Take all factors into account before painting brick.
Home exteriors come in multiple types and colors. Common choices include stucco, wood, cement, shingle or stone. Part of owning a home is the option to change it as you please, including the color of the exterior and accents such as doors and windows. Most people don't paint brick due to its natural beauty, but it can be done with proper planning and cost considerations.
Preparation
Before you can begin to paint brick it must be properly prepped. Any chipped or worn areas must be broken off and the cracks filled with caulk. The exterior also needs to be pressure washed to provide a completely clean surface. This part of the process requires you to either purchase or rent a pressure washer at around $100 per day, as of 2011, or to hire someone to complete the process. Sandblasting costs approximately $1/square foot. As a homeowner, expect to pay a professional hourly labor costs. You also need various materials, including drop cloths, ladders, a sprayer and masking tape, which you can either purchase or rent depending on your needs.
Paint
The amount of paint you need to complete the project depends on how large an area you're covering and the quality of the paint. Some paints are designed for those on a budget, while others are priced to last longer. Exterior paint ranges from $25 to $100 per gallon, depending on the manufacturer, as of the date of publication. The money you spend on the paint is the same whether you do the job yourself or hire a professional for the task.
Labor
Doing the job yourself eliminates labor costs but requires time, equipment and some handy skills. If you hire a professional, consult with several companies to get the best estimates. Most people prefer to have their homes painted in the summer, which is the peak season and will cost more money. If you're on a budget, consider waiting until the off-season for a better rate. Labor costs vary depending on how much work must be done and the time it will take, but will likely run at least $1,000 and can go above $10,000 in some cases.
Upkeep
Brick should be repainted every five to seven years in most cases. Unless you own the tools, you'll have to spend the same amount, if not more, for repainting each time. Inflation makes goods and services more expensive over the years.
Estimates
Pricing to get the brick painted also depends on how much preparation is required -- including caulking and priming -- and how much detail work must be done. Prices also depend on the cost of living in your area. A brick home of approximately 1,000 square feet without too much detail or repair will average around $2,500 to $3,000 to paint.
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