Exterior Painting · Sep 2019
Brick ranch exterior painted light gray
Brick ranch exterior painted light gray. These are before and after photos from the job, taken Sep 2019. This exterior painting project was done by Larry Gaytos and the My Personal Painter crew. We are based in Florence, Kentucky, and our work is covered by a 2-year touch-up warranty.
Before and After Photos
Brick Ranch Home Exterior Painted a Soft Light Gray
This one-story brick ranch started with mixed buff and tan brick that had a busy, speckled look and some darker staining on the back wall. The before photos show the front gables with round vents, a two-car garage, black shutters on the front window, a shaded front entry, white gutters and a rear deck with a gray rail. The poured concrete foundation was bare along the side of the house. In the after photos, all the brick walls are an even, soft light gray with a flat look that still shows the brick texture and mortar lines. The color runs up the tall gable ends and around the bay window. The front door is now a deep navy, and the shutters read dark navy next to the white window trim. Gutters, soffits and the garage door stay bright white, which gives the gray a crisp outline against the dark roof.
How We Painted This Brick Ranch From Prep to Final Coat
- We started by washing the brick to remove dirt, chalk and the dark staining on the back wall. Brick must be clean and fully dry before any coating goes on.
- Next we checked the mortar joints and window edges. Loose mortar was cleaned out, and gaps around trim were caulked so water could not get behind the new coating.
- Windows, doors, light fixtures, the garage door and the deck were masked with plastic and tape. Plants and mulch beds near the walls were covered with drop cloths.
- A masonry primer suited to brick was applied first. It helps the finish bond to porous brick and evens out the mix of light and dark bricks.
- Two finish coats of breathable masonry paint went on next. We back-rolled each section so paint worked into the mortar lines and rough brick faces.
- Once the walls were done, we painted the front door deep navy, refreshed the shutters, and pulled all masking before a final walk around the house.
Paint Colors Similar to This Light Gray Painted Brick
These are similar colors to consider for painted brick, doors and trim like this home. They are not the exact colors used on this house.
Sherwin-Williams Worldly Gray SW 7043
A warm light gray close to these brick walls. It looks soft in bright sun and keeps some depth on cloudy days.
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy HC-154
A deep, classic navy like the new front door and shutters. It gives a gray brick ranch a clear focal point at the entry.
Sherwin-Williams Extra White SW 7006
A clean white for gutters, soffits and window trim. It frames the gray walls sharply, the same way the white trim does here.
Questions About Painting a Brick House Exterior
Is it a good idea to paint brick?
Painting brick can update a dated look and even out mismatched colors. The key is using a breathable masonry coating so moisture can escape. Brick that is crumbling or holding water should be repaired first. Once painted, brick is rarely taken back to bare, so it helps to be sure about the choice.
How long does painted brick last?
With good prep and quality masonry paint, painted brick often lasts many years before it needs a refresh. Sun, moisture and how well the walls drain all affect that. Walls that face strong sun may fade first. Keeping gutters clear and plants trimmed back helps the coating last longer.
Should painted brick be flat or have a sheen?
Most painted brick uses a flat or low-sheen finish. It looks more natural and hides the uneven brick surface. Higher sheens can make brick look plastic and show every bump. Doors and shutters are a different story, where satin or semi-gloss is common because they get touched and wiped.
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