White Brick: Painting vs. Whitewashing—What You Need to Know

White brick is trending for good reason. It is clean, timeless, and adds natural warmth to modern interiors. At Old Mill Brick, we often hear questions about painting, whitewashing, and limewashing brick. Before you pick up a brush, review the differences and see what our experts recommend for lasting beauty and performance.

Paint vs. Whitewash—What’s the Difference?

Paint

Painting your brick delivers a completely solid, opaque finish. Use a high-quality latex-based paint and always apply a primer or sealer first. Paint creates instant coverage but it also seals the surface. Because real brick is porous, trapped moisture can cause peeling, yellowing, or surface deterioration over time. If you want a bright white look with better moisture control, consider a mineral-based paint that allows more vapor transmission.

• Pros: Crisp, uniform white finish; hides stains and color variations; suitable for interiors and exteriors.
• Cons: Can peel or flake over time; may trap moisture if the assembly cannot breathe; hard to reverse once applied.

Whitewash

Whitewashing softens brick color while keeping natural character visible. A common mix is a 50 % paint and 50 % water blend. Apply with a brush or rag, then wipe back for a lighter effect. Whitewash penetrates instead of forming a film, so the brick can breathe. It is easy to refresh with another coat later.

Follow this step-by-step guide from Home Depot: How to Whitewash Brick.

• Pros: Breathable and low-maintenance; enhances natural texture; adjustable opacity.
• Cons: Less uniform than paint; once absorbed, complete removal can be difficult.

What Is Limewashing?

Limewashing is a mineral-based whitewash made from limestone, minerals, and water. It produces a chalky, matte finish with organic depth that ages gracefully. It is ideal for both interior and exterior applications and is naturally resistant to mold and mildew.

At Old Mill Brick, limewash is our top recommendation for a bright white look that lasts. It lets brick breathe while creating a rich, dimensional finish.

Our favorite product: Romabio® Classico Limewash at The Home Depot.

What About German Smear?

German Smear, also called mortar wash, uses a mix of about 70 % mortar and 30 % water to partially coat bricks for added texture and depth. The look is reminiscent of European farmhouses and historic masonry. It is beautiful but more permanent and labor-intensive than paint or whitewash.

See the technique here: Bob Vila’s German Smear Tutorial.

The Science Behind Brick Finishes

Before you decide, understand how finishes affect performance. The Brick Industry Association explains how coatings, stains, and whitewashes interact with brick surfaces, plus best practices for safe application. Read: BIA Technical Note 6 — Changing the Appearance of Brick Masonry (PDF).

Introducing the Harmony Collection—Subtle, Soft, and Stunning

If you love the serene charm of white and light brick tones, explore our curated Harmony Collection. Each thin brick is crafted from real kiln-fired clay for natural texture and color depth that paint cannot replicate.

• Brighten kitchens and living spaces.
• Create calm, cohesive accent walls.
• Pair with soft limewash for a relaxed, modern farmhouse feel.

Discover the full palette: Bonneville, Tahoe, Glacier Bay, Venetian, and Artisan Paintable.

Can Old Mill Brick Be Painted or Whitewashed?

Yes. Our thin brick and Brickwebb® panels can be painted, whitewashed, or limewashed like full-depth brick. Paint works for some projects, yet limewash often provides the best long-term balance of breathability, beauty, and maintenance. Choose a soft translucent wash or build to near-solid coverage based on your style.

Design Inspiration: Where White Brick Shines

• Fireplace surrounds: A limewashed brick fireplace adds cozy charm.
• Accent walls: Whitewashed brick creates subtle depth without visual clutter.
• Backsplashes: Light-reflecting texture for a fresh kitchen update.
• Exteriors: Pair white thin brick with natural wood or black trim for timeless contrast.

See a real-world example from the community: @farmhouseish on Instagram used our Tahoe thin brick from the Harmony Collection with a soft limewash to create a bright, timeless feature wall.

Old Mill Brick—Real Brick, Real Simple

Old Mill Brick makes authentic materials easy to install. Our patented Brickwebb® system lets you place up to twelve real thin bricks at once for fast, precise results. Pair Brickwebb with your preferred white finish to create a look that is uniquely yours, crafted from real brick.

Get the technical details here: Brickwebb® Installation Guide (PDF).

Ready to design your dream white brick wall? Shop the Harmony Collection and explore Romabio Limewash to finish with confidence.

FAQs

Can you paint or whitewash Old Mill Brick?

Yes. Our thin brick accepts paint, whitewash, and limewash finishes. Choose the approach that best fits your design and maintenance goals.

What is the most durable white finish for brick?

Limewash delivers breathable, long-lasting coverage and develops a soft patina over time.

Is whitewashing easy to DIY?

Yes. Follow The Home Depot’s whitewash tutorial for simple, step-by-step guidance.

Can I get white brick without painting?

Yes. The Harmony Collection features naturally light and white thin-brick tones.

Where can I learn more about changing brick finishes safely?

See the Brick Industry Association’s guide: Changing the Appearance of Brick Masonry (PDF).