Should You Paint, Lime Wash, or Use Masonry Paint on Brick?
(St. Charles, Bartlett, Crystal Lake & Lake in the Hills Homeowners Guide)
🔍 Quick Answer:
If you’re trying to update the look of your brick exterior, lime wash and masonry paint allow the brick to breathe and weather naturally, while standard paint seals the surface—sometimes trapping moisture.
👉 Paint is cheaper upfront, but it can lead to mold, peeling, and higher maintenance down the line.
👉 Lime wash and mineral paints cost more, but last longer and are more brick-friendly in the long run.
⚠️ Are You Worried That Painting Brick Will Ruin It?
You’re not alone. One of the most common questions we get from homeowners around Crystal Lake, Bartlett, and Lake in the Hills is:
👉 “Will painting brick cause damage or lead to mold?”
Short answer? It can. Here’s the breakdown…
🧪 Comparison: Brick Paint vs Lime Wash vs Masonry Paint
| Feature | Brick Paint | Lime Wash | Masonry Paint (e.g. Mineral Flat) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (Avg per sq ft) | 💲2.50–$5.00 | 💲4.00–$8.00 | 💲5.00–$9.00 |
| Durability | 7–10 years | 5–10 years (natural wear) | 15–20+ years (calcifies into brick) |
| Maintenance | High (peeling, chipping) | Medium (weathered fade) | Low |
| Breathable? | ❌ No (seals moisture) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Rain Safety After Application | 24–36 hrs dry time | 12 hrs no rain after coat | 12 hrs no rain after coat |
| Weather Limitations | High | Medium | High |
| Look/Finish | Solid, uniform color | Aged, chalky, textured | Matte, natural stone look |
| Reversibility | ❌ Permanent | ✅ Washable for 1–2 days | ❌ Not reversible after cure |
| Brand Examples | Sherwin-Williams Loxon, Behr | Romabio Classico Limewash | Romabio Mineral Flat, Benjamin Moore Aura Masonry |
🧩 Which Finish Should You Pick?
Let’s break it down based on your goals…
🖌️ If You Want a Quick, Affordable Update:
- Painting is your best bet—especially if your brick is damaged or mismatched.
- But keep in mind: it seals the brick, which can trap moisture and cause peeling or mold if done incorrectly.
- You’ll need a bonding primer like Stix and weather-friendly timing (36 hours of no rain).
🧼 If You Want a Historic, Aged Look:
- Lime wash gives a soft, weathered texture that adds old-world charm.
- It’s breathable, but not fully permanent—sun, rain, and time will change how it looks.
- Requires multiple coats and dry brick—but no rain after application for 12 hours.
🧱 If You Want the Most Durable, Natural Finish:
- Masonry flat paint is king. It calcifies into the brick and becomes part of the surface.
- Brands like Romabio Mineral Flat boast 20-year warranties.
- The catch? You need the perfect weather window—no rain for at least 12 hours and surface temps under 90°F.
🌧️ Weather Warning: Why Timing Matters
In the Chicago suburbs, humidity and pop-up rainstorms make scheduling tricky—especially with lime wash and mineral paints.
That’s why at D’Franco Painting, we go by the most cautious manufacturer guidelines:
- No rain for 12 hours after final coat (lime wash or mineral flat)
- Ideal surface temps under 90°F
- 4–6 hours between coats for best bonding
Anything less? You’re risking failure—and we don’t gamble with your house.
Top 5 FAQs About Painting vs Lime Wash vs Masonry Paint for Brick
1. Is it better to paint or lime wash brick?
It depends on what you want long-term.
- Painting gives solid color coverage but seals the brick, which can trap moisture and cause peeling.
- Lime wash allows the brick to breathe and weathers naturally, giving a softer, more rustic look.
For durability and breathability, mineral-based masonry paints like Romabio Mineral Flat offer the best of both worlds.
2. Does painting brick devalue a home?
It can—especially if it traps moisture and leads to damage.
Buyers are also wary of painted brick if it looks like a DIY job or is peeling.
If done professionally and with the right prep, it can enhance curb appeal, but lime wash and breathable masonry paint are safer long-term bets.
3. How long does lime wash last on exterior brick?
Lime wash can last 5–10 years but will fade naturally over time.
Weather, sun exposure, and the mineral content of your brick all impact how it ages.
The upside? It doesn’t peel or chip like paint and can be touched up as needed.
4. Can you remove lime wash from brick?
Yes—if you act quickly.
Lime wash is removable for the first few days using a pressure washer or scrub brush with water.
After it cures, though, it becomes more permanent and harder to remove.
5. What’s the best paint for brick?
- For standard painting, we recommend:
- Sherwin-Williams Loxon XP or Benjamin Moore Aura Masonry
- Always use a primer like Stix bonding primer first
- For mineral paint, go with:
- Romabio Masonry Flat
- For lime wash, we trust:
- Romabio Classico Limewash
Each has its own prep and weather requirements—schedule matters as much as product choice.
🤔 Final Thoughts: Which Option Is Right for You?
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you want a smooth, solid color or natural, aged character?
- Can your schedule (and budget) handle multiple days of weather coordination?
- Is breathability important for your home’s longevity?
🎯 Ready to Get a Brick Estimate?
Whether you’re in St. Charles, Bartlett, Crystal Lake, or Lake in the Hills, we’d love to help you explore the right option for your brick home.
Let’s bring your vision to life—with paint, lime, or mineral magic.
💡 And don’t forget to ask about our Give $200, Get $200 referral program!