Brick Staining vs Painting: What’s Better for Your Ontario Home?

Justin Georgopoulos | Posted on June 12, 2025 |

When it comes to enhancing the look of your home’s brick exterior, two options often rise to the top: brick staining and brick painting. Both have their advantages, but they function very differently and create dramatically distinct results. As a homeowner in Ontario, where fluctuating seasons, humidity, and freezing temperatures are a fact of life, the choice you make can affect not just your home’s curb appeal, but also its long-term durability and maintenance needs.

In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between brick staining and painting, the pros and cons of each, how Ontario’s climate plays a role, and ultimately help you decide what’s right for your home.

Understanding the Basics: Brick Staining vs. Brick Painting

Brick Painting involves applying an opaque layer of paint over the brick surface. It completely covers the natural color and texture of the brick, offering a fresh, bold appearance.

Brick Staining, on the other hand, penetrates the surface of the brick and enhances or changes its color while allowing the natural texture and character to show through. Stains soak into the brick rather than sit on top of it.

Aesthetic Considerations: Which One Looks Better?

If your main goal is to drastically change your home’s appearance, painting brick can give you dramatic, uniform results. Whether you want a crisp white facade, bold charcoal tones, or earthy hues, paint can offer a complete color overhaul. Painted brick tends to look more modern or classic, depending on the color.

Brick stain, however, offers a more natural finish. It works with the brick rather than covering it up. For homeowners who appreciate the texture and detail of traditional masonry but want to freshen it up or adjust the tone, staining is an excellent choice.

Pro Tip: If you love the look of brick but want to neutralize orange or yellow undertones, staining can help tone those colors down while preserving the integrity of the surface.

Durability in Ontario’s Climate

Ontario homeowners know that the weather can be extreme — hot summers, cold winters, snow, rain, and humidity are all common. These environmental factors can affect how both stains and paints perform over time.

Brick Paint tends to sit on top of the surface, which means it is more vulnerable to peeling, chipping, or bubbling when exposed to moisture and freeze-thaw cycles. Ontario’s fluctuating temperatures can cause painted brick to deteriorate faster than stained brick if not properly maintained.

Brick Stain, on the other hand, penetrates the porous brick and bonds with the surface. This makes it more breathable and less likely to trap moisture inside the masonry, which is crucial in a freeze-thaw climate. Because the stain integrates into the brick, it won’t peel or chip and can last much longer with fewer touch-ups.

Winner for Durability in Ontario: Brick Staining.

Maintenance Requirements Over Time

Painted brick looks great at first, but it requires consistent maintenance. You may need to repaint every 5 to 10 years, depending on the quality of paint and application. And if the paint begins to peel or flake, spot repairs can be tricky to blend seamlessly.

Stained brick, by contrast, requires very little upkeep. Since it becomes part of the brick, it wears more naturally and doesn’t flake. Occasional cleaning is usually sufficient to keep it looking great for years — often more than 15 years before needing a refresh.

Time-Saving Choice: Brick Staining.

Breathability and Moisture Concern

This is one of the most important considerations, especially in Ontario’s variable climate.

Painted brick creates a barrier that can trap moisture within the masonry. Over time, trapped water can cause the bricks to deteriorate from the inside out, leading to cracks, mildew, or even structural damage.

Brick staining allows moisture to escape because it preserves the natural breathability of the material. This helps prevent issues related to mold, mildew, and internal decay — all of which are significant concerns in damp or humid environments.

Best for Moisture Control: Brick Staining.

Cost Comparison: Is One More Expensive Than the Other?

The initial cost of brick staining may be slightly higher than painting due to the specialized products and labor involved. However, when you factor in long-term maintenance, staining is typically more cost-effective over time. Fewer touch-ups, longer lifespan, and reduced risk of moisture damage mean you’re investing wisely upfront.

Painting may appear cheaper initially, but the need for regular maintenance and higher potential for damage can make it a more expensive choice in the long run.

Best Long-Term Value: Brick Staining.

Reversibility: Can You Undo It?

One key difference between these two treatments is how easy they are to change.

Paint is much harder to remove once it’s applied. Stripping paint off brick is labor-intensive, costly, and can permanently damage the brick surface.

Stain, because it soaks into the brick and doesn’t create a film, is more forgiving. While not easily removed either, it can often be altered or restained to a different tone without as much hassle or damage.

More Flexible Finish: Brick Staining.

When Is Painting the Better Option?

Despite its downsides, brick painting is sometimes the better option, especially when:

The brick is already painted and cannot be stripped
You want to completely change the color or aesthetic
The brick surface is heavily damaged or discolored

Painting can mask imperfections, unify surfaces, and provide a crisp, polished look. Just be sure it’s applied correctly with high-quality masonry paint, and understand the long-term maintenance commitment.

When Is Brick Staining the Better Option?

Brick staining is ideal when:

You want a natural finish that enhances, not hides
Moisture control and breathability are priorities
You live in a climate like Ontario with freeze-thaw cycles
You want a longer-lasting, low-maintenance solution

Staining enhances curb appeal while protecting your investment with minimal upkeep.

Professional Application Matters

Whether you opt for staining or painting, professional preparation and application are key to success. 519 Painters specializes in both, but we strongly recommend brick staining in Ontario due to its longevity, breathability, and climate-resilient performance.

We use premium-grade brick stains that penetrate deeply and are UV-resistant, mold-inhibiting, and formulated specifically for Canadian climates.

Real-World Applications in Ontario

We’ve worked on homes throughout London, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and surrounding areas, helping homeowners transform tired or outdated brick exteriors with expert techniques. In many of these cases, brick staining not only improved the home’s appearance but also added years of protection with little to no future upkeep.

We’ve also corrected numerous painting jobs gone wrong — either through peeling, improper prep, or moisture damage. These issues can be avoided altogether by making an informed decision upfront.

Final Verdict: Which Is Better for Your Ontario Home?

While both options have their place, brick staining emerges as the smarter, longer-lasting solution for most Ontario homeowners. It handles the region’s weather fluctuations better, maintains the natural charm of your home, and requires less maintenance. If your goal is to upgrade your brick exterior while preserving durability and value, staining is the clear winner.

That said, every home is unique. If you’re not sure which route to take, we offer expert consultations to evaluate your property and guide you to the best decision for your budget, goals, and long-term needs.

Get Expert Help From 519 Painters

519 Painters is your local expert in brick staining and painting for Ontario homes. We bring decades of combined experience, transparent communication, and outstanding workmanship to every project. Our team understands the challenges of Ontario’s weather and the importance of quality finishes that last.

If you’re considering updating your brick home, we’d love to help. Reach out today for a free consultation and let us show you how we can enhance your home’s beauty while protecting its value.