Modernizing a 1950s Brick Home: Limewash Brick Painting in Indianapolis

Sharper Impressions Painting – Indianapolis had the pleasure of transforming a charming 1950s dark brown brick house in a vibrant neighborhood near downtown Indianapolis. This home, situated in an area experiencing a renaissance of remodels and updates, needed a modern facelift to match the neighborhood’s upward trend.

The homeowner, a first-time buyer, wanted to brighten their home and create a contemporary yet timeless aesthetic.

Our solution: limewashing the brick exterior to complement the existing white siding and deliver a cohesive, modern look.

This detailed project showcased our expertise in limewash brick exterior house painting, an artistic process that provides a unique and personalized finish.

Limewashing is an intricate process requiring attention to detail and a deep understanding of color dynamics.

Here’s how we approached this project:

1. Consultation and Planning:

• Conducted a color consultation to recommend a cohesive scheme that tied the white upper siding to the brick.
• Selected a white limewash paint for its ability to brighten the home while retaining some of the original brick’s charm.
• Tested sample patches of limewash paint on the brick to adjust the thickness and dilution, ensuring the right amount of the brown brick showed through.

2. Preparation:

• Cleaned the entire exterior thoroughly to remove dirt and debris, ensuring optimal adhesion.
• Protected all surrounding areas with tarps and tape, including the deck, windows, and landscaping, to prevent accidental paint splatter.
• Skipped specific bricks intentionally during prep for the desired rustic effect.

3. Application:

• Applied the limewash paint carefully, following the homeowner’s preferences for thickness and coverage.
• Created the characteristic rustic appearance by leaving some bricks partially exposed.
• Ensured an even, artistic application to achieve a consistent yet organic finish.

4. Final Touches:

• Conducted a walkaround with the customer to address any areas they wanted adjusted, lightened, or thickened.
• Made precise tweaks to ensure complete satisfaction.

The final transformation was stunning!

Here’s how the limewash process revitalized the property:

• The white limewashed brick contrasted beautifully with the existing dark deck and shutters, adding visual interest.
• The chimney, now bright white with hints of brown peeking through, appeared taller and more stately.
• The corners and select brown patches retained an antiqued look, providing texture and a custom finish.
• The home appeared larger and brighter, thanks to the cohesive white base tying together the siding and brick.

When this project began, the homeowner shared their vision: “I want to bring this house into the 21st century, but I don’t want to lose the character that made me fall in love with it in the first place.” Understanding their desire for modernity and charm, our team crafted a plan that honored both.

During the sample patch testing, the homeowner’s excitement grew as they saw how the brown brick peeked through the white limewash. They loved the rustic, bespoke feel and eagerly participated in refining the look. One memorable moment was when we intentionally skipped a few bricks near the chimney, creating a focal point that the homeowner described as “perfectly imperfect.”

By the end of the project, the homeowner was not just satisfied but overjoyed. They felt their house now truly reflected their style and complemented the neighborhood’s evolving vibe.