Rarely will I recommend you paint an unpainted façade, but if it is already painted and you are in need of tuckpointing, consider this. Remove the mortar, paint the face of the bricks, then fill joints with mortar. You have to paint using a roller, and the mason has to leave and return, but well worth the visual outcome.

I get mixed reactions on this idea. It certainly isn’t a 50-year solution, but it makes a big difference for the life of the paint. Masons will often push back with a void of the masonry warranty. I have never heard of anyone challenging and winning against a mortar company. I think there are many additional benefits by not having the mortar painted. We all know that masonry absorbs moisture. Any crack in the paint will allow water in, but the overall paint job won’t allow the moisture back out. In new masonry buildings, we accommodate the moisture behind the brick to escape from the weep holes at the base or above windows. I challenge you to find your weep holes in your historical façade.

Another benefit is that you get a new look without destroying the integrity of the old brick. Carefully remove all the old chipped paint while protecting the face of the brick. A new coat of paint will provide the look of a new brick. No more power washing with this solution!