gray brick stain before and after
Sarah Scott
Updated on July 02, 2026
Staining is a perfect way to maintain the natural brick look of a home. Different bricks can be stained in different shades to add variety.
How long does stain on brick last?
The conservative estimate for the lifespan of brick stain is about 20 years. That’s a long time and underscores the importance of getting the stain done correctly. It’s going to be on there for a long time, so make sure you get it right. Newer brick stains claim they last the lifetime of the brick.
Can you change red brick to GREY?
Changing brick color is feasible because bricks are porous and readily soak up stains and tints. Because older red brick walls may be discolored from years of weathering or prior layers of masonry sealer, any new stain application may dry with some color variations. An alternative to staining bricks is painting them.
Is brick stain a good idea?
However, there are several benefits of staining brick. To start, the look will last much longer than paint. Staining these surfaces also allows the natural beauty of the brick to show and covers more area—which means you’d likely save money with this method.
What kind of stain do you use on brick?
There are two main types of brick stain: water-based and sealant. Water-based is what many professional painters suggest you should use. It is an easy application, prevents water build-up, and allows the brick to breathe. Stains with sealants, however, can actually encourage water damage as time moves on.
How much does brick staining cost?
Brick Staining Cost
Brick staining costs $0.70 to $1.90 per square foot. It’ll cost $1,100 to $3,000 for the average home with 1,580 square feet of exterior brick wall. For a 300 square foot area, you’ll pay $200 to $600. For the same area, materials and supplies cost between $25 and $80.
Is it better to paint brick or stain brick?
You may ask yourself, “is staining brick better than painting?” The short answer is yes, it is. Staining is more robust and can lead to your brick exterior looking great for many years. Painting may seem like a classic option, but it is outdated for your brick exterior.
Is brick stain the same as concrete stain?
Masonry stain works the same way wood stain does; by penetrating the surface of the brick, concrete, or stucco, and depositing pigment. Stain can be used to create a unique look; brick stain can be used to match new masonry to old- for example, on a new addition.
Does brick stain fade?
Increase The Retail Value of Your Property With Stayntech™ Brick Stain Exterior. No matter what you do, the brick will fade over time. Once that happens, it can change the entire look and feel of your neighborhood, home, or property hurting its value.
How do you darken GREY bricks?
Staining
Saturate your bricks with water, in order to fill the pores and create a damp surface. Clean your brick surface thoroughly using a masonry cleaning solution or undiluted white vinegar. Paint over each brick individually using a coat of concrete stain. Apply new coats of stain as needed.
Can you paint bricks GREY?
Painting brick is a great way to upgrade curb appeal and increase your home’s value. Using a dark color like slate grey or even a classic white can create a major visual impact when painted correctly. Provides protection from the elements.
Can you gray wash brick?
Gray paint cannot be directly applied to brick to achieve the desired color. A brick of this type is especially hard to come by when it is red. However, you can still wash your brick surface to give it a grayish appearance, even if it is not the most convenient method.
What is Limewashing brick?
Limewash Brick
Limewash is a technique that has been around for ages. It’s a paint made with lime, and instead of sitting on top of the brick and creating a barrier, it penetrates the brick. Photo credit: Bradley Heppner. Limewash is definitely a beautiful technique that is becoming more and more popular.
How do you stain brick yourself?
Instructions
Test the Brick Stain. Locate a section of brick that is less noticeable and test the brick stain on this area. Test the Brick For Sealant. Dip your fingers in clean water and flick a few drops onto the brick. Clean the Brick. Protect Your Home and Yourself. Mix the Stain. Apply the Stain. After Staining the Brick.
What is the most popular brick color?
Red. Red brick is the most traditional color of brick, and is often associated with older or more classic styles of architecture, such as the colonial style in the U.S. It can thus be used to create a vintage or traditional aesthetic, or to adapt a new building to the character of an older neighborhood.
How do you change the color of brick?
If you want to update the look of a brick without exterior replacing it, change the color. Bricks can be either stained or painted. Paint often peels or chips and it lasts only a few years before you have to repaint the bricks. Stain is a longer-lasting solution to changing the color of the bricks.