To paint or not to paint (brick, that is..)

http://cdn.brownstoner.com/50e746f8ca07a-.jpg

I have an 1899 brick building in Bushwick with a spotted gray brick.  It’s the original brick color, and you can see lots of it around the area, but the color is a dingy tattle-tale gray (I think of dirty socks every time I come home). I needs to be cleaned, which would brighten it a bit (you can see my neighbors on the left of the picture below is a little cleaner than mine), but it will always looks dingy to me – all the buildings seem to no matter how clean.  I’m considering painting, and I’m wondering if anyone could give me some advice, pros / cons, or just talk me out of it.   I know that after you paint brick, you can’t go back, and I’ll also be inviting in more maintenance in the future.  So there’s that.  But I really want to go with something bold (black or deep gray ), and make an impact.  Your thoughts are welcome, including telling me I’m crazy or defaming history, or whatever.  Thanks!

tkak69

in How To 12 years and 4 months ago

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NeoGrec | 12 years and 4 months ago

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I agree with the other posters here. Get all your trim repaired and painted to match (front door, cornice, windows). If you can afford it, new windows and moldings will make a huge, huge difference to the appearance of your building. And of course they’ll have a major impact on your comfort and energy costs.

abarron | 12 years and 4 months ago

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I have to agree…and there is nothing worse than the peeling brick townhouses you see all over town. I think it may end up being more headache than it’s worth. Paint the cornice and entryway and window casing….what about doing them in Gentleman’s Grey by Benjamin Moore? A really pretty dark blue that would look gorgeous with the grey brick (especially if it was clean 🙂 Good luck!

timber | 12 years and 4 months ago

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I strongly agree with Dave.  The trim, cornice and entryway can make a very big difference, won’t damage the integrity of the bricks, and is reversable!

daveinbedstuy | 12 years and 4 months ago

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I gotta agree.  Paint your window casings (if they aren’t vinyl), cornice and entryway first.  It’ll make a huge difference.

nf85 | 12 years and 4 months ago

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I don’t think you should paint the brick, mostly because it’s a big and permanent step to take for something that you may not always feel. Dark houses are trendy now, but I just don’t think it’s appropriate for your kind of house. You’re feeling that the house is dingy, though, and that’s no good. I’d address that instead by having the brick cleaned and getting someone incredible like Eve Ashcroft to consult with you on color for the trim to help counter whatever undertone you don’t like. I’d also look into doing some great color on the door, getting new house number treatment and light fixtures, plantings, etc. Those things could give you the freshness and impact you’re looking for–and if not, you can still always paint the house later.

greenmountain | 12 years and 4 months ago

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There is a lot of literature on this topic.  The issue is mechanical, having to do with “moisture management,” not just the way it looks, or philosophy. There are achitectural conservators and engineers who specialize in what to do when old brick is damaged.  Read up before you do something you might regret.