If you’ve ever thought about painting the brick on your home or building, you’re not alone — it’s a look many people love. But before you pick up a brush, it’s worth understanding the long‑term effects that paint can have on masonry.
Curatola Masonry founder Justin Curatola was featured recently in an NBC4 article warning Central Ohio property owners about the hidden risks of painting brick with traditional paint. What may seem like a simple cosmetic update can actually lead to severe, expensive damage down the road.
Why Brick Shouldn’t Be Painted with Standard Exterior Paint
Brick and mortar are naturally porous materials designed to absorb moisture and release it back into the air. This ability to “breathe” plays a key role in preventing moisture buildup inside the wall system.
However:
- Traditional paint acts as a barrier, sealing these pores and trapping moisture inside the brick.
- Moisture that would usually escape gets stuck behind the paint layer. Over time, this trapped moisture can cause serious problems.
According to Justin, this trapped moisture can lead to accelerated mortar deterioration, brick spalling (surface flaking), staining, interior moisture issues, mold or rot, and even reduced structural lifespan of the masonry wall.
He explains that rain, seasonal humidity, and freeze‑thaw cycles are tough on painted masonry because they drive water into the wall, but paint keeps it from leaving. As a result, moisture can build up in wall cavities, damaging not just the brick but also the sheathing, insulation, and framing behind it.
Interior Brick Isn’t Immune Either
Painting interior brick — such as a fireplace surround — can also cause trouble. Trapped moisture and thermal expansion from heat can lead to cracking, discoloration, and surface failure over time.
Breathable Alternatives That Protect Masonry
If you love the look of colored brick, there are safer options — but they’re not the same as simply applying exterior latex paint:
- Masonry‑specific mineral or vapor‑permeable paints let moisture escape while still offering color.
- Limewash provides a soft, natural finish that allows the wall to breathe and even develops a patina over time.
- Masonry stains soak into the material instead of forming a surface film, reducing moisture trapping.
These breathable alternatives should be chosen thoughtfully — once a surface has been coated, it’s often difficult to remove the material later.
Curatola Masonry’s Professional Recommendation
Justin’s advice is clear: leave the brick unpainted whenever possible. A well‑maintained, unpainted masonry facade is historically maintenance‑free and performs better over the life of the building.
If you do want a different look, talk to a masonry professional first — the right products and application can make all the difference between a temporary aesthetic and a lasting structural problem.
Trusted Masonry Expertise in Columbus, Ohio
Curatola Masonry has decades of experience protecting, restoring, and preserving brick structures throughout Central Ohio. Being featured by NBC4 reinforces what we tell our clients every day: the right masonry decisions today protect your building for decades to come.
Read the full NBC4 article here:
https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/central-ohio-news/painted-brick-damage-warning/
If you’re considering painting brick or exploring safer alternatives, contact Curatola Masonry to ensure your investment is protected.