Virginia & Washington DC
202-743-5072
Brick Painting in Arlington, VA
Brick homes are an Arlington staple — from the classic red-brick colonials of Country Club Hills and Donaldson Run to the charming ramblers in Waverly Hills and Bluemont. While brick is incredibly durable, its appearance can become dated or stained over decades. Professional brick painting transforms a tired facade into a modern, fresh exterior.
Painting brick requires specialized knowledge of masonry surfaces. Brick is porous and absorbs moisture, so using the wrong paint can trap moisture inside, leading to spalling, cracking, and efflorescence. We use breathable masonry paints that allow moisture vapor to escape while providing a beautiful, durable finish.
The trend toward painted brick and limewash finishes has transformed Arlington neighborhoods. Homeowners in Ashton Heights and Cherrydale are updating their 1940s brick homes with classic whites, soft grays, and greige palettes. We also offer German Schmear and limewash techniques for a more textured, European-inspired finish.
Why Choose Northern Star Painters
🧱
Masonry Specialists
Breathable paints designed specifically for brick — no moisture trapping or spalling.
🎨
Multiple Finish Options
Painted, limewash, and German Schmear techniques for any style from modern to rustic.
🛡️
10–15 Year Results
Proper prep and masonry coatings give your brick exterior a finish that lasts over a decade.
Our Process
1
Masonry Assessment
We inspect brick for cracks, mortar issues, efflorescence, and moisture. Test area for adhesion.
2
Power Wash & Mortar Repair
Thorough cleaning, tuck-pointing cracked mortar, and filling surface cracks.
3
Masonry Primer
Breathable masonry primer ensures strong adhesion while allowing moisture to pass through.
4
Two-Coat Application
Two full coats of breathable masonry paint via spray and back-roll for complete coverage.
Brick Painting Trends in Arlington
Before we apply a single coat of paint, we thoroughly power wash, repair mortar joints, seal cracks, and prime the entire surface. This preparation is critical for a long-lasting brick paint job — shortcuts lead to peeling and failure within a few years.
Limewash is growing in popularity among Arlington homeowners who want a softer, more organic look than traditional paint. Unlike paint which sits on the surface, limewash penetrates into the brick and develops a beautiful patina over time. It can be refreshed easily and gives homes a timeless European character.
Our Arlington brick painting projects are backed by our workmanship warranty and typically last 10–15 years with proper surface preparation. We’ve transformed dozens of brick homes across the county, and the results consistently exceed our clients’ expectations.
Limewash vs. Paint for Arlington Brick Homes
Limewash is a centuries-old finish that’s experiencing a major revival among Arlington homeowners. Unlike paint which forms a film on the surface, limewash penetrates into the brick and creates a soft, chalky, textured appearance. It develops a beautiful patina over time and can be easily refreshed or adjusted.
Traditional masonry paint provides a more uniform, opaque finish that completely covers the brick surface. It offers stronger weather protection and is available in a wider range of colors. For Arlington homes where you want a clean, modern painted look, masonry paint is the better choice.
German Schmear (also called mortar wash) is a technique where thinned mortar is applied over brick and partially wiped away, creating a rustic, Old World appearance. It allows some of the original brick to show through while softening the overall look. Several Arlington homes in Ashton Heights and Clarendon have been transformed with this technique.
Each finish has different maintenance and longevity profiles. Limewash may need refreshing every 5–7 years but is easy to touch up. Masonry paint lasts 10–15 years. German Schmear is essentially permanent since it’s cementitious. We help you choose the right option for your Arlington home based on your aesthetic goals and maintenance preferences.
Before You Paint Your Arlington Brick Home
Painting brick is a long-term commitment — once painted, brick requires periodic repainting. Removing paint from brick is extremely difficult and expensive. Make sure you’re ready for this commitment before proceeding. Limewash is a more reversible alternative if you’re uncertain.
Address any mortar joint issues before painting. Cracked, crumbling, or missing mortar should be tuck-pointed before any surface coating is applied. Paint will not fill or bridge deteriorated mortar joints, and moisture entering through failed mortar will cause paint failure from behind.
We always perform a moisture test before painting brick. If moisture is migrating through the wall from inside (common in basements and below-grade walls), paint will trap it and cause peeling and spalling. We identify and address moisture issues before applying any coating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to paint brick?
Yes, when done correctly with breathable masonry paints. The key is products that allow moisture vapor to escape while blocking liquid water. Standard latex house paint is NOT suitable — we use professional masonry coatings.
How much does brick painting cost in Arlington?
Brick painting typically costs $5,000–$15,000+ depending on home size, stories, and mortar condition. Limewash and German Schmear are comparable in price.
How long does painted brick last?
With proper prep and breathable masonry paint, painted brick lasts 10–15 years. Limewash develops a beautiful patina and can be refreshed more easily.
Ready to get started in Arlington?
Call 202-743-5072 or book your free estimate online.
Areas Served
What Our Customers Say
“Northern Star Painters did an amazing job on our entire interior. Professional, clean, and the attention to detail was outstanding. Highly recommend!”
— Sarah M., Arlington, VA
“We had our cabinets refinished and they look brand new. The crew was on time, respectful of our home, and the results exceeded our expectations.”
— James R., McLean, VA
“Best painting company we’ve used. Fair pricing, great communication throughout the project, and the exterior paint job looks incredible.”
— David L., Ashburn, VA
✅ 2-Year Workmanship Warranty ✅ Licensed & Insured — $2M Liability Coverage ✅ 5-Star Google Rated — 48 Reviews ✅ Free Detailed Estimates — No Obligation
Virginia Class A Contractor | Locally Owned & Operated | Serving Northern Virginia & Washington DC