Brick homes are solid, classic, and built to last. But let’s be honest—old red brick can look outdated, dull, or just plain ugly. If your home’s exterior feels too dark or heavy, whitewashing might be exactly what you need.
Whitewashing is an easy way to brighten up brick while keeping some of its natural texture. Unlike painting, which covers everything, whitewashing lets the brick show through, giving it a softer, more natural look. It works on almost any brick surface, whether it's a full house, a chimney, or even a backyard wall.
But does whitewashing actually last? Is it a DIY project, or should you hire someone? What kind of paint or limewash should you use? This guide breaks it all down so you know exactly what to expect before you start.
Does Brick Look Better Whitewashed?
Brick can make a house look timeless, but not all brick ages well. Some homes look dark, outdated, or completely out of place with their surroundings. A lighter finish can fix that without completely erasing the texture.
How Whitewashing Changes Brick
Whitewashing tones down harsh red or brown shades and gives the surface a soft, weathered look. It works by letting some of the original color peek through instead of covering everything up.
The result is a more natural, balanced appearance that fits with different styles.
Brightens Without Losing Character – Unlike solid paint, it keeps the brick’s natural texture visible.
Adds a Weathered, Aged Effect – Works well for older homes or those wanting a rustic charm.
Helps Brick Blend Better – Can make a house fit in with modern trim, siding, or landscaping.
When It Works Best
Not every brick house benefits from a wash. The effect looks best when:
The brick has strong texture—smooth bricks may not hold the finish well.
The original color is too dark, making the home feel heavy.
The house has mixed materials (wood, stone, siding) and needs balance.
When It’s Not the Right Choice
Some homes won’t get much out of whitewashing. In certain cases, a different update might work better.
Already Painted Brick – If the brick has been painted before, a wash won’t work unless the paint is removed.
Bad Brick Condition – Chipped or crumbling brick won’t hold the finish well.
You Want a Perfectly Even Color – Whitewashing is meant to be inconsistent, which some people don’t like.
Whitewash or Paint: Which One Works Best?
Changing the look of brick comes down to two main options—whitewashing or painting. Both can transform a house, but they give completely different results.
One keeps the natural texture of the brick, while the other covers it completely.
How Whitewashing Works
Whitewashing is a diluted paint or limewash that lets some of the brick’s original color show through. It creates a faded, aged effect that looks more natural than solid paint.
Keeps the brick’s texture visible – Since it’s semi-transparent, the brick still looks like brick.
Looks softer and more balanced – The natural variations in the wash create depth.
Wears away over time – Limewash can fade or change slightly, which some people like for an aged effect.
How Painting Works
Painting brick means full coverage with standard exterior paint. It hides the original color completely, giving a bold, uniform finish.
Covers everything evenly – The color is solid, without variation.
More color choices – Any shade is possible, including dark tones that whitewashing can’t achieve.
Hard to undo – Once brick is painted, removing it is almost impossible without damaging the surface.
Which One Holds Up Better?
Both options last, but in different ways.
Whitewash fades naturally – It won’t chip or peel but can wear down over time, especially in harsh weather.
Paint lasts longer but needs maintenance – A painted brick house may need repainting after a decade if the paint starts peeling.
Limewash is more breathable – It allows moisture to pass through, which helps prevent damage on old brick.
What You Need to Get Started
Whitewashing brick doesn’t take a lot of skill, but having the right tools and materials makes all the difference.
Using cheap brushes or skipping prep work can lead to a patchy, uneven finish that looks sloppy instead of clean.
Essential Tools and Materials
A simple setup is enough to get the job done right. Here’s what you’ll need:
Tools
Bucket – For mixing paint or limewash with water.
Paintbrushes – A synthetic bristle brush or chip brush works best for brick.
Stir Stick – Keeps the paint evenly mixed.
Drop Cloths or Plastic Sheets – Protects the ground and nearby surfaces.
Painter’s Tape – Keeps whitewash off windows, trim, and doors.
Scrub Brush – Helps clean dirt and debris off the brick.
Hose or Spray Bottle – Used for wetting the brick before applying whitewash.
Materials
White Latex Paint or Limewash – The main ingredient. Regular exterior paint works if diluted properly.
Water – Needed to thin out the paint or mix with lime powder.
Dish Soap or TSP Cleaner – Helps remove dirt and grime before painting.
How Much Paint or Limewash Do You Need?
The amount depends on how much brick you’re covering and how thick you want the wash to be.
Light Coverage (More Brick Showing): 1 gallon covers 400–600 sq. ft.
Heavy Coverage (Less Brick Showing): 1 gallon covers 250–350 sq. ft.
Limewash: A small amount of lime powder mixed with water goes a long way.
How to Whitewash Brick the Right Way
Getting an even, natural-looking finish isn’t complicated, but doing it wrong can leave your brick looking streaky, patchy, or too solid. Follow these steps to get it right the first time.
Step 1- Mix the Whitewash
The ratio of paint to water decides how much of the brick’s original color will show through.
50/50 Mix (More Coverage): Creates a brighter, whiter finish with less brick showing.
75/25 Mix (Lighter Coverage): Lets more of the brick’s natural tone come through.
Limewash Option: Follow manufacturer instructions, usually mixing with water at a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio.
Tip: Always mix enough to finish the whole job. Matching a second batch later can be tricky.
Step 2 - Test a Small Area
Once mixed, test a small section of brick to make sure you like the look.
Apply a thin layer to a few bricks.
Let it dry for at least 30 minutes.
If it looks too thick or too light, adjust the ratio before doing the whole wall.
Tip: Whitewash dries slightly darker than it looks when wet.
Step 3 - Apply the Whitewash
You can use different methods depending on how much control you want over the finish.
Brush Method (Most Control)
Use a paintbrush to apply the mixture in small sections.
Start with the grout lines, then move to the brick faces.
Dab with a rag if you want a more faded, washed look.
Sponge or Rag Method (More Natural Look)
Dip a sponge or rag into the mixture.
Blot or rub onto the brick for a more aged effect.
Works well for achieving an uneven, rustic style.
Sprayer Method (Fastest for Large Areas)
Mist the brick with water first.
Spray a light layer of the whitewash over the surface.
Go back over any areas that need more coverage with a brush or rag.
Tip: Work in small sections so the wash doesn’t dry too fast before you can blend it properly.
Step 4 - Wipe or Dab for Texture (Optional)
If the whitewash looks too solid, you can soften it.
Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe some off before it dries.
Blot certain areas with a dry rag for a more natural fade.
Spray with water and lightly scrub if you want an even more worn look.
Step 5 - Let It Dry and Step Back
Whitewash can look different once fully dry, so don’t judge it too quickly.
Let it dry for at least 24 hours before making any changes.
If it’s too light, apply a second thin coat.
If it’s too thick, use a wet rag or sponge to remove some.
Will It Last or Wash Away?
A whitewashed brick exterior looks great, but how long does it actually last? That depends on the method used, the weather conditions, and how well the brick was prepped before applying the wash. Some finishes hold up for decades, while others need touch-ups over time.
How Long Does Whitewashed Brick Last?
Limewash lasts the longest because it bonds with the brick instead of sitting on top. It can stay intact for 20+ years with little maintenance. It will fade naturally over time but won’t chip or peel.
A paint-based whitewash, on the other hand, lasts around 5-10 years. It fades faster and may need occasional touch-ups, especially in areas with harsh weather. If applied over dirty or sealed brick, it can also start peeling.
Tip: Limewash is best for longevity, while paint-based washes need more maintenance.
Does It Hold Up in Bad Weather?
Weather conditions play a huge role in how long the finish lasts.
Heavy Rain – Limewash absorbs into the brick, making it more resistant. A paint-based wash may fade faster.
Freezing Temperatures – Water trapped in cracks can lead to peeling if the brick isn’t sealed properly.
Hot, Sunny Climates – Direct sunlight can cause the color to fade over time, requiring touch-ups.
If you live in an area with extreme weather, applying a breathable sealer after whitewashing can help protect the finish.
How to Keep It Looking Good
Regular maintenance can extend the life of a whitewashed brick surface.
Clean with mild soap and water instead of pressure washing.
If some areas fade, apply a light second coat instead of redoing the entire wall.
A breathable sealer can help lock in the color while preventing damage.
Mistakes That Ruin the Look
Whitewashing brick seems simple, but small mistakes can make it look messy, uneven, or completely different from what you wanted.
Rushing through the process or using the wrong materials can lead to a finish that peels, fades too fast, or looks unnatural.
Using the Wrong Mix
The ratio of paint to water (or lime to water) determines how much of the original brick will show through. Mixing it wrong can lead to poor results.
Too much water – The wash will be too thin, making it almost invisible.
Too much paint – The brick will look solid white, more like a bad paint job than a soft wash.
Inconsistent mixing – If the solution isn’t stirred properly, some areas will be darker or lighter than others.
Fix: Test a small section before committing to the entire wall. Adjust the mix if needed.
Final Thoughts
Whitewashing exterior brick is one of the easiest ways to give an old, heavy-looking home a fresh update without losing its original charm. It softens the color, brightens the exterior, and keeps the natural texture of the brick visible. When done right, it lasts for years and requires little maintenance.
Limewash is the best option for longevity, but a paint-based wash works well if you want more control over the final look. Prepping the surface, mixing the right ratio, and applying it carefully all make a big difference in how natural and even the result looks.
If you want to lighten your brick without completely covering it, whitewashing is a great option. It’s simple, affordable, and can completely change the way your home looks.
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