Can you paint brick that's never been painted before?

Absolutely. Unpainted brick is often easier to work with as there is no old paint to remove. We clean it thoroughly, perform necessary repairs, and apply a primer before finishing. We use specialized breathable masonry paints to ensure moisture doesn't get trapped, which prevents the peeling often seen in DIY jobs using standard exterior paint.

How long does limewash actually last?

High-quality limewash can last 10 to 20 years depending on weather exposure. Unlike paint, it doesn't peel or flake; instead, it weathers slowly to develop a natural patina. Maintenance is simple, as you can apply a fresh coat directly over the old one without the need for stripping.

Will painting brick damage it?

Not if done correctly with the right products. We use masonry-specific, breathable paints that allow moisture vapor to escape, preventing structural damage. We also address any existing moisture issues before application to ensure the brick remains healthy, all backed by our 2-year warranty.

What's the maintenance like after limewash or painting?

Maintenance is minimal. Limewash naturally resists dirt and mold due to its alkaline properties. Painted brick may require occasional light cleaning with a hose or soft brush. Both finishes are designed to be low-maintenance solutions for homeowners.

Brick Painting & Limewash by EG Contracting Services

Brick painting and limewash have become two of the most requested services we offer in Fairfax County and the surrounding area, and once you see a finished project up close, it’s easy to understand why.

The EG Contracting Services Approach to Brick Painting and Limewash

We know the neighborhoods, we know the housing stock in this part of Virginia, and we understand what goes into caring for a home that has been standing for decades. Over the years, we have worked on brick homes across Fairfax, Chantilly, Centreville, Oakton, Vienna, and more, and every project has taught us something.

We use Sherwin-Williams products on our jobs because we have tested enough materials over time to know what actually holds up on masonry through Virginia’s seasons. Prep work and product selection matter as much as the application itself, and we give both the attention they deserve.

Over 70 families in Northern Virginia have trusted us with their homes, and we carry that with some weight. A 2-year workmanship warranty backs every project we complete, and it exists because we are confident in what we deliver, not as a formality. Our goal is a finished job you are genuinely happy with, not one you tolerate.

See Our Work

Seeing finished projects is usually what turns a vague idea into a real decision. Below is a selection of brick painting and limewash jobs we’ve completed across Northern Virginia. Take a look and get a sense of what’s possible for your home.

100+ happy clients served

15+ years in the industry

2 yr. workmanship warranty

What People in Northern Virginia Say About Us

The best picture of what working with us looks like comes from the homeowners who’ve been through it. Read what our customers across the area have shared about their experience, and get a feel for the kind of team we are.

Angela Domer

Rated 5 out of 5

EG Contracting did a wonderful job repainting my kitchen.

I was really impressed by the quality of the set-up, the paint job, and the clean-up.

Eric was very responsive and easy to work with.

Brick Painting, Limewash, or German Smear: Finding the Right Fit for Your Home

A lot of homeowners know they want to do something with their brick, but are not sure which direction to take. These three finishes look different, behave differently over time, and suit different kinds of homes. Here is a clear comparison to help you think it through before we come out.

Feature	Brick Painting	Limewash	German Smear
Look	Solid, uniform color	Soft, aged, translucent	Rustic, textural, mortar-heavy
Finish	Opaque and clean	Matte, organic, European feel	Rough, layered, weathered
Reversibility	Permanent	Partially reversible	Permanent
Maintenance	Repaint every 10–15 years	Touch-ups as needed	Very low
Best For	Modern or bold transformations	Farmhouse, cottage, traditional	Old-world or rustic aesthetics
Hides Imperfections	Very well	Moderately	Very well

When It Makes Sense to Repaint or Limewash Your Brick

None of these situations requires your brick to be in rough shape. Most of them are just the natural result of time, and they’re worth knowing.

Fading or uneven color: Decades of sun exposure and moisture leave brick looking patchy or tired. Paint or limewash brings everything back to something consistent and intentional.
Efflorescence: Those chalky white streaks are mineral salts working their way out through the masonry surface. We address this during prep so it doesn't bleed through the new finish.
Surface spalling or flaking: Brick that's starting to chip or crumble often points to moisture getting in. We check for this before anything goes on and talk through repair options if it comes up.
Deteriorating trim or surrounds: A fresh exterior finish draws the eye to surrounding details. If the wood around the shutters, front door, or trim has seen better days, we take care of the carpentry work before we start painting.
Getting ready to sell: Curb appeal has a real and measurable effect on property value, and exterior painting is one of the more cost-effective improvements you can make before listing.

