Painting red brick “WHITE“ What’s up with that ?

I drive thru some older neighborhoods and look to my left and right and notice that many of these homes, which used to be red brick homes, are suddenly white! When did this trend happen? It used to be just one or two here and there, but now they are all turning white on me.

When did this trend start? I am actually not sure, but I talked to a painter, and he said that he got his first job painting exterior red brick in the 90'. It changes the look of the home from traditional to a more modern appearance. 

I went to a local paint shop to learn more about "whitewashing" or "limewashing" exterior brick since I might do it with my own home. And this is what I learned: 

Painting exterior brick, or "whitewashing," as one should call it, is not hard and complicated. There are two techniques: one is called "whitewashing," and the other one is called "limewashing."

Whitewash is taking a watered-down version of paint and applying it directly to the brick. The whitewash sits on top of the brick. This technique proved to create a smoother surface.

Does whitewashing brick last a long time? Yes! It lasts a very long time, about 20-30 years, and it requires very little maintenance and is waterproof.

Advantage:

It brightens shabby surfaces; it completely removes and covers the red brick tones; it is very smooth and long-lasting. Whitewashing can also be applied to painted brick, with many different colors to choose from. The cost of paint is relatively inexpensive.

Disadvantage:

The paint sits on top of the bricks, and it might take several coats to get a uniform coverage of the brick. The paint is permanent, and the paint cannot be power washed off.

Limewash is a mix of lime, minerals, and water that is applied directly to the brick. Limewash soaks into the brick instead of sitting directly on top of it. It calcifies to the brick, and the product will patina or age over time. Areas like chimneys and exposed walls will wear down more quickly, but areas under cover, such as soffits, etc., remain like they are for many years. Limewash is waterproof.

Advantages:

The limewash technique is a natural, mineral-based solution directly applied to brickwork or masonry; it adds texture: can be made and mixed right at home, low maintenance; and unlike artificial paints, Limewash will not need to be removed but retouched every five to seven years.

It is also resistant to peeling and chipping.

Disadvantages:

Slow-Drying Process: Limewashing coats take a considerable amount of time to dry, it will erode over time.

So, this was a good lesson and education for me. I am ready to pick a technique and color and get started on my interior fireplace. 

Looking to find some great examples of "white" painted homes? Take a drive through the older neighborhoods of Mount Pleasant, West Ashley, and James Island, and one can see many homes, especially ranch homes, transformed from red to white brick. 

Looking for ranch-style home ? There are currently 73 RED BRICK ranch-style homes (2-4br/2ba, 1-2 car garage; $1.8 Million to $118,000)

For sale: red brick ranch homes