Exterior Brick walls

[Irvin Breaux,Jr.]

Can I get opinions on Staining brick walls vs. painting them? Which is better? Which is less expensive? Which last longer? which one seals better?

I have a duplex that I am renovating and the bricks look like they could use some attention.

[David Sisson]

I'd say - powerwash them before you paint them. Brick is intended to be a "finished" surface which requires minimal maintenance. Painted brick requires repainting, so you are creating a maintenance issue for yourself. I've never heard of staining brick. If you paint, be sure to prime with a good quality masonry primer. Brick walls are designed to breathe (research weep holes) and you don't want to block the weeps. Are you having water problems?