At DeHaan Painting in Charlotte, NC, we understand how powerful a brick makeover can be. Choosing between limewashing and painting is more than an aesthetic decision—it’s about longevity, maintenance, and how well your home stands up to our Southern climate.

Here’s our guide to help you pick the right finish for your brick exterior:

Beautiful Charlotte home featuring a professional limewash brick finish, showcasing a soft, elegant whitewashed look with enhanced texture and curb appeal.

1. Limewash: A Breathable, Weathered Beauty

What It Is: Limewash is made with crushed limestone and water (sometimes called “slaked lime”), bathing your brick in a semi-transparent, chalky finish. Unlike conventional paint, it infiltrates the surface instead of forming a film on top. (The Spruce)

Why Charlotte Loves It:

  • Breathable & Durable: Limewash lets moisture escape naturally, reducing peeling and trapped water—ideal for our humid climate. (The Spruce, Plank and Pillow)
  • Natural Aging: Its patina softens over time, offering a beautiful, lived-in look. (com)
  • Eco-Friendly & Cost-Effective: With low VOCs and simple ingredients, it’s a budget-friendly, low-waste solution. (The Spruce, WorldofStones-USA)

Points to Consider:

  • Subtlety Over Uniformity: The final look depends on your existing brick color and texture. It’s part of its charm but less predictable. (com)
  • Limited Color Palette: Usually found in earthy tones and whites—not the full spectrum of painter’s palette. (The Spruce)
  • Periodic Refresh Needed: It typically lasts around 5–7 years and may require reapplication. (The Spruce, com)

2. Painted Brick: Clean, Bold, and Customizable

What It Is: This method uses mineral-based masonry paint (like Romabio’s Masonry Flat line) to completely cover your brick with rich, opaque color that looks clean and modern. (ROMABIO)

Benefits for Homeowners:

  • Any Color, Any Finish: Ideal for dramatic or seamless design decisions—great for bold, modern transformations. (ROMABIO)
  • Long Lasting: High-quality mineral paints can come with up to 20-year durability. (ROMABIO)
  • Uniform Appearance: Perfect for making varied brick textures take on a cohesive look.
Painter using a professional spray gun to apply smooth, even paint coverage on a brick wall in Charlotte, North Carolina.

What to Watch Out For:

  • Moisture Risks with the Wrong Paint: If non-breathable paints are used, you may trap moisture, leading to blistering or mold. (The Spruce, com)
  • Less Character: Painted brick can feel more “done” and less naturally cozy. (com)

3. Our Perspective: Which Finish Works Best?

Top Questions to Consider:

  • Are you after an old-world aesthetic or a sleek, contemporary vibe?
  • Do you prefer minimal maintenance, or are you okay with reapplying every few years?
  • Is moisture control a key concern in Charlotte’s weather?
  • Is environmentally conscious painting important to you?

Limewash provides breathable, timeless charm with a softer, evolving finish. Painted brick offers full coverage, bold color, and durability—provided you use the right high-quality, breathable products.

Let’s revitalize your brick together!

At DeHaan Painting, we guide homeowners through a hands-on evaluation of your home’s architecture, brick condition, and long-term goals. We choose and apply the best products with precision for a result you’ll love—whether it’s an artful limewash or a fresh coat of brick paint.

Contact us today for a custom consultation and start the transformation journey.

DeHaan Painting for Charlotte

Helping Thousands of Families in Plaza Midwood, Noda, Chantilly, Dilworth, Elizabeth, Myers Park, South Park, Barclay Downs and Surrounding Areas.

DeHaan Painting
“Charlotte’s Premier Painter”

Dock, Deck, Fence Staining – Interior House Painting – Exterior House Painting – Kitchen Cabinet Painting – Limewash Applications – Commercial Painting – Christmas Light Installer

Phone: (980) 224-3191
Email: info@dehaanpaints.com