And sometimes it’s simply that the house looks a bit dated and you want it to feel current again. That’s a completely valid starting point.

How the Work Gets Done, From First Call to Final Coat

Working with us is straightforward. Here is what the process looks like.

Consult

We come to your property, assess the brick, and put together a plan built around your goals and your home.

Coat

We handle all preparation, repairs, and application with care, precision, and the right materials for the job.

Reveal

You have a finished exterior that looks the way you pictured it, backed by our 2-year workmanship warranty.

What Every Project Includes

There are no surprise charges at the end of a job with us. Here is what comes with every brick painting and limewash project.

Preparation: Full power wash of all brick and masonry surfaces, a thorough inspection for water damage, spalling, efflorescence, and wood rot, any necessary masonry or drywall repair, and the appropriate masonry primer for the finish you've chosen.
Application Sherwin-Williams products or properly rated limewash materials matched to your specific surface, careful detail work on trim, shutters, doors, siding edges, and crown molding, and multiple coats applied to specification. Any carpentry work is handled as part of the full scope.
Completion: Full site cleanup with all materials, tape, drop cloths, and debris removed, a walkthrough with you before we consider the job finished, and written documentation of your 2-year workmanship warranty.

A Straight Answer on Cost and Timing

Every homeowner asks about both, and both are worth being direct about from the start.

The cost of a brick painting or limewash job depends on the size of the home, the condition of the masonry, and the finish being applied. Timelines vary along similar lines. There is no single number that fits every project, and we’d rather give you an accurate quote after seeing the property than a figure that turns out to be wide of the mark.

Brick painting and limewash are long-term investments. A quality finish holds up for 10 to 15 years, adds genuine value to the property, and changes how the home reads from the street for all of that time. Past project estimates have varied based on scope and surface conditions, so the best way to get a real number is to have us come out and take a look. Reach out through our contact page with your project details and we’ll put together an accurate quote after our visit.

We set realistic schedules and we hold to them. Before we start, you’ll have a clear picture of how long the project will take and what each phase involves. Our crew respects your home and your daily routine, we communicate throughout the job, and we do a thorough cleanup when we’re finished. You won’t come home to a half-done site.

Questions We Hear Most Often

Can you paint over brick that has already been painted before?

Yes, and it’s something we do often. The condition of the existing paint is what determines the approach. If there’s peeling, flaking, or adhesion problems from a previous job, we address that before adding anything new. Skipping that step is the reason paint jobs fail early, and it’s not something we’re willing to do. With the right prep and quality materials, a repaint over previously painted brick performs just as well as a first application.

How long does a limewash finish hold up on exterior brick?

A properly applied limewash finish on exterior brick generally lasts between 5 and 10 years before any significant maintenance is needed. That window depends on sun exposure, moisture levels, and how the application was done. One thing a lot of homeowners come to appreciate is that limewash ages with a kind of natural character rather than just looking worn. We walk you through realistic maintenance expectations at the estimate visit.

Does painting brick trap moisture and cause damage?

Not with the right products and proper application. Breathable masonry paints are designed to allow moisture vapor to pass through the wall rather than trapping it, which is the issue most homeowners have heard about. We use products rated specifically for masonry applications, and we make sure the surface is completely dry and properly primed before anything goes on. If we find existing moisture issues during prep, we deal with them before we paint, not after.

What do I need to do before your crew arrives?

Not a lot. We handle the power washing, prep work, and everything from there. It helps to clear any furniture, planters, or items around the exterior beforehand, and to let us know about any access points we should be aware of on the property. Beyond that, you can leave it with us. We’ll keep you updated as the project moves along and do a final walkthrough together before we wrap up.

Reach Out and Let's See What That Brick Can Become

Erick Gonzalez

Your home’s exterior is something a lot of people see, and it’s worth getting right. If you’ve been thinking about exterior painting or a limewash finish that gives your brick a softer, more layered look, EG Contracting Services has the experience and the care to make it come out the way you’re imagining.

We work with homeowners across Fairfax, Chantilly, Centreville, Oakton, Vienna, and the surrounding communities in Northern Virginia.

Give us a call at (571) 253-5583 or visit our contact page here and tell us what you’re working with.

We’ll come out, take a look, and give you an honest picture of what the project involves.

(takes 1-2 min)