We are closing on our 1965 ranch. For some reason, the chimney only got painted halfway. The exterior will be black with blacker trim. What would you do about the half painted brick? Should it go black too? Isn’t painting brick not ideal because of moisture?
Members of our facebook group for midcentury home owners were happy to help.
Below are some examples of members thoughts on the topic. These are only a few of the thousands of tips that are shared in our exclusive Facebook Group dedicated to midcentury modern home owners. If you own a midcentury house and are not already a member, join us now!
- “I’d guess that the bottom had been painted and the top left exposed. Then the bottom was stripped to expose the brick and it just isn’t as weathered. I’d leave it alone and hang some cool sculptural art on the lower part.“
- “I would actually try and match the bottom brick to the top since it’s darker up there. Looks like it was painted then stripped at the bottom. I love black houses but I’d leave the chimney…definitely get it looked at by chimney guys.“
- “I love the all black idea- it will be stunning with the trees. I would leave the chimney as it is- try power washing to see if you can get it closer to matching.”
- “I love the all black idea- it will be stunning with the trees. I would leave the chimney as it is- try power washing to see if you can get it closer to matching”
- “The lower brick looks more like a German schmear or whitewash which should breath just fine and may be easier to wash/brush off. If you want the chimney the same color as the house they make stains that will allow the brick to breathe and still be the tone you want but I’d say try removing the treatment first since it looks like you’ve already got a nice dark brick under there.”
- “I second a vote for a good pressure wash and sealant if it comes clean. But do agree with another comment that it could be a cool opportunity to do it up in a fun accent color that you are using inside, or coordinate with your door color.”
- “I would gently power wash it top to bottom, you may need a cleaner that’s safe for masonry and hopefully that’ll even out the color a bit. I would definitely not paint brick though, if you’re painting the house black with black trim then having the chimney natural will be an absolute stunner. I second what someone said about art on the bottom until it becomes a bit more weathered like the top. Painting brick is a problem with moisture like you said but you’re also taking a virtually maintenance-free material like brick and making it require maintenance because it peels. When plain brick ages it’s called patina and looks lovely, when painted brick ages it looks moldy and peels. Repainting brick a serious pain also, unlike a house. It’d be super cute with the house/trim being black and the brick evening out after a good bath.“
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