Revere Pewter and Painting Exterior Brick

You’ve probably seen this versatile shade gracing the interior walls of the latest Pinterest-worthy homes. But hold onto your paint rollers because we’re switching gears and taking this color outside! Revere Pewter is a lovely option for the exterior of your home, as well.

Why should your interiors have all the fun, right? Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter is a great exterior paint option, from showcasing your garden’s vibrant colors to giving your facade a neutral yet not-too-neutral appeal.

We recently painted our previously pinkish/red brick home in Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter, with Kendall Charcoal on the shutters and doors. I would like to paint the front door a different color, but I hit decision fatigue and just decided to keep it Kendall Charcoal for the time being.

I’ve had several people contact me about the paint color we chose and the process, so I’m sharing all the details here.

What is so special about Revere Pewter?

Let’s just say if this were a paint popularity leaderboard, Revere Pewter would definitely be in the top 10, probably even the top 5 of Benjamin Moore’s most popular paint colors. It clearly tops the chart of their gray paint colors.

Revere Pewter is often cited as one of the best selling, most popular colors for Benjamin Moore. It’s up there with other fan favorites like White Dove and Hale Navy. It’s neutral but not bland, sophisticated but not pretentious, and versatile enough to play well with almost any other color. I’ve paired it with Kendall Charcoal on the shutters and door and crisp white trim.

Neutral, But Not Boring:

It is gray, with warm undertones and a touch of beige (greige), making it a chameleon of sorts. It can hang with bold and vibrant hues, yet it’s also content to take a step back and let other design elements do the talking.

Plays Well with Light

One of the coolest things about this color is how it dances with natural light. If your home faces west, get ready for a golden-hour glow.

You can see how the Revere Pewter really does change color depending on the light. The image on the left is our home in the morning, with the sun coming up from behind our home. The image on the right shows the warmth of Revere Pewter with the sun hitting it in the afternoon sun.

Timeless Appeal

Trendy colors come and go, but Revere Pewter has that classic, timeless vibe. This is the paint equivalent of a “little black dress” or a good pair of jeans—always in style.

Versatile

Whether you’re going for a rustic farmhouse look or a modern minimalist aesthetic, this greige paint color fits in seamlessly.

Budget-Friendly

Its versatility and timeless appeal mean that it is a color that will not ‘go out of style’ anytime soon, so you won’t need to change color very often.

Pros + Cons of Painting Exterior Brick

Pros

• Refreshed Look: Tired of the same old brick exterior? Painting it can completely change your home’s vibe.
• Curb Appeal: A well-done paint job can boost your home’s curb appeal.
• Customization: You can choose the color, the finish, and the style.
• Hide Flaws: Got some bricks that look like they’ve seen better days? Paint can help camouflage those little imperfections.
• Protection: Good-quality paint can actually offer a layer of protection against the elements.

Cons

• It’s Permanent-ish: Removing the paint is a hassle and could damage the bricks.
• Prep Work: This isn’t a slap-it-on kind of job. Your brick must be clean, dry, in good condition, and primed.
• Moisture Trapping: Choose the wrong type of paint, and you risk trapping moisture in the bricks, which could lead to peeling, blistering, or even mold.
• Maintenance: Over time, paint can chip, fade, or peel, meaning you’ll need to keep it looking fresh.
• Cost: Between the paint, primer, tools, and possibly hiring professionals, it can get pricey.

Tips for Painting Exterior Brick

I have always liked the look of painted brick and new when we purchased our home that, down the road, I wanted to paint it. I knew I didn’t want ‘white,’ but I did want a neutral color.

After living in our home for almost four years, I finally bit the bullet and decided this spring was the time! I am challenged with decision-making in general, and then layer that with a decision as big as painting the brick on the exterior. it took a while for me to settle on a color. And even then, there was a great deal of nail painting, second-guessing, and seeking the guidance of friends and total strangers!

While brick has its own rustic charm, a fresh paint coat can transform it. But tread carefully. Once you paint, you can’t really go back—or at least not without some hardcore elbow grease.

Here’s what you should consider and plan for:

To Paint or Not to Paint

Make sure your bricks are paint-friendly. Painting them might not be the best idea if they’re chipping or deteriorating.

Clean the Bricks

Power washing is usually the way to go, but you might need to get up close and personal with soapy water, bleach, and a scrub brush for stubborn spots. We power-washed the entire house with a little Clorox and Dawn mixed in water. We also used a mildewcide as necessary.

Prime

Look for something that’s specially formulated for exterior masonry. We used Benjamin Moore, Ultra Spec, 100% Acrylic Masonry Sealer.

Paint Pick

