How Much Paint Does a Brick Wall Need?
Brick is a highly porous, textured surface that absorbs paint at 2 to 3 times the rate of smooth painted drywall. A gallon that covers 400 sq ft on smooth walls will cover only 100 to 150 sq ft on unpainted brick. This dramatically increases paint quantities and cost compared to standard wall painting.
A full exterior brick home with 1,500 sq ft of brick surface needs 10 to 15 gallons for the first coat and 5 to 8 gallons for the second coat — 15 to 23 gallons total. After the first coat seals the pores, subsequent coats absorb less.
Always apply a masonry-specific primer before any topcoat. This seals the pores, improves adhesion, and dramatically reduces the amount of expensive topcoat paint needed.
Brick Wall Paint — Reference Table
| Surface | 1st Coat | 2nd Coat | Litres (total 2 coats) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interior brick wall 10x8 | 1.5 gal | 0.75 gal | ~8.5 litres |
| Fireplace brick surround | 0.5 gal | 0.25 gal | ~2.8 litres |
| Exterior brick wall 20x10 | 2.5 gal | 1.5 gal | ~15 litres |
| Full exterior brick home | 10–15 gal | 5–8 gal | ~57–87 litres |
| Masonry primer (first coat) | 1 gal per 100 sq ft | — | ~3.8 L per 9.3 sq m |
Best Paint for Brick Walls
Use a breathable masonry or elastomeric paint for exterior brick. Brick naturally absorbs and releases moisture — non-breathable paints trap this moisture behind the surface and cause blistering and paint failure. Elastomeric coatings also bridge hairline mortar cracks and are flexible enough to move with the wall through temperature cycles.
For interior brick (feature walls, fireplaces), standard latex paint can be used but always prime with a masonry primer first. Semi-gloss or satin finishes are easier to clean than flat and highlight the texture of the brick attractively.
Tips for Painting Brick Walls
Always prime first with masonry primer — unpainted brick will absorb topcoat paint extremely heavily without it.
Use an airless sprayer or thick nap roller (3/4 to 1 inch) to work paint into the irregular surface of brick.
Repair mortar joints before painting — cracked or missing mortar allows water ingress behind the paint, causing failure.
Consider limewash as an alternative to paint — it is breathable, reversible, and gives a beautiful weathered finish popular in modern design.
Do not paint exterior brick without thoroughly considering the long-term maintenance implications — once painted, restoring unpainted brick is very difficult and expensive.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much paint does brick absorb vs drywall?
Brick absorbs 2 to 3 times more paint than smooth drywall. A gallon covering 400 sq ft on drywall will only cover 100 to 150 sq ft on bare brick.
Do I need special paint for brick?
Use a breathable masonry or elastomeric paint for exterior brick. Interior brick can use standard latex paint but always apply a masonry primer first.
How many coats of paint does brick need?
Three coats are recommended — one masonry primer coat plus two topcoats. The first topcoat absorbs heavily; the second gives full, even coverage.
Can you unpaint brick?
Painted brick is very difficult to restore. Sandblasting can remove paint but often damages the brick face. Consider limewash as a more reversible alternative to paint.
What is limewash and is it better than paint for brick?
Limewash is a breathable coating made from slaked lime that penetrates brick rather than coating it. It is reversible, ages beautifully, and is often preferred over paint for exterior brick.
How long does paint last on brick?
Exterior brick paint lasts 15 to 20 years when properly applied over masonry primer. Interior brick paint in a dry environment can last indefinitely.