A dark brick exterior can make a home look dated and dreary. While beautiful in their own right, dark bricks absorb light instead of reflecting it, causing the home to appear darker and less vibrant. Luckily, there are several ways to brighten up dark brick and give your home a fresh, welcoming look. With a little creativity and elbow grease, you can transform the exterior of your home.

Clean the Brick

Before making any drastic changes, start by giving the brick a good cleaning. Over time, dirt, mildew, and pollutants from the air can cause the brick to darken and appear dingy. Use the following steps to clean brick and remove debris that is making it look darker than it should:

Mix one cup of trisodium phosphate (TSP) with a gallon of warm water. TSP is a heavy duty cleaner that will cut through grime on the bricks.
Use a stiff bristle brush and scrub the TSP solution onto the bricks in circular motions. Pay close attention to any dirty or discolored areas.
Let the cleaner sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with a garden hose. Power washing is not recommended for brick cleaning as it can damage the surface.
Repeat as needed until the bricks look fresh and revived. Multiple cleanings may be required for very dirty brick.

Properly cleaning the brick will likely brighten it up a shade or two by removing embedded dirt and opening up the brick’s natural pores. Always test cleaners in an inconspicuous spot first to ensure it does not discolor or damage the brick. Let the bricks completely dry before moving onto the next steps.

Apply a Brick Sealer

Once clean, applying a clear brick sealer will protect the bricks from new dirt and stains. The sealer will also enhance the color of the brick, providing extra brightness and vibrancy.

Look for a penetrating silicone or silane/siloxane based sealer which soak into the brick instead of leaving a surface film that can peel. Use the following tips when applying:

Carefully read and follow the sealer manufacturer’s instructions. Apply during dry weather when temperatures are between 50-90°F.
Use a paint pad, roller, or low pressure sprayer to evenly apply the sealer on the bricks. Avoid pooling the product.
Let the sealer fully cure for 24-48 hours before evaluating if a second coat is needed for maximum brightness.
Reapply the sealer every 3-5 years as needed to maintain the renewed look. Proper reapplication will extend the life and beauty of your bricks.

Sealing the bricks will protect them from the elements that cause darkening while making the surface more light reflective. For best results, only apply sealer to clean bricks.

Paint or Stain the Mortar Between Bricks

Another way to brighten brick is to paint the recessed mortar between each unit a lighter color. By changing the mortar from dark to light, it makes the overall wall appear less heavy.

For painting mortar:

Use a mortar dye designed for exterior use. These penetrate and color the mortar without peeling or wearing off too quickly.
Opt for white or very light gray to provide maximum contrast against the darker brick face. Stay away from intense hues like yellow or red which can look gaudy.
Work the dye into the mortar lines using an artist brush or foam roller. Remove any excess dye from the brick face with a damp cloth.
Apply a sealant over the dyed mortar to enhance the color and provide protection from the elements.

Instead of paint, you can also use a lighter-colored mortar stain which subtly alters the appearance for a natural look. Test products in an inconspicuous area prior to doing the entire home.

Painting or staining the mortar makes the walls appear less heavy while highlighting the beauty of the brick itself. Just take care to avoid getting paint or stain onto the brick surface when applying.

Add Exterior Lighting

Installing lighting on your home’s exterior draws the eye upwards and illuminates your home at night. Well-placed lighting casts attractive shadows that make brickwork more dimensional and vibrant in appearance.

Consider adding:

Sconces or lanterns flanking the front door
Attractive spotlights shining on architectural focal points
Landscape pathway lighting
Floodlights spreading ambient light across the exterior
Accent up-lighting placed in ground and focused on the home’s features

Mix various lighting types for the biggest visual impact. Just take care not to overdo it or the home may appear gaudy. Focus light on the home’s best features and areas you want to showcase. Light colored bulbs in the 3500K range provide attractive, natural lighting.

Smart use of exterior lighting provides extra brightness and dimension that makes dark brick pops visually. Upgrade old fixtures for a sleek, modern look.

Add Strategic Color Accents

Sometimes all a dark brick home needs are a few well-placed colorful accents. Consider adding brighter tones with:

A fresh colored front door for an instant focal point. Opt for classic red, vivid turquoise, or even a sunny yellow to contrast beautifully against dark brick.
Colorful shutters flanking windows for a personalized look. Navy blue or forest green shutters pair nicely with brick.
Planters overflowing with colorful blooms. The brighter the flowers the better to stand out against the brick backdrop. Go with colorful perennials for year-round appeal.
A trellis or arbor covered in flowering vines like clematis, honeysuckle, or roses.
Vibrantly striped cushions and pillows on outdoor furniture.
A unique house number plaque, mailbox, or decorative exterior signage.

When it comes to color keep combinations classic and tasteful. Contrast dark brick with bright colors that pop instead of blending in. Accent colors will make the home more welcoming without detracting from the brickwork.

Add Architectural Interest with Molding

For a more involved project, consider adding white trim, molding, columns, trellises or other architectural features to make the home feel brighter and more custom.

Crisp white woodwork makes a stunning contrast against rich red or brown brick:

Installing column accents, crown molding or louvred shutters around windows and entries draws the eye.
Boxing out a large entryway with crown molding instantly makes the home feel more grand and welcoming.
Adding dentil or decorative trim molding along the roofline and cornices Jazzes up drab brickwork.
Paint or replace roofline fascia, eaves, rafter tails, and soffits bright white to contrast with the brick walls.
A colorful front door flanked by elegant white columns makes a wonderful focal point.

Well-designed woodwork complements the brick while adding custom elegance. Seek architectural inspiration from historic colonial or craftsman style homes which combine brick and painted woodwork beautifully.

Install a Trellis or Arbor

Installing a white or light colored wood trellis, pergola, or arbor is a great way to add architectural interest while also making the home feel brighter and more welcoming:

An entryway arbor instantly invites guests in and can be accented with flowering vines.
An elegant freestanding pergola filled with vines makes a shady spot to relax outdoors.
Trellises affixed to house walls provide vertical interest and can support flowering vines.
Trellised walkways feel romantic and make great boundaries for an outdoor living space.

Aim for designs with crisply painted wood that contrast well with the dark brick. Ensure additions are stylistically appropriate and proportional to the home’s size and architecture. A skilled carpenter can build custom arbors and trellises sized perfectly for your space.

Plant Vibrant Flowers & Bushes

Strategically placed colorful landscaping does wonders to liven up dark exterior brick. Choose plants with big impact:

Opt for brightly colored annuals like petunias, zinnias, and dianthus which can be changed out each year. Go for vivid reds, oranges, purples, and pinks that contrast beautifully with brick.
Evergreens like junipers, spruces, hollies, and pines add year-round brightness. Plant them as specimens or colorful privacy hedges.
Perennial bushes like hydrangeas, azaleas, and rhododendrons add gorgeous pops of color year after year. Seek out compact varieties appropriate for your climate.
Plant bright colored climbing roses on fences, trellises, and arbors. The flowers will provide months of eye-catching color against the brick exterior.

Group colorful plantings in beds flanking the home’s entry and front walkway where they will have maximum visual impact. Keep flower colors cohesive for a harmonious look.

Pressure Wash and Apply New Stain

For severely discolored or faded brick, consider applying a translucent concrete stain that adds subtle color. This is achieved by pressure washing and applying an overlay color that enhances the beauty of natural brickwork.

Hire a professional contractor experienced in exterior staining for best results. The process includes:

Pressure washing the bricks thoroughly to remove all existing sealers or coatings so the stain can properly bond.
Letting the surface completely dry for several days afterwards. Applying stain to damp bricks will cause problems.
Selecting a semi-transparent concrete stain in the desired tint. Brick stains are available in a range of lighter earth tones and vivid colors like rich red or ebony.
Skillfully applying an even coat of the water-based stain using low pressure spray equipment. The stain soaks into the porous brick surface and won’t peel or fade quickly.
Applying a clear protective sealer over the stained surface. Reapply sealer every few years to maintain the refreshed look.

Staining over dark brick provides extra color without completely concealing the surface texture and natural beauty. It offers a lighter, more unified appearance that receives many compliments.

Install New Awnings

Adding awning over windows, doors, and patios is an easy way to provide shade while also infusing color. Opt for retractable awnings in brighter, bolder colors that contrast beautifully with your dark brick:

Striking striped pattern awnings make a fun statement and add visual interest.
Solid brights like tomato red, sunshine yellow, or azure blue complement typical brick tones.
Natural linen colored awnings keep things low-key if you prefer a more neutral palette.

Coordinate awning colors with existing accents like the front door or outdoor furniture for a cohesive look. Just avoid clashing colors that fight with the brick instead of complementing it.

Properly installed awnings provide UV protection, shade interiors, and brighten up the home’s curb appeal in an afternoon. Choose durable awning material like canvas, acrylic, or aluminum that can withstand the elements.

Frequently Asked Questions about Brightening Dark Brick Exteriors

Brick exteriors are enduringly beautiful, but may need some refreshing after years of exposure to the elements. Here are answers to common questions about brightening up dark and discolored brick façades:

Is cleaning brick with a pressure washer okay?

No, we never recommend using high-pressure washing to clean brick surfaces as it can damage the brick and force more water into the walls than desired. Always use milder hand scrubbing methods. Test cleaners first before applying to the entire surface.

What’s the best way to make my red brick look red again?

Start with a gentle cleaning using our recommended trisodium phosphate solution. For brick that remains faded or discolored after cleaning, apply a transparent concrete stain in a richer red hue. Hire a pro for best staining results.

What color paint makes brick look lighter?

Painting only the recessed mortar lines between bricks a very light gray or crisp white makes the entire wall appear brighter. Avoid painting the bricks themselves, which rarely has an attractive result.

Should I seal my outdoor brick?

Yes! Applying a quality penetrating brick sealer after cleaning provides water repellency, stain resistance, and enhances the brick’s color. It prevents future darkening and deterioration by protecting the brick surface. Reapply sealer every 3-5 years.

How do I make my brick fireplace brighter?

Clean soot stains with a wire brush or chemical cleaner. Paint the interior hearth and firebox white using high temperature paint. Install new metal screens and tools in brass or brightly colored enamel. Add track lighting or sconces to showcase the space.

With some strategic TLC, you can give your dark brick exterior a refreshed appearance that keeps your home looking beautiful for decades to come. Be patient during any remodeling process and care for the brick properly for best long term results. Soon you’ll have the brightest and most inviting brick home on the block!

Conclusion

Dark and dated brick can detract from a home’s beauty and curb appeal. Luckily, there are many affordable ways to brighten up brick exterior walls for a warm, welcoming look. Strategic cleaning, sealing, painting, lighting and the addition of color accents and foliage can transform the look of your home’s exterior brick. With a little elbow grease and TLC, you can have your brick looking fresh, bright and beautiful in no time, boosting the charm of your home.

How to Brighten a Dark Brick Exterior