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Black brick is one of the boldest modern looks for exteriors and fireplaces. The best black paint for brick is a masonry paint that breathes or bonds well, resists fading in sun and covers rough mortar joints in two coats.
We compared a dark mineral masonry paint, a ready-mixed black masonry paint, a tintable masonry base, a small-batch black for accents and a primer for previously painted brick.
Quick Answer: The Best Black Paint for Brick
- Best Overall (Navy-Black Mineral): Romabio Masonry Textured Mineral Paint for Brick, Stone and Stucco, Navy Steel (15 L)
- Best Ready-Mixed Black: Hensire Black Exterior Wall Paint for Concrete and Masonry, Self-Priming (85 oz)
- Best Tintable Masonry Base: KILZ Self-Priming Masonry, Stucco and Brick Paint, Flat White (1 Gallon)
- Best for Small Accents: Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Latex Brush-On Paint, Flat Black
- Best Primer for Painted Brick: Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Base Primer and Sealer, White (Quart)
Romabio Masonry Textured in Navy Steel is our top dark pick for bare exterior brick because the mineral paint breathes and will not peel; it reads near-black on brick. Hensire is the easiest ready-mixed true black, and KILZ masonry paint can be tinted black at most paint counters.
Best Black Paint for Brick Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Romabio Masonry Textured Mineral Paint for Brick, Stone and Stucco, Navy Steel (15 L) | Best Overall (Navy-Black Mineral) | Mineral masonry paint | Calcifies into masonry, 20-year warranty | Check Price |
| Hensire Black Exterior Wall Paint for Concrete and Masonry, Self-Priming (85 oz) | Best Ready-Mixed Black | Self-priming exterior masonry paint | Ready-mixed black, matte, water based | Check Price |
| KILZ Self-Priming Masonry, Stucco and Brick Paint, Flat White (1 Gallon) | Best Tintable Masonry Base | Self-priming acrylic masonry paint | Alkali resistant to pH 12, rolls on rough brick | Check Price |
| Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Latex Brush-On Paint, Flat Black | Best for Small Accents | Multi-surface latex paint | Small can for black accents on masonry | Check Price |
| Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Base Primer and Sealer, White (Quart) | Best Primer for Painted Brick | Water-based primer sealer | Bonds without sanding, stain-blocking resins | Check Price |
The 5 Best Black Paint for Brick
Our picks for the best black paint for brick, ranked by durability, breathability, coverage and fade resistance.
Romabio Masonry Textured Mineral Paint for Brick, Stone and Stucco, Navy Steel (15 L)
1Romabio Masonry Textured is a breathable mineral paint that calcifies to bare brick and stucco, backed by a 20-year warranty.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Breathable, calcifies to masonry
- Will not peel on bare masonry
- Long warranty
Cons
- Large container only
- Subtle texture not for smooth looks
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: Mineral, breathable
- Color: Navy Steel
- Size: 15 L
- Primer: None on unpainted absorbent masonry
- Warranty: 20 years when applied as directed
Two coats, no primer, on unpainted absorbent masonry.
A dark navy reads almost black on brick.
Hensire Black Exterior Wall Paint for Concrete and Masonry, Self-Priming (85 oz)
2Hensire black exterior masonry paint is a ready-mixed matte black for brick and concrete accents.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ready-mixed black
- Self-priming
- Weather resistant
Cons
- Lesser-known brand
- Smaller can
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: Water-based, self-priming
- Color: Black
- Size: 85 oz
- Finish: Matte
- Use: Concrete, brick, stone, stucco
Dark colors absorb heat; consider climate.
Two coats for full black coverage.
KILZ Self-Priming Masonry, Stucco and Brick Paint, Flat White (1 Gallon)
3KILZ Masonry, Stucco and Brick Paint is a self-priming acrylic made for rough masonry and resists the alkali in fresh brick and stucco.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Self-priming on bare masonry
- Hides rough texture well
- Soap and water cleanup
Cons
- Flat sheen only
- Film paint, less breathable than mineral
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: 100% acrylic latex, self-priming
- Finish: Flat
- Size: 1 gallon
- Use: Interior and exterior masonry, stucco, brick
- Alkali resistance: Up to pH 12
Use a 3/4 to 1 in nap roller so paint reaches into mortar joints.
Let new mortar cure about 30 days before painting.
Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch Latex Brush-On Paint, Flat Black
4Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch flat black is a small-batch option for black fireplace surrounds and brick accents.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Cheap and easy
- Flat black finish
- Multi-surface
Cons
- Small coverage
- Not a dedicated masonry paint
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: Water-based acrylic
- Color: Flat black
- Coverage: Up to 120 sq ft
- Surfaces: Wood, metal, plaster, masonry
- Dry: 30 minutes to touch
Great for a firebox surround or hearth edge.
Use two thin coats.
Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 Water-Base Primer and Sealer, White (Quart)
5Zinsser Bulls Eye 1-2-3 is a versatile water-based primer that bonds to previously painted brick and blocks light stains.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Versatile all-surface primer
- Bonds to glossy paint
- Low odor
Cons
- Not for heavy water stains (use oil)
- Quart size
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: Water-based primer/sealer
- Size: 1 quart
- Use: Interior and exterior
- Low temp: Applies down to 35 F
- Feature: Stain-blocking resins
Use it over old painted brick before recoating.
Spot-prime repairs and patches.
How We Chose the Best Black Paint for Brick
To choose the best black paint for brick, we compared how each paint bonds to brick, whether it breathes, how well it covers mortar joints and how it handles sun and weather.
If your home was built before 1978, test old paint for lead before sanding or scraping, following the EPA guide to reducing lead exposure at home.
Product details in this guide come from manufacturer specifications and patterns in verified owner feedback; we do not claim hands-on testing we have not done. Read more on our How We Test page.
Buying Guide: Best Black Paint for Brick
Use these points to choose the best black paint for brick.
Dark colors get hot
Black absorbs heat; in hot sun it expands more, so use quality masonry paint.
Breathable on bare brick
Mineral paints let moisture escape and do not peel.
Tint a masonry base
Many masonry paints can be tinted near-black at a paint store.
Two coats minimum
Black over red brick needs two full coats to avoid show-through.
Prime painted brick
Use a bonding primer over old paint before going black.
Black for fireplaces
Inside, black fireplace brick needs a heat-tolerant masonry paint away from the firebox.
Black Brick Ideas
Bold and modern.
- Black brick with natural wood doors.
- Black fireplace with a white mantel.
- Black brick base with white siding.
- Black garden wall with greenery.
Questions about the best black paint for brick:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best black paint for brick?
Romabio Masonry Textured is our top dark mineral pick for bare brick; Hensire is the easiest ready-mixed black.
Does black brick paint fade?
Quality masonry paints resist fading, but dark colors show sun wear sooner.
Is black paint bad for brick?
Not if it is a breathable or masonry-rated paint applied to sound brick.
How many coats for black brick?
Usually two full coats.
Can I paint a fireplace black?
Yes, the brick surround, using masonry paint and following clearance rules.
Final Verdict
Our final pick for the best black paint for brick is the Romabio Masonry Textured. Choose the Hensire Black Masonry Paint if you want a ready-mixed true black, or the KILZ Masonry, Stucco & Brick Paint for a tintable masonry base.
Related Guides
More brick sealer guides:
- Best Faux Brick on Amazon
- Best Paint for Faux Brick Panels
- Best Paint for 3D Foam Brick Panels
- Best Black Brick Wallpaper
- Best Black 3D Brick Wall Panels
Product details are based on manufacturer specifications at the time of writing. Prices and availability change often, so check Amazon for the latest price.
