Brick Staining Benefits: Why Brick Painting is Never an Option
As experts in masonry and masonry staining, our team at Bramwell-McKay Property Services & Consultants often receive questions like:
“How should we go about painting our brick? Is there a specific type of paint to use? Is there a good time of year to paint? Surface and material factors? Maintenance to consider?”
We consider questions like this to be comparable to questions like:
“If I were to rob a bank, what time of day would it be most appropriate? Is it best to go through the front door, or the back door? Best to go before or after employees break for lunch?”
This may seem like an extreme example, but the point is the same. There’s no “right way” to go about painting brick. Like robbing a bank, painting simply isn’t an option when considering making aesthetic changes to your home.
Why Paint is a Danger to Your Brick and Masonry
Would you dip your arm in latex sealant and leave it to dry and remain there for years to come? Obviously not. Your skin has pores. It needs to breath. Masonry is the same way.
Applying a solid layer of paint-coating to the surface of masonry has catastrophic, permanent effects. It in fact does not protect masonry from the elements, it locks in moisture and keeps masonry from being able to breath the way it should. Which in turn, causes not only flakey paint—but spalling, cracking, crumbling and deterioration of the masonry itself.
So is all hope gone? Can you simply not change the color of masonry?
Thankfully, there’s another way: masonry staining.
Revamp and Renew Your Home with Expert Masonry Staining
Unlike paint, proper masonry stain allows you to upgrade the look of your home without causing irreversible damage in the long term.
At Bramwell-McKay, we use breathable, mineral-based stains that preserve the architectural integrity of your masonry while achieving near-perfect color matches and fully customizable makeover options. Bringing your vision to life, without costly reconstruction or harmful paint coatings.
Whether it’s a poor brick-match on an addition, a masonry repair that keeps catching your eye, or you would like a full-on color change and makeover for your home. Masonry stain provides solutions to correct the poor match, cover the patch-job, or bring your new, custom vision to life.
What is Masonry Stain and How Does it Work?
Masonry stain works by doing just that. It stains. Stain seeps into brick, stone and mortar to harmlessly alter the original color, making it a natural, permanent change that lasts. It’s not a harmful coating that jeopardizes the integrity of your masonry and causes damage in the long-term.
Masonry Stain Qualities and Benefits
Unlike paint, masonry stain is:
- Safe
- Zero maintenance
- Zero-fade
- 100% Environmentally friendly
- Weatherproof
- Time tested and permanent
Contact Bramwell-McKay today to discuss stain options for your home.
About Bramwell-McKay Property Services & Consultants
Bramwell-McKay has been serving homeowners and business owners for nearly 40 years. Founded in 1987, we’ve grown into one of the most trusted names in masonry repair, restoration, and consulting across the region.
Our team is made up of experienced masons, structural specialists, and heritage restoration professionals. We don’t just fix problems—we educate you about your building, guide you through smart decisions, and solve issues for the long haul. That means every project is done with care, clarity, and a sense of stewardship. We take responsibility for your structure as if it were our own, because for a while, it is.
Whether you’re dealing with an unsightly patch job, water issues, or a full-color makeover that respects the integrity of your brickwork, we’re here to help you do it right the first time.
Ready to Talk Brick Stain?
If you’re considering masonry stain, we’ll help you make the right call for your home. No pressure, no sales pitch—just straight, honest guidance based on four decades of experience.