Start this project off right by choosing the best paint color for your home.
There’s no denying the transformative power ofwhite paint.
Before covering abrick fireplaceor exterior with a fresh coat of paint, consider the upkeep of maintaining this look.
Credit: Hector Manuel Sanchez
Chipped paint, dirt, and mildew do not help curb appeal.
If you’re determined to give your brick a face-lift, try an alternative to all-over paintingwhitewashing.
Whitewashing adds instant character, and its perfectly imperfect patinaed look grows even more charming with age.
To master the whitewashed look, it all begins with picking the right paint color.
How to Whitewash Bricks
For whitewashing projects, choose a latex (or water-based) paint.
Creating the whitewashing mixture takes combining equal parts of paint and water.
Bricks absorb moisture, so this helps them hold the color for longer.
Your whitewashing pattern doesn’t have to be uniform; the variegated look is what adds the charm.
Go heavier in some spots, lighter in others, and leave some brick exposed.
To help with your search, we’ve narrowed down a few of our favorite options to whitewashing bricks.
Best Paint Colors for Whitewashing Paint
Farrow & Ball’s Pointing (No.
2003)
This light and white shade work well on traditional brickwork.
Warm undertones offset red bricks when used as a whitewash.
Pair this paint with other traditional home decors for a strong yet soft look.
Sherwin-Williams' Alabaster (SW 7008)
This cream-based hue works well on walls and bricks.
Adding light coats of paint allows you to build a textured effect, adding character to any bricks.
Pair it with white trim and accents to create a calming retreat.
Sherwin-Williams' Pure White (SW 7005)
Use this on interior or exterior bricks.
This classic white paint pairs well with grey-hued mortars.
Try adding contrasting colors to your surroundings to accentuate the whitewashing.
Taking a more understated approach to whitewashing discourages brightening the bricks too much.
Coordinate this paint color with other muted colors for an earthy or vintage style.
The warm hue can be used as trim as well as on brick.
Try matching this color to your brick’s mortar to see if it’s a match.
If so, it will enhance the brick’s natural texture and complement the space.
The rich hues complement well with browns and navy.
White trim and walls balance the space.
Balance this hidden color pop with stark whites to brighten the room.
Mortar colors can range, but a darker shade balance nicely with this paint color.
Try it on interior or exterior bricks.
Add it to brick to soften up a dark space.
The off-white or cream-based paint color adds a vintage, distressed look to brick.
This hue complements other shades of white and cream.
Whitewashing applies diluted paint on brick, while limewashing uses a mixture of lime, minerals, and water.
Limewash will soak into the brick, creating a chalk-like appearance.
