Limewash vs. Paint — Which Is Best for Your Brick Home?

If you're looking to update the look of your brick home, you've likely come across two popular options: limewash and paint. Both can completely transform your exterior, but they offer very different results in terms of appearance, durability, and maintenance. So which one is right for your home?

Let’s break it down.

Can You Paint Brick Without Damaging It?

Yes—you can absolutely paint exterior brick without harming your home, as long as the brick is in good condition and the right products are used. A properly built brick home should have either a moisture barrier behind the brick or weep holes that allow moisture to escape. These systems help your home “breathe,” even after painting, as long as breathable masonry paint is applied. At Midway Painting Company, we use high-quality, vapor-permeable coatings designed specifically for masonry, which prevent moisture from getting trapped inside your walls.

What Is Limewash?

Limewash is a natural mineral-based finish made from crushed limestone and water. It's been used for centuries and is prized for its soft, matte appearance and charming, aged look. Unlike traditional paint, limewash bonds to the surface of the brick and allows it to breathe. It creates a more organic, weathered aesthetic that can be customized—whether you want a fully opaque coat or a light, faded wash that lets the original brick peek through.

This “living” finish continues to evolve over time. It weathers naturally, fading gently with exposure to the elements, which is part of its charm. However, that also means you may need to reapply limewash more frequently than paint—typically every 5 to 7 years depending on exposure.

The Pros and Cons

Limewash Pros:

• Breathable and natural
  
  
• Beautiful, Old-World charm
  
  
• Low maintenance in terms of flaking or peeling
  
  
• Develops a patina over time
  
  

Limewash Cons:

• Fades more quickly
  
  
• It can be unpredictable if not applied evenly
  
  
• Needs periodic touch-ups to maintain appearance
  
  

Paint Pros:

• Wide range of color choices
  
  
• Consistent, modern finish
  
  
• Longer-lasting (often 10+ years with proper prep and paint)
  
  
• Easier to apply for full coverage
  
  

Paint Cons:

• Less natural appearance
  
  
• May peel or flake over time if improperly applied
  
  
• Can seal the brick if the wrong type of paint is used
  
  

Which Is Best for You?

It comes down to the look you're going for and how much maintenance you're comfortable with. If you love the romantic, farmhouse feel of a softly aged brick façade, limewash might be your best bet. But if you want a clean, uniform color with more longevity and less upkeep, masonry paint is a solid choice.

At Midway Painting Company, we’ve worked on both limewash and painted brick exteriors across the Wasatch Back. Whether you're going for timeless whitewash or bold modern black, we can help you choose the right finish to match your home’s style and your long-term goals.

‍