Modernize your dated brick exterior or fireplace safely. We use authentic, breathable Italian limewash to provide a stunning, permanent finish without trapping moisture and causing structural damage.
Many homeowners with 1970s red brick or 1990s orange brick want to update the look of their homes. The most common—and catastrophic—mistake is hiring a standard painter to spray exterior latex or acrylic paint directly over the masonry. This is structurally dangerous.
Brick and mortar are highly porous materials; they act like rigid sponges, constantly absorbing moisture from the damp Pacific Northwest ground and air. Standard latex paint creates a plastic-like film over the brick. When ground moisture travels up into the brick (capillary action), it hits the paint film and gets trapped. When the winter freeze hits Seattle or Spokane, that trapped water turns to ice and expands, literally blowing the face off the brick (known as spalling) and causing the paint to peel off in thick sheets.
At Coles Painting, we protect your investment. We use authentic slaked limestone (limewash) and highly specialized mineral masonry paints (such as Romabio products). These materials calcify directly to the brick, becoming part of the structure while maintaining 100% breathability. Water vapor passes freely through the finish, protecting your home's integrity while delivering a stunning aesthetic upgrade.
The unique environmental factors of the Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane areas make specialized masonry coatings absolutely critical to the survival of your brick.
Due to heavy coastal rainfall and persistent shade from large evergreen trees, unpainted brick in the PNW often becomes covered in green algae and black mold.
The Solution:
Authentic limewash is created from slaked lime, which has a naturally high pH level. This extreme alkalinity makes it an incredibly hostile environment for mold, algae, and mildew spores. A limewashed house will naturally stay much cleaner and greener than raw brick in a shaded environment.
In areas like Spokane, the temperature swings wildly from wet, freezing winters to baking, dry summers. This is the ultimate test for exterior masonry.
The Solution:
Because mineral paints and limewash do not form a plastic film on the surface, they cannot trap freezing water. Furthermore, because the product calcifies into the brick itself, it expands and contracts at the exact same rate as the masonry, meaning it will never crack or peel off in sheets.
The brick must be completely free of dirt, algae, and efflorescence. We gently pressure wash the surface. Unlike standard painting where the surface must be dry, limewash requires the brick to be saturated with water to ensure proper absorption.
Limewash is highly alkaline and can etch glass and damage metal. We meticulously cover all windows, trims, light fixtures, and landscaping before application begins.
Using specialized masonry brushes, we work the limewash deeply into the mortar joints and the face of the brick. The product goes on slightly translucent but turns brilliantly opaque as it dries.
If you requested the antique Classico look, our artisans use water to gently wash away the product from high points, edges, and random faces of the brick to create a beautifully aged, custom patina before the product permanently calcifies.
Limewashing is an art and a science. Here is how our professional masonry finishers compare to standard house painters.
| Feature | Coles Painting | Generic Painters |
|---|---|---|
| Product Choice | Breathable Mineral/Limewash | Cheap Exterior Acrylic Latex |
| Risk to Brick | Protects brick integrity (Zero Spalling) | Traps moisture, destroys brick face |
| Finish Look | Natural, flat, authentic patina | Plastic-like, shiny, thick film |
| Maintenance | Ages naturally, never peels | Requires scraping and repainting |
Regular latex or acrylic paint acts like a plastic film. Because brick and mortar are porous, they absorb ground moisture. Standard paint traps this moisture inside the masonry. When temperatures drop below freezing, the trapped water expands, causing the brick faces to spall (pop off) and the paint to peel in thick sheets. Authentic limewash allows the brick to breathe, preventing this damage.
Limewash calcifies directly to the brick, creating a highly durable, permanent bond. While standard paints will eventually peel and flake over time, authentic limewash slowly and naturally patinas over decades. However, it can be carefully washed off within the first 2-5 days of application if you decide you want to alter the distressed look.
Yes! Limewashing an interior fireplace is one of our most popular services. The product is entirely natural, contains zero VOCs, has no odor, and is highly heat resistant. It is the perfect way to modernize a dark, heavy brick fireplace in your living room.
Yes. While classic white (Bianco) is the most popular choice, high-end mineral paints and limewashes can be custom-tinted to match almost any Benjamin Moore or Sherwin-Williams color palette, ensuring it coordinates perfectly with your home's exterior.
Send us a photo of your brick exterior or fireplace for a fast quote!
(253) 478-2745100% Satisfaction Guarantee
Don't let an inexperienced painter destroy your home's exterior with the wrong product. Coles Painting brings professional masonry expertise, authentic imported materials, and unmatched artistry to every brick limewashing project across Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane.