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Painting exterior brick is a big project, so the paint has to last. The best paint for exterior brick handles rain, sun and temperature swings, bonds or breathes properly and covers rough brick evenly.
We compared breathable mineral paints, a self-priming acrylic masonry paint, an airless sprayer and a bonding primer for brick that is already painted.
Quick Answer: The Best Paint for Exterior Brick
- Best Overall: Romabio Masonry Textured Mineral Paint for Brick, Stone and Stucco, Navy Steel (15 L)
- Best Self-Priming Acrylic: KILZ Self-Priming Masonry, Stucco and Brick Paint, Flat White (1 Gallon)
- Best Smooth Mineral: Romabio Masonry Flat, Durable Mineral Paint for Brick, Stone and Hardie Board, Bianco White (1 Gallon)
- Best Sprayer: Graco Magnum X5 Airless Paint Sprayer, Interior and Exterior
- Best Primer Over Old Paint: INSL-X Stix Acrylic Waterborne Bonding Primer (1 Quart)
Romabio Masonry Textured is the best paint for exterior brick because the breathable mineral coating bonds to bare brick and carries a 20-year warranty. KILZ masonry paint is the self-priming acrylic value pick, and a Graco Magnum X5 speeds up whole-house jobs.
Best Paint for Exterior 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 | Mineral masonry paint | Calcifies into masonry, 20-year warranty | Check Price |
| KILZ Self-Priming Masonry, Stucco and Brick Paint, Flat White (1 Gallon) | Best Self-Priming Acrylic | Self-priming acrylic masonry paint | Alkali resistant to pH 12, rolls on rough brick | Check Price |
| Romabio Masonry Flat, Durable Mineral Paint for Brick, Stone and Hardie Board, Bianco White (1 Gallon) | Best Smooth Mineral | Mineral masonry paint | Breathable mineral paint for brick and stone | Check Price |
| Graco Magnum X5 Airless Paint Sprayer, Interior and Exterior | Best Sprayer | Airless paint sprayer | Sprays unthinned from 1 or 5 gallon buckets | Check Price |
| INSL-X Stix Acrylic Waterborne Bonding Primer (1 Quart) | Best Primer Over Old Paint | Acrylic-urethane bonding primer | Grips hard-to-coat glossy surfaces | Check Price |
The 5 Best Paint for Exterior Brick
Our picks for the best paint for exterior brick, ranked by weather durability, breathability, coverage and value.
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.
KILZ Self-Priming Masonry, Stucco and Brick Paint, Flat White (1 Gallon)
2KILZ 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.
Romabio Masonry Flat, Durable Mineral Paint for Brick, Stone and Hardie Board, Bianco White (1 Gallon)
3Romabio Masonry Flat is a breathable mineral paint for brick and stone; on previously painted brick it goes over Romabio MicroGrip primer.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Breathable mineral finish
- Easy touch-ups any time
- Designed in Italy
Cons
- Needs special primer on painted brick
- Premium price
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: Mineral-based masonry paint
- Color: Bianco White
- Size: 1 gallon
- Primer: MicroGrip on pre-painted surfaces
- Application: Brush, roller or sprayer
On bare brick, apply directly; on painted brick, prime with MicroGrip first.
Touch-ups blend because the finish is permanently flat.
Graco Magnum X5 Airless Paint Sprayer, Interior and Exterior
4The Graco Magnum X5 is a popular DIY airless sprayer that handles masonry paint unthinned straight from the bucket.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Sprays thick masonry paint unthinned
- Direct from bucket
- Great value for DIY
Cons
- Requires masking and cleanup
- Overspray outdoors
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: Airless
- Pressure: Up to 3000 psi, adjustable
- Best for: Projects up to 10 gallons a year
- Suction: Flexible tube from 1 or 5 gal bucket
- Use: Interior and exterior
Back-roll after spraying to push paint into mortar joints.
Mask windows and plants; overspray travels.
INSL-X Stix Acrylic Waterborne Bonding Primer (1 Quart)
5INSL-X Stix bonds to slick surfaces like glossy painted brick or glazed tile, so the topcoat does not peel.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent adhesion
- Bonds to glossy paint and tile
- Low odor
Cons
- Not a stain blocker
- Quart size
📄 Detailed Review
- Type: Acrylic-urethane bonding primer
- Size: 1 quart
- Use: Glossy and hard-to-coat surfaces
- Low temp: Cures down to 35 F
- Topcoat: Almost any paint
Use on glossy old paint instead of heavy sanding.
Let it cure fully before topcoating for best grip.
How We Chose the Best Paint for Exterior Brick
To choose the best paint for exterior brick, we compared outdoor durability, breathability, coverage on rough brick and cost for a full exterior.
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 Paint for Exterior Brick
Use these points to choose the best paint for exterior brick.
Bare vs. painted brick
Mineral paints for bare brick; primer plus masonry paint for painted brick.
Repair first
Repoint loose mortar and fix gutters before painting.
Clean gently
Pressure-wash on low and let brick dry several days.
Temperature window
Paint within label temperature ranges, away from rain.
Spray and back-roll
Spray for speed and back-roll the first coat.
Plan for maintenance
Inspect yearly and touch up chips early.
Exterior Painting Tips
A finish that lasts.
- Repoint and repair first.
- Low-pressure wash.
- Dry for several days.
- Spray, then back-roll.
Questions about the best paint for exterior brick:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best paint for exterior brick?
Romabio Masonry Textured is our top pick for bare brick.
Should exterior brick be painted?
It can refresh curb appeal; use breathable or masonry-rated paint.
How long does exterior brick paint last?
Quality masonry paint can last many years; some carry long warranties.
Do I need primer on exterior brick?
Self-priming masonry paints skip it on bare brick; primer helps over old paint.
Can I paint brick myself?
Yes, but large homes are faster with a sprayer.
Final Verdict
Our final pick for the best paint for exterior brick is the Romabio Masonry Textured. Choose the KILZ Masonry, Stucco & Brick Paint if you want a self-priming acrylic, or the Romabio Masonry Flat for a smooth mineral finish.
Related Guides
More brick sealer guides:
- Best Faux Brick on Amazon
- Best Masonry Paint for Stucco
- Best Brick Paint for a Dark Living Room
- Best Masonry Paint for Basement Walls
- Best Brick Paint Colors for Curb Appeal
Product details are based on manufacturer specifications at the time of writing. Prices and availability change often, so check Amazon for the latest price.
