Painting a Brick House in Newcastle: Costs, Colours & Process

Yes, you can paint a brick house, and a painted brick house can look fresh and modern. The result depends on three things: sound brick, the right preparation, and a breathable masonry paint system. First, the brick is cleaned and repaired. Next, it is sealed with a masonry primer. Then a flexible exterior coating goes on. This guide covers whether to paint brick, how it is done, the best colours, and the cost in Newcastle. It builds on our exterior painting in Newcastle service.

Should you paint your brick house?

Painting brick is a big change, so weigh it up first. The upside is real: a painted brick house looks modern, hides patched or mismatched brick, and gains a weather layer. The trade is that paint is hard to reverse, and bare face brick needs almost no upkeep.

• Paint it when the brick is dated, patchy, or you want a fresh, unified look.
• Keep it bare when the brick is in good condition and you like the natural finish.
• Get advice first on heritage homes, since some areas have controls on changing a facade.

Not sure a colour is allowed? See our guide on whether you can paint your house any colour in NSW.

How is a brick house prepared for painting?

Prep is most of the job on brick, and it decides how long the paint lasts. Brick is porous and often needs repairs, so we never paint straight over it. The steps below set the surface up to bond and breathe.

1. Wash the brick to remove dirt, salt, and any mould or efflorescence.
2. Repair cracks and repoint loose or crumbling mortar joints.
3. Let the brick dry fully, since trapped moisture causes blistering later.
4. Seal porous or new brick with a breathable masonry primer.
5. Apply two coats of a flexible exterior masonry coating.

For the wider prep method, see our guide to preparing walls for painting.

What paint is best for a brick house?

Brick needs a breathable masonry system, not standard wall paint. A breathable coating lets trapped moisture escape, so the film does not blister. For most homes we use a masonry primer plus a flexible exterior membrane or premium acrylic. The flexibility helps the coating move with the wall and bridge fine cracks.

In coastal Newcastle, salt and sun add wear, so we choose salt and UV resistant grades. For a full breakdown of outdoor products, see our exterior paint types guide.

Best colours for a painted brick house

Brick colours work best when they flatter the roof and the street. These shades come up most often on Newcastle brick homes. Match the colour to your roof and any fixed stone first.

For more on choosing a shade, see our exterior house colour ideas for Newcastle homes.

How much does it cost to paint a brick house?

Painting a brick house in Newcastle usually costs $6,000–$15,000. Size, condition, and access drive the price most. Brick often needs extra prep, such as repointing and sealing, which adds to the total. So a sound single-storey home sits at the lower end, while a large or weathered two-storey home costs more.

For a full breakdown of exterior pricing, see our exterior painting cost guide for Newcastle.