Home Repair Forum

Gummi_Girl · #1 (**permalink**) 04-09-2003, 07:44 PM

We have a small section of decorative brick on the front of our house. I have been considering painting it, but I am not convinced. I was also thinking about tearing it out completely. (Our ranch house is quite deep, compared to the width across the front and the tiny section of brick is not prominent. Besides, it may be an outdated look. Our house was built in 1968) Let me know if you think I should paint the brick - and if so, what color. Or let me know if you think the brick should go. All opinions and comments welcome!

Todd · #2 (**permalink**) 04-09-2003, 08:28 PM

Well, your picture didn't make it, but I have seen some ranch homes that look quit nice w/ the brick painted. If the brick is crumbling, you may not want to paint. If its in good shape, go for it. Give us some more details and then we can talk about colors.

Todd

goblin · #3 (**permalink**) 06-19-2003, 04:46 PM

I'm not an expert in anything to do with houses, but I think that it would look better with the brick painted or removed. The brick draws attention to its self rather than looking at the house as a whole....just my opinion though.

Your house has a nice shady feel to it and the shutters give it a charm![8)]

Gummi_Girl · #4 (**permalink**) 07-04-2003, 10:47 PM

I agree that it draws attention, and in a bad way!
Please help me by sharing your ideas

I was considering painting it black or charcoal (to match the roof). If I went with black, do you think I should leave the "mortar" white? Or paint all of the brick & mortar black?
If not black, what color do you think would look good?

I would remove it, but I am sure it would be a mess. (All my jobs start out simple & end up turning into a lot more

) Eventually, we will have to give-in and put up vinyl siding I am sure. The problem is our house is almost three times as deep as it is across the front and our best siding estimates last year came in around $15k -- and that just sounds crazy to me. We had the same problem with our roof too, so we did that job ourselves. (Removed four layers of old shingles and all new sheeting. At least we know it is done the right way and we spent about a third of the estimates) But niether my husband nor myself have experience siding

Any opinions and comments welcome!!

Todd · #5 (**permalink**) 07-07-2003, 07:08 PM

I don't think you should paint the brick black. Charcoal or a lighter grey would be better, mortar too. I know you just put on a new roof but a gable with columns would look great over your front door. It would really create a focal point and give your house more character. I am not knocking your house, please don't take it that way. That maybe more info than what you are asking. Just a thought. Take care

T

shuttlebunny · #6 (**permalink**) 07-15-2003, 07:26 PM

Hi GG,
I know you started this thread a while ago, but it looks like you're still checking back, so I'll throw in another idea.

Your house looks great! I like the mature look of the whole lot. The brick doesn't look all that bad to me. If you're still thinking of a fix, what about using a trellis?

I think if you try to remove the brick you're still going to have a problem. You'll never get anywhere near a match to the current siding, besides, you're planning on replacing that in the future.
I like the idea of painting the brick a darker color, but I'm not sure what color would look good. What about painting the brick a simular color & attaching a trellis to it just below the ledge? It looks like you have some soil area under most of that window. Otherwise you could consider planters.

Let us know what you decide! It would be great to see what you decide & how it turns out!
Sue

lyman · #7 (**permalink**) 01-24-2004, 02:33 PM

[xx(]I hate painted brick I think it looks tacky. If it were my home I would the same color brick to the other side of your door. And plant matching bushes to even it out.

JChristi · #8 (**permalink**) 05-25-2004, 04:09 PM

I am also interested in painting the brick on my parent's ranch home in Ames, IA. It looks very similar to your style and was built in 1967. I am wondering if you have decided to paint the brick and if so what color. Would you have a picture to share with the forum. My choice would be to paint your brick white...similar to your trim. It would give it a clean look. I would also considering painting it a color similar to your house w/a shade of gray. I would like to hear what you've decided and what your experience has been. Thank you! Jennifer

MRDIY · #9 (**permalink**) 06-22-2004, 01:38 PM

Here is a great Article for painting brick. There is also alot of other good content on the site.

http://www.paintsource.net/pages/sol...k_exterior.htm

aspears · #10 (**permalink**) 07-04-2004, 04:35 PM

I've been reading the comments on painting brick. We like in a small brick home and are getting ready to paint. We borrowed some siding books to look at colors. We are planning to build on in the future and will do so with siding. Thus, we chose a paint that will match the siding when we get to that point. That's a suggestion when trying to decide on colors. We are also getting ready to do all new trim, gutters and windows and want to get the house painted before we do that so we won't have to be so careful and tape up so much. Hope your project has gone well.