Exterior Brick Homes in Roswell, GA: What You Need to Know Before You Start

If you’re thinking about painting exterior brick homes in Roswell, GA, you’re not alone. Many homeowners in this area are seeking ways to enhance their home’s curb appeal without undergoing a full renovation. And brick? It’s one of the most striking materials to refresh with the right prep, paint, and timing.

Whether you’re tired of that outdated red brick, need to cover up old stains, or simply want to give your home a cleaner look, painting can work wonders. But there’s more to it than picking a color and rolling with it.

Let’s walk through everything you need to know before your next exterior painting project.

Key Takeaways:

• Always clean and repair brick before painting to avoid peeling or trapped moisture.
• Use a primer made for masonry to help paint stick and last longer.
• Pick breathable latex paint to handle Roswell’s humid and rainy weather.
• Sprayers cover brick fast, but always brush mortar joints for full coverage.
• Color choice should match trim, roof, and front door for a finished look.

Why Homeowners in Roswell, GA Are Painting Brick More Than Ever

Brick is classic. But it doesn’t always reflect your style or the way your home fits into your neighborhood. Painting exterior brick homes gives homeowners a chance to personalize their space, whether it’s a cozy bungalow in historic Roswell or a larger property in suburban areas like Alpharetta.

Plus, Roswell weather plays a role. Humid summers, rain, and temperature swings can cause mortar joints, brick exteriors, and masonry to wear unevenly. Adding a protective coat of latex paint (with the right primer) can help shield against moisture, rain, and UV exposure.

Things to Consider When Painting Exterior Brick Homes

Before starting any project involving painting exterior brick homes, it’s worth stepping back and thinking through a few key details. The weather, condition of the brickwork, and even your long-term maintenance goals all play a role.

A fresh coat of paint can dramatically improve curb appeal—but skipping prep or choosing the wrong paint can lead to problems down the road. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you get started.

Start Here: Should You Paint That Brick?

Some folks love the natural character of brickwork. Others see stains, cracks, or mismatched repairs and think: “Time to paint.” But painting isn’t always the first move.

If your brick is crumbling or the mortar is severely cracked, it may need repairs first.

If you’re dealing with efflorescence (that chalky white film), it has to be cleaned before paint goes anywhere near it.

Also, think about long-term maintenance. While paint adds protection, it also requires upkeep over time. So if you’re hoping for a “do it once and forget it” situation, you might want to explore whitewash or limewash as alternatives.

Painting brick homes comes with trade-offs, but the right prep and product make it a solid choice for many in Roswell.

Cleaning and Prep: It’s Not Just About Scrubbing

Cleaning might sound boring, but it’s where everything starts. We always pressure wash before painting—but carefully. Old brick can be delicate, and too much pressure can gouge the surface or push water deep into concrete blocks and mortar joints. That moisture gets trapped and leads to peeling paint later.

After cleaning, we repair any cracks in the brick, stucco, or concrete, and always let it fully dry. The timeline depends on recent weather. Georgia’s humidity can slow this down, and yes, that matters.

If you’re curious about other early signs it’s time for a repaint, here’s an informative guide: signs to repaint your house exterior.

Primer: The Unsung Hero of Painted Brick Homes

A lot of DIYers skip this step. Don’t.

Primer helps the paint stick and keeps color consistent across the surface, especially important with porous materials like masonry and concrete.

We use a masonry-specific primer, especially when covering raw brick or old stains. It also blocks out water and keeps moisture from seeping in. Think of it like a base coat for your nails—it makes everything smoother and last longer.

Choosing the Right Paint: Don’t Just Pick a Pretty Color

Picking paint isn’t just about looks—it’s about how it performs. For painting exterior brick homes, we always recommend breathable, high-quality latex paint that can handle Roswell’s weather. It should allow vapor to pass through while resisting rain, mildew, and heat.

This is where you want to think beyond the swatch:

Select a paint type specifically designed for brick exteriors.

Choose the right paint sheen. Go with low sheen—flat or matte hides imperfections better.

Test a small patch first. Light colors can look brighter than expected.

Application: Sprayer or Brush?

Once the prep is done and the primer is dry, you’re ready to paint. We’ve used everything from rollers to sprayers, but the real trick is a combination approach:

• Cut in with a brush along windows, rooflines, and tricky areas.
• Use a sprayer for large, even coverage.
• Always back-roll to push the paint into the mortar joints.

And don’t forget: painting exterior brick homes isn’t a one-and-done task. A second coat is often necessary, especially with lighter colors like white brick for house exterior.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (Especially in Georgia)

In Roswell, you have to work with the weather, not against it. We’ve seen paint jobs go sideways thanks to:

• Painting too soon after rain
• Skipping primer
• Using interior paint outside
• Applying paint on a surface that’s too hot or in direct sunlight

If that sounds like something you want to avoid, you’ll love our post on weather mistakes when painting exterior.

Adding Personality with Color, Trim, and Front Doors

Painted brick is your canvas, but don’t forget the rest of your façade. Coordinating the roof, trim, shutters, and front door makes a huge impact.

• Bold front door colors for brick homes like navy, black, or sage green make a statement.
• Keep contrast balanced—especially if your brick is a deep red or has stain patterns.
• Use white or light trim for a clean, classic finish.

Don’t be afraid to explore subtle tones in the mortar, roofing material, or landscaping. Everything ties together.

What About Inside? Interior Brick Deserves Love, Too

A lot of homes in Roswell have exposed brick fireplaces or basement walls. Interior brick painting follows similar rules, but you’ll want to use different products suited for indoor use. Think low-odor, environmentally friendly formulas, especially for enclosed spaces like the basement.

And yes, primer still matters. Brick inside your home can still pull in moisture, especially in older masonry.

Final Thoughts: Bring Your Brick Back to Life

Painting exterior brick homes in Roswell, GA isn’t just about giving your house a fresh coat—it’s about protecting your home, refreshing your façade, and adding value. Whether you’re dealing with weathered brickwork, trying to modernize that red tone, or just ready for a change, the right paint job can make all the difference.

And with experienced exterior painters in Roswell, GA, you don’t have to go it alone. Let Sharper Impressions Atlanta bring the experience, product knowledge, and care your project deserves.

Our brick painting process:

1. Pressure wash to remove dirt, mildew, and loose debris
2. Repair cracks in brick, stucco, or mortar joints
3. Apply masonry primer for long-lasting adhesion
4. Paint with weather-resistant latex products
5. Add a second coat for durability and even coverage
6. Clean up thoroughly—no mess left behind

We proudly serve Alpharetta, Acworth, GA, and the surrounding areas. Call us at 770-447-0967 for a FREE estimate and let’s talk about your home’s next chapter!

June 14, 2025

About the Author: Joseph Steele

Hi, I’m Joseph Steele, the owner of Sharper Impressions Painting. We proudly offer high-quality interior and exterior painting services for homes and businesses in Atlanta, Columbus, Orlando, Indianapolis, Kansas City, and Nashville. From cabinet painting to deck and fence staining, we’re here to enhance your space. Learn more about us here.