• Paint exterior brick for an updated look.single window in old brick house image by mavrick from Fotolia.com
  
  Sometimes, due to their condition, exterior bricks require painting, usually due to deterioration of the hard surface of the bricks or to cover up windows closed up with unmatched brick after a remodeling project. Sometimes a particular shade of brick can date a house; painting will give it a more up-to-date look.
  
  

Shades of Brick

• Mimic the color of real red brick, and paint your brick home a deep, russet red, which also works with most any color contained in red brick. Rusty orange red, reddish chestnut brown and dark russet are all contained in red bricks. To create the look of unpainted bricks, use a small paintbrush to paint the mortar joints with a complementary paint color.
  
  

Browns and Tans

• Paint a brick house a shade of brown or tan to mimic the look of a lighter shade of brick, known as blond brick. Painting it in a shade similar to the natural brick keeps the basic look of the house the same as it was prior to painting.
  
  

Sage Green

• A grayish-green of average intensity, sage green can stand up to the varied texture of bricks. This color anchors your house to the landscape with its greenish, silvery sheen. The texture of the brick shades and reflects the shimmery sage green paint.
  
  

Golds and Yellows

• For a color with a little more pop, paint your exterior brick a shade of gold or yellow. Try a deep, almost brown golden or a soft golden yellow. A very light shade of lemon yellow or pastel yellow works well to reflect the sun in warmer climates.