Brick houses have an irresistible charm that continues from colonial to contemporary. These are versatile canvases for any design and style, allowing homeowners to put their unique stamp on their living space.
Sydney is renowned for its stunning architecture, and brick houses are no exception. In fact, the city is home to some of the most attractive and historic brick homes in the country. The natural texture and warm brick hues give a sense of authenticity to any residence, making it a true standout in the neighbourhood. This ideal exterior is also an attraction to many home buyers due to its eco-friendly design.
There is no doubt that brick surfaces can be both durable and aesthetically pleasing, but over time, they can become worn or outdated. A layer of protection is a good idea to give it a new look and keep it safe.
Confusion arises while choosing the layer, as the regular coat of paint is not enough for the porous material of a brick house. Well, you don’t have to get worried about it because we have a complete makeover guide for you. We will discuss the popular finishes with details to help you find the perfect solution that intact the timeless appearance of the bricked surface of your dwelling.

The Ultimate Makeover Guide:

As previously said, these special houses need proper maintenance to hold their beauty. Any of the best house painters in Sydney will never recommend regular paint for your brick house because it can catch moisture and eventually damage the brick in the long run. In this case, brick finishes can be the best solution due to their durability, low maintenance and appealing look. Limewash, Whitewash and German Smear are the three popular heroes of a brick finishing book. Thus, we will discuss them to help you decide which one to go for.

Limewash

Made from natural lime, water, and pigments, limewash provides a matte, chalky, breathable, and durable finish. It can cover up unsightly stains or imperfections on brick surfaces while protecting the brick from the elements. The finish has a rustic, old-world charm that can add character and depth to a building.

Pros

  • Limewash is highly durable as it is resistant to moisture, fungi, and odour and can last for many years without needing to be reapplied
  • Limewash is made from natural materials and is free from harmful chemicals, making it an eco-friendly choice
  • The solution allows the brick to breathe, which means that moisture can pass through the surface, helping to prevent water damage and mould growth.
  • It is relatively inexpensive compared to other finishes, making it a cost-effective option for those on a budget
  • Unlike traditional paint finishes, limewash does not create a uniform, flat surface but instead allows the natural variations in the brick to show through
  • Because limewash allows the brick to breathe, it can help regulate indoor temperature and humidity levels overall, reducing energy costs and improving indoor comfort levels
  • Offers you a variety of customisation options with a variety of colours and application techniques, from a traditional solid coat to a more textured or wash effect
  • It works like an anti-bacterial agent and has protective benefits as limewash creates an alkaline environment that is inhospitable to many types of bacteria and germs

Cons

  • Applying limewash requires some skill and experience to achieve the desired effect, so you will need professional painters to achieve your desired look
  • It may require multiple coats to achieve full coverage, especially if the brick surface is heavily textured
  • The process is time-consuming as it takes a lot of time to dry properly
  • Because limewash is a natural product, there can be some variation in colour and consistency from batch to batch, for which large projects that need multiple batches face the problem
  • It may not adhere well to non-absorbent surfaces, not even to the bricks if it is already painted

Whitewash

The primary difference between whitewash and limewash is in their composition. Whitewash is made from a combination of water, hydrated lime, and salt. This difference in mixing ingredients can result in different appearance and durability characteristics. The process of whitewashing is comparatively stress-free and dries quite quickly. It is basically a thin layer that helps tone down the natural shade of the brick.

Pros

  • Whitewash is more resistant to fading than traditional paint finishes, making it a good choice for areas with excessive sun exposure
  • It is a great solution for giving a smoother finish
  • No matter if the brick is painted or not, unlike limewash, whitewash can be applied on even painted brick
  • It is relatively low-maintenance and can easily last 20-30 years, mostly with no maintenance required
  • Usually, a more affordable solution and easy to apply
  • It can be a great solution for brightening the dark area as it tones down the redness of brick, and also, in the interior setup, it helps in matching the colours of a brick wall to the rest of the background

Cons

  • Whitewash is typically more sheer and transparent than other finishes, which means it may not provide as much coverage or hide imperfections as effectively
  • It dries fast, which is a plus point, but at the same time, you get little or no time to decide on the look and change it during the process
  • While whitewash is relatively easy to apply, getting the mixture in a perfect ratio is really tricky, especially for DIYers or inexperienced painters

German Smear

German Smear, also known as “Schmear” or “German Schmear,” is a method used to create an aged, rustic look on brick surfaces. This technique involves applying a mortar mixture to the surface of the bricks and then spreading it around with a brush to create a textured, whitewashed appearance. When executed correctly, German Smear can give a European sophistication to a building’s exterior.

Pros

  • This technique has good coverage and can help conceal imperfections in brick surfaces, such as cracks or stains
  • Once applied, German Smear is relatively durable and can withstand weathering and wear and tear
  • A great choice for applying texture as it can sit well on the top of the brick and give you your desired consistency to work with any design
  • German Smear can be used on a range of surfaces, including interior and exterior brick walls, fireplaces, and outdoor courtyard areas
  • It can add character and visual interest to a building’s exterior, giving it a unique, up-to-date, yet rustic look

Cons

  • It requires skill and experience to apply Schmear effectively, as achieving a consistent and even texture across the entire surface can be difficult
  • The permanent coverage feature bounds you, the house owner, to stick committed to one look
  • German Smear may not be suitable for all types of brick surfaces, especially not for painted bricks
  • German Smear can be a bit more expensive than other techniques due to the complexity of the process and the materials used

Which one to choose for my brick home?

Well, it is not a simple decision and shouldn’t suggest one specific finish for a brick house without understanding its need. There is no going back for some finishes like Whitewash or German Smear, so choosing it wisely is necessary. Getting the appropriate finishing depends on multiple factors, such as

  • The style of your home
  • The condition of your bricks
  • Your budget for the makeover
  • The level of maintenance you are willing to continue

Ultimately, the choice of finish depends on your personal preferences, but here are a few suggestions from our point of view-

  1. If you are searching for an alternative to paint, then limewash is ideal for you. Over time, you can change the look of your house by removing the finish with power-washing. For those who are conscious about the environment, this eco-friendly option is also ideal for them. Moreover, if you are looking for an affordable solution for your fresh, unpainted bricks, then limewash is the one.
  2. A whitewash finish can be a good choice if you prefer a cleaner and more modern look. This finish can help to brighten up the brick surface and give it a more uniform appearance, and it will be quite helpful for decorating the fireplace. If your bricks are painted, but you still want a finish for them, then whitewash can help you.
  3. A German Smear finish can be a good option if you have older, weathered bricks with imperfections, as it can help to conceal these imperfections and give the surface a more uniform look. It is a permanent solution, so we suggest this for the one who is willing to spend a little more but wants a long-term commitment to a rustic and attractive look.

Each finish has its charm and unique styles to offer, but if not done correctly, your brick house will ultimately lose its sophisticated presence. As the finishes decide how your living place will look for quite a long time, it is wise to avoid risking it with unskilled hands.

With their 32 years of experience, Priority One Coatings can offer ideal wall painting services in Sydney. Their Dulux Accredited painters are the ones who will understand the need for your brick and provide the best solution. So, getting the best version of your brick house is no longer a hassle with the correct house painters.

Photo by Micah Carlson on Unsplash