Why Painting Brick in Chicago is a Mistake (And What to Do Instead)
Why Not To Paint Your Bricks in Chicago
Painting your brick building might seem like a fast fix. Clean it up, give it a modern look, maybe boost the curb appeal—right? But here in Chicago, painting your brick is like putting a plastic coat on something that’s meant to breathe. It looks nice at first, but over time? It becomes a ticking time bomb for your masonry.
If you’re thinking about painting your brick home, storefront, or commercial property, pump the brakes. There are better ways to protect and refresh your brick exterior without putting your structure at risk.
The Hidden Risks of Painting Brick
Trapped Moisture and Chicago’s Freeze-Thaw Effect
Let’s cut to the chase: painted brick in Chicago almost always ends badly. Our city’s extreme temperature swings—hot summers, wet springs, bitter winters—put serious stress on exterior walls.
When you apply regular paint to brick, you seal off its natural pores. That means moisture from rain or humidity gets absorbed by the brick, but can’t escape. As that water freezes and expands during winter, it starts to cause spalling, cracks, and in some cases, major structural damage.
Chicago’s freeze-thaw cycles don’t just make sidewalks crumble—they can absolutely destroy painted masonry over time.
Brick Was Built to Breathe
Brick is porous by nature. So is mortar. These materials are designed to absorb a bit of water and release it naturally. When you paint over them, you essentially trap moisture inside the wall—turning your once-breathable facade into a moisture prison.
This leads to efflorescence, mold growth, flaking paint, and deterioration of the building envelope itself. Not exactly the result you want after spending time and money on a makeover.
It Becomes a Maintenance Nightmare
Paint doesn’t just stay pretty. It peels, bubbles, cracks—especially in a city with as many freeze-thaw cycles as Chicago. Once you start painting brick, you're locked into a repainting cycle every few years.
And removing paint from brick? Let’s just say it’s not like peeling off a sticker. You can seriously damage the surface, permanently alter the texture, or even cause more moisture penetration if done improperly.
Why This Problem is Worse in Chicago
Here in the Windy City, we see all four seasons—often in one week. Those rapid weather changes wreak havoc on exterior coatings.
Older buildings in Chicago are often made of Chicago common brick, a softer, more porous brick type that’s extremely vulnerable to paint-related damage. Historic and vintage buildings are especially at risk because their mortar is lime-based and more fragile than modern blends.
That’s why masonry experts across Chicago agree: don’t paint the brick. Protect it properly instead.
Smarter Alternatives to Painting Brick in Chicago
You don’t need paint to refresh your building. These options protect your masonry and look great doing it:
1. Professional Brick Cleaning
Sometimes the brick just looks dirty. Power washing (done right) or gentle chemical cleaning can remove stains, soot, and mildew without damaging the masonry. It’s the clean-slate effect—without sealing up the wall.
2. Brick Staining (Not Painting)
Unlike paint, mineral-based stains bond with the brick surface without blocking its pores. Staining lets your walls breathe while still evening out discoloration or boosting uniformity. It’s perfect for commercial buildings or modernizing older homes—without suffocating the structure.
3. Breathable Water Repellents
If your main concern is water protection, opt for a silane or siloxane-based repellent. These treatments keep out rain but still allow internal moisture to escape—reducing risk of efflorescence, mold, and spalling.
4. Tuckpointing and Brick Restoration
Sometimes your brick doesn’t need a color change—it just needs some love. Replacing decayed mortar joints (aka tuckpointing in Chicago) and doing minor repairs can make a 100-year-old building look like it just got a facelift.
Already Painted Your Brick? Here’s What to Do Next
First, don’t panic. Many building owners don’t realize the risk until the paint starts bubbling or bricks begin flaking.
We recommend:
Getting a professional inspection to assess any damage
Avoiding pressure-washing or chemical strippers unless guided by a masonry pro
Considering a long-term restoration plan: this may involve repointing, selective paint removal, and applying breathable coatings going forward
Every building is different, so the solution depends on your brick type, paint condition, and building age.
Why Work With Krisbud Construction
We’ve helped hundreds of property owners across Chicago repair and restore their masonry—without compromising the materials. From chimney rebuilds to full facade preservation, we know what Chicago buildings need to thrive in this climate.
When it comes to your brick, we believe in preservation over cover-up. And we’ll never recommend a quick fix that leads to long-term damage.
Whether you need cleaning, masonry waterproofing or sealing, tuckpointing, or an honest second opinion, we’re here to help you protect your building’s value.
Schedule a free inspection today with Krisbud Construction Masonry & Tuckpointing → Because your brick was meant to last. Let’s keep it that way—no paintbrush required.