Whitewashed brick is not out of style and is still used in many homes. It has become increasingly popular in recent years and is used to create a unique look that is timeless and fashionable.
Whitewashed brick is fairly easy to identify. All the brick is covered in a thin layer of translucent white or grey paint that allows you to see the brick underneath. Whitewashing brick is very quickly going out of style. Most whitewashed fireplaces look half done.
Whitewash preserves the natural texture of the brick while bonding tenaciously to any masonry or coarse wood surface. Some people use paint that they thin out with water to create a similar look but it does not give quite the same result. When applying whitewash, you will need both a paintbrush and an old rag.
Limewash is an excellent choice if you're looking for something natural and eco-friendly. We recommend this technique for someone looking for a semi-permanent change that can be removed with power-washing. Limewash brick is a great choice for a vintage home look on new bricks.
Whitewashing with paint provides a brighter and smoother finish with a range of colour options than a Limewash formula. It can also work on surfaces that have already been painted, but the wash is a permanent finish.
Brick is made to last, durable, and low maintenance. That said, limewash is a great way to update your home's exterior. Limewash has been around for years, but is now becoming more and more popular and rightfully so.
Whitewashing brick is typically inexpensive, can be done with paint lying around the house, and the wash is typically easy to apply and dries quickly. Cons of whitewashing masonry include: A diminished, natural-looking appearance. Chipping and peeling of paint that was not fully absorbed by the brick.
Shades of white, cream and even grey all make suitable choices and can accentuate the room's best features. The one you choose needs to look good with the original brick and closely match the mortar's color between the bricks.
If you want to remove the whitewash from bricks, try using a pressure washer. Please test it out on a small area first to ensure that it doesn't damage the brick. You can also try using a scrub brush and some hot water to remove the whitewash.
Does whitewashing brick last? Yes! It lasts a very long time – 20-30 years! It requires very little maintenance and you won't have to worry about the look of your brick for a very long time.
A white brick house is an enduringly classic style – one of the few exterior styles that is both timeless and trendy at once. In fact, a house with white brick is one of the few styles that always stops me in my tracks on my evenings walks. There's just something about this look that I will always love!
It's trendy to paint a brick house white. Some homeowners are jumping on the bandwagon painting their more dated red brick, for example, a more contemporary white.
White painted brick looks fresh and bright. It's a great backdrop for natural wood accents, clay pottery, and essentially goes with anything. Creating a classic and timeless look, it's one of the only colors that also gives a modern or farmhouse feel.
Historically, the main two ingredients in whitewash are slaked lime (or “builders' lime”) and chalk; however, other additives, from egg whites to flour, have been used. Whitewashing predates modern painting, and still remains a popular alternative to traditional paints.
Popular brick colors include red, white, tan, brown, orange, gray, or black, with many different variations within them as well as a wide variety of styles and cuts.
Think Again Before Painting That Brick
Timeless, unpainted brick is making a comeback in 2023. “Painted brick has been all the rage for the past few years and while I also view it as timeless in the correct application—there are few things more charming than a beautifully colored, classic brick exterior.
Ideal for applications on raw, unfinished wood, so you will need to sand away any existing finish before applying. Add a satin polyurethane or water-based matte sealant to extend the life of the whitewash. If applied correctly, whitewashing can last up to 20 to 30 years, with little need for maintenance.
To maintain and maximize your whitewash brick's lifespan, it will need to be sealed after application. After your whitewash has dried, apply a water-based sealant on your wall's surface with a brush. Your brick wall will now be able to withstand natural weather elements and prevent moisture from permeating the surface.
Whitewash aids in sanitation by coating and smoothing over the rough surfaces. Successive applications of whitewash build up layers of scale that flake off and, in the process, remove surface debris. The coating also has antimicrobial properties that provide hygienic and sanitary benefits for animal barns.
If done correctly, brick staining can protect your property from the weather and retain the integrity of the brick while also making the exterior look brand new. I love it and recommend this option if you are looking to give the exterior of your home a refresh. It can really transform your home.
Deciding on painting versus whitewashing really depends on how much you want the surface of the brick to show through. If you want to completely hide the original brick colors (s), painting it would be the best way, if you still want some of the red/brown hues to come through, then whitewashing is a great option.
While German smear relies on mortar for the brick-brightening effect, whitewash involves paint. “A true whitewash is when you thin out white paint with water and you wash it over the brick,” says Harris.
In some cases, painting a brick home can significantly enhance curb appeal, which certainly adds value. Painting brick white is a classic and safe choice. To save on money, you can opt for whitewashing your brick, which involves diluting the paint with water to let some of the brick's texture show through.
Huge visual impact — Painting brick gives your house a whole new look and can even add to your home's value by upping your curb appeal. It sets it apart from your neighbors' homes and looks unique with a more uniform effect than unpainted brick.
The cost to whitewash a brick house is $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot or $1,500 to $6,700 for an average home. Whitewash is diluted paint that adds a semitransparent white layer, allowing some brick texture and color to show through. Adjusting the paint-to-water ratio changes the coverage level.