If you’re tired of looking at dated brickwork, painting or rendering can be a smart way to refresh your home’s street appeal. In many Australian homes, both options are possible, but the right approach depends on the condition of the brick, the type of finish you want, and how the wall handles our varied climate — from wet coastal air to harsh inland heat.
The short answer is yes, you can often paint or render over existing brickwork. But brick is not a surface you want to cover without proper preparation. If the wall has moisture issues, cracking, salt damage or loose mortar, those problems need to be addressed first. Otherwise, the new finish can peel, crack or fail early.
When Painting Brickwork Makes Sense
Painting brick is usually the simpler option if the brickwork is sound and you want a lower-profile change. It can suit older homes, feature walls, and exterior facades where you want to modernise the look without adding much thickness to the wall.
A good-quality masonry paint from brands like Dulux, Taubmans or British Paints is designed to adhere to porous surfaces and cope with Australian weather. For exterior work, make sure the product is suitable for masonry and the exposure conditions in your area. Coastal homes, for example, need extra care because salt and moisture can affect adhesion over time.
What to check before painting
- Brickwork is structurally sound and not crumbling
- Mortar joints are intact or repaired
- There are no signs of rising damp or active leaks
- Efflorescence, mould and dirt have been cleaned off
- The wall has been allowed to dry properly before coating
Painting over damp or damaged brick usually leads to problems. If you can see bubbling paint, white salty deposits, mould growth or cracked mortar, deal with the cause first. In some cases, a licensed builder or experienced bricklayer may need to assess the wall before any coating work begins.
When Rendering Brickwork Is the Better Choice
Rendering is a more dramatic finish. It gives brickwork a smooth or textured coating that can completely change the appearance of a home. It’s often chosen when bricks are uneven, dated, or patched, or when you want a more contemporary finish.
Traditional cement render and modern acrylic render are both used in Australia. Acrylic render is often more flexible and can be a better choice where minor movement is expected. On older brick homes, that flexibility can help reduce the chance of cracking. Some finishes are also designed to work well with lightweight cladding systems from manufacturers such as James Hardie or CSR Gyprock products used in adjoining renovations, but brick surfaces still need the right preparation.
Rendering adds thickness, so it can affect windows, trims, downpipes and external fittings. It also needs to be applied correctly to avoid cracking and water ingress. For that reason, it is usually best left to a qualified renderer or plasterer with exterior experience.
Paint vs Render: Which One Suits Your Home?
| Option | Best For | Pros | Watch Outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Painting | Sound brickwork, simpler refresh | Less intrusive, usually quicker, lower maintenance profile | Shows surface defects, can peel if prep is poor |
| Rendering | Uneven, dated or patched brick | Fresh new look, can hide minor flaws | More preparation, can crack if applied badly |
If you want to keep the brick texture visible, painting may be the better option. If you want a more uniform, modern facade, rendering is often the preferred finish. Your choice should also suit the style of the house and the local climate. In high-rainfall or coastal areas, the wall system needs to manage moisture properly, so breathability and surface preparation matter a lot.
Preparation Is Everything
Whether you paint or render, the surface must be clean, dry and stable. That usually means removing loose material, repairing cracks, repointing damaged mortar and washing away dirt, mould and contaminants. A pressure wash may help, but too much force can damage older brick and mortar, so it should be used carefully.
For painting, brick is often primed first with a masonry primer or sealer recommended by the paint manufacturer. For rendering, the surface may need a bonding agent or another preparation step depending on the brick type and condition. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, as not every brick wall is suitable for the same product.
Also think about nearby surfaces. Mask windows, protect eaves and trim, and make sure rainwater goods such as gutters and downpipes are in good order before coating begins. There is little point in finishing a wall beautifully if leaking gutters later stain the surface.
DIY or Hire a Pro?
Small internal brick feature walls may be manageable for capable DIYers. External brick painting is more demanding, and rendering is usually more technical. Working at heights, handling surface preparation and achieving an even finish all take skill. If scaffolding, roof-edge work or major repairs are involved, it is safer and often more cost-effective to bring in a professional.
Some related work around the home is strictly licensed in Australia. Electrical work, gas fitting and certain plumbing tasks must be carried out by a licensed professional. If your brickwork project intersects with these services — for example, moving outdoor power points, gas outlets or plumbing penetrations — organise the right trades before you start.
It’s also wise to check state and territory licensing requirements and speak with your local Fair Trading or consumer affairs body if you’re unsure about who can legally carry out the work.
For more renovation inspiration and trade advice across the ditch, you can also visit Trade Directory NZ.
If you’re ready to update your brickwork, find a qualified local painter through local painters on Aussie Trade Directory and get the job done properly.