Brick and masonry surfaces are timeless, durable, and full of character. Sometimes, they need a refresh to match your evolving style or breathe new life into your space. Staining is one of the best ways to transform the look of brick without compromising its natural texture or breathability.

Whether working on an interior fireplace, exterior walls or a patio, choosing the right stain can make all the difference in achieving your desired look. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about brick and masonry stains—from the types of stains available to tips for selecting the perfect color and finish for your project.

Staining brick is better than painting since bricks are very porous and need to breathe, which is essential for exterior brick. To paint brick, you need a specific formula, but brick stain offers color and breathability. Whether you're looking to stain exterior brick or brick inside your home, your transparency options will be similar to those offered for concrete. However, because brick and masonry surfaces are much more porous than concrete, staining may require additional coats to achieve your desired color.

While both brick and concrete stains serve the same purpose—enhancing the look of masonry surfaces—they differ in formulation and application. Brick stains are designed to work with bricks' highly porous nature, penetrating deeply to create a natural, long-lasting finish.

Concrete stains, however, are formulated for denser surfaces and often include additives to help them adhere to smoother materials. Additionally, brick stains may require more coats due to the uneven texture and porosity of bricks, whereas concrete stains typically achieve full coverage with fewer applications.

Before diving into your staining project, you should consider the type of brick you're working with, the extent of color change you're aiming for and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Different bricks absorb stains differently, and your desired look—whether bold and opaque or subtle and natural—will guide your decisions. The surrounding environment, including landscaping, trim colors and architectural style, should complement your stain choice. Let's break down these considerations to ensure your project starts on the right foot.

Like wood types, different bricks absorb stains differently. The original brick color also plays a part in the final color of the stain. To demonstrate the difference between bricks, here's a list of commonly used bricks around the home, their porosity (how much water the brick type absorbs) and their typical color.

• Burnt clay bricks have low porosity and are usually red, but they can also be orange, brown, white, yellow, blue or silver.
• Sun-dried clay/mud bricks are highly porous and often come in brownish red, earthy tan or deep purple tones, depending on the minerals in the clay and drying temperature.
• Sand lime bricks are low-porosity bricks with good sound insulation properties. They tend to be lighter bricks, ranging in color from dark beige to bright white.
• Engineering bricks are nearly non-porous and often used in damp environments. Engineering bricks can be blue, red, brown or black.
• Concrete bricks are gray, porous bricks—more porous than Swiss cheese! They are typically gray but can be dyed a variety of colors.
• Fly ash clay bricks are less porous than traditional clay bricks, usually gray-white or cement gray.
• Firebricks are considered porous, but their porosity varies based on the type of firebrick. Buff is the most common firebrick color but can also be red, black, slate gray, brown, and off-white.

Knowing what type of brick you have will help you to prepare your project properly. Like sun-dried clay brick, a highly porous brick is more likely to absorb stains unevenly. In these situations, you'll want to use a masonry primer.

Do you want to completely change the look of your home or hide a few blemishes? If you're looking for a complete makeover, opt for an opaque stain, which will alter the color of your brick. A semi-transparent stain should do the trick if you simply want to give your masonry new life. 

As with any project, consider your style and the other colors you plan to use or have in your space. If you're staining exterior brick, find a color that compliments your roof, door and window frame colors.

The 60-30-10 rule, a popular design principle that divides a color scheme into three proportions, can help guide color selection for interior masonry projects.

• 60% should be your dominant color, typically walls, flooring or large furniture.
• 30% should be your secondary color that supports and complements the dominant shade.
• 10% is reserved for accent colors that add visual pop and interest to the space.

When planning your brick staining project, consider how much visual space your masonry occupies in the room. A fireplace or brick accent wall typically accounts for about 30% of the visual space, making it an ideal secondary color element. However, if your brick covers most of the walls, you'll want to stain it in your dominant color since it will establish the room's primary tone and mood.

Not all stains are created equal. The type of stain you choose will depend on your project's location, desired finish and maintenance preferences.

Water-based stains are eco-friendly, low-odor, and easy to clean up, making them ideal for indoor projects like fireplaces or accent walls. They offer a subtle, natural finish that's perfect for enhancing the existing color of your brick. However, they may require more frequent reapplication than other stains, especially in high-traffic or outdoor areas.

Oil-based stains provide rich, vibrant color that penetrates deeply into the brick. These stains are known for their durability and require less maintenance than water-based options. They work well for interior and exterior projects where you want bold, long-lasting results. Remember that oil-based stains take longer to dry and emit stronger odors during application.

Solvent-based stains are the top choice for maximum durability and UV resistance. These stains are formulated to withstand harsh weather conditions, making them ideal for exterior brick surfaces. They also offer the deepest penetration, ensuring a long-lasting color that won't fade or peel. While they're incredibly effective, solvent-based stains have stronger fumes and require careful handling during application.

Choosing the right brick and masonry stain doesn't have to be overwhelming. At your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams, we can help you get started. From choosing the right stain color and type to stocking up on the necessary tools, we'll bring your next project to life.