From Dallas-Fort Worth to its surrounding suburbs like Keller, Southlake, Flower Mound, and Colleyville, homeowners are revitalizing their properties with a fresh coat of paint. Once a rare sight, painted brick has become a significant trend, transforming homes with its modern appeal. By choosing the right colors and accents, a painted brick exterior can completely change your home’s character, boost its curb appeal, and provide lasting protection.

​Why Homeowners in North Texas Are Embracing Painted Brick

​For decades, traditional brick homes defined the landscape of DFW neighborhoods. However, as styles and homeowner preferences have shifted, many have sought ways to refresh older exteriors that may appear worn or dated. Painting brick offers a dramatic, fast, and cost-effective solution to:

• ​Create a “wow” factor: The before-and-after effect can make a house look brand new.
• ​Enhance curb appeal and resale value: Updated exteriors can attract more potential buyers and lead to higher offers.
• ​Conceal outdated or mismatched brickwork: This is a common issue in many North Texas homes built between the 1970s and 1990s.
• ​Showcase personal style: Modernize your home’s look to align with current architectural trends.

​Beyond aesthetics, painting brick also adds a layer of durability. When applied by professionals using the correct products, painted brick can act as a protective barrier against the elements, preventing wind and rain damage and reducing the erosion common in our region’s variable climate.

​The Benefits: More Than Just a Fresh Look

​Painting your home’s brick is a long-term investment that provides both cosmetic and functional benefits.
​1. Instant Modernization
​Homes with dark, earthy-toned brick can often feel heavy or dated. Painting them in lighter shades like white, off-white, or pastels brightens the facade, making it feel more open and welcoming. Neighbors and visitors are often amazed at the transformation.

​2. Added Protection
​While brick is durable, it is also porous. It can absorb rainwater, which in North Texas can lead to erosion, minor cracks, and even mold. A professionally applied paint or limewash acts as a breathable shield, keeping moisture out while allowing the brick to vent properly.

​3. Flexible Style Choices
​Once the brick is painted, you can easily change the accent colors on shutters, doors, and trim as design trends evolve. A fresh coat on these features can give your home a new look every few years without a major overhaul.

​4. Increased Value
​According to local real estate experts, homes with modern, well-maintained exteriors—especially those with a professionally painted brick update—often see higher asking prices and sell faster.

​Current Trends: White Brick and Bold Accents

​A popular look for painted brick in North Texas, seen in areas like Flower Mound and Trophy Club, involves pairing clean white or off-white brick with bold, dark accents. This style creates a striking contrast with the traditional red and brown bricks of previous decades.

​Popular color combinations include:

• ​White, Cream, or Light Gray Brick: These colors open up the home’s facade, making it brighter and allowing landscaping to stand out.
• ​Dark Trim, Doors, and Shutters: Colors like black, navy, or charcoal draw attention to your home’s architectural details.
• ​”Greige” (Gray-Beige) Exteriors: A softer, more transitional option that works well for both contemporary and classic homes.
• ​Bold Accent Doors: A statement front door in a vibrant color like red, deep teal, or rich green adds personality and visual interest.

​Another rising trend is customizing the mortar color. Contrasting mortars, such as a light gray on dark red brick, add a subtle detail that highlights the brick pattern. When painting, some homeowners choose to paint both the brick and mortar for a seamless, modern finish, while others leave the mortar unpainted for added texture.

​The Professional Process: Why DIY Projects Fall Short

​Painting brick is a specialized task, and doing it incorrectly can lead to expensive problems. That’s why many North Texas homeowners rely on experienced professionals for this significant transformation.

​A professional process includes:

• ​Thorough Cleaning: Brick must be power-washed to remove dust, old paint, and any algae. Any missed spots will prevent the new paint from adhering properly.
• ​Repairs and Preparation: Professionals will fill cracks and replace any loose mortar. This meticulous prep work is crucial for a long-lasting finish.
• ​Specialized Priming: Brick requires a specific, breathable primer. Skipping this step can trap moisture, causing the paint to peel and flake over time.
• ​High-Quality Paint Application: Only certain paints are designed for masonry to allow the material to breathe and withstand Texas weather. The paint is typically applied with both sprayers and hand-brushing to ensure even coverage, especially in deep grout lines.
• ​Accent and Trim Painting: With a steady hand and attention to detail, painters create the sharp contrast of the accent colors you’ve chosen.
• ​Clean-Up and Protection: Surrounding areas like flowerbeds and walkways are protected throughout the job, and the crew ensures every detail is clean and crisp upon completion.

​Attempting a DIY job or hiring an inexperienced crew can lead to poor adhesion, uneven coverage, and costly repairs. It’s also important to remember that painting over brick is a permanent change. If you regret the color or the job is done poorly, “undoing” it requires abrasive sandblasting, which can damage the brick itself.

​Navigating HOAs and Permits

​Before starting a painting project, it’s essential to check your neighborhood or city regulations. Many DFW-area Homeowners Associations (HOAs) require advance approval for exterior color changes. They may have specific acceptable palettes or finishes. Ignoring these rules could result in being forced to pay for a costly repaint or removal.

​To avoid potential headaches:

• ​Contact your HOA early: They may require color samples, professional renderings, or contractor details.
• ​Get everything in writing: Make sure all agreements and approvals are documented before work begins.
• ​Ask your painting company for help: Many experienced companies are familiar with local HOA requirements and can provide the necessary documentation.

​Is Painted Brick Right for Your Home?

​Painted brick isn’t for everyone, but for many North Texas homes, it’s a way to merge traditional architecture with modern style while extending the life of the home’s exterior. Consider this update if:

• ​Your brick is discolored, mismatched, or stained.
• ​The color and style of your home feel outdated.
• ​You want to add value and market appeal.
• ​You’re looking for a low-maintenance exterior that stands out.

​If you answered “yes” to any of these, a painted brick exterior could be the perfect solution to give your home a head-turning new look.

​Ready for a transformation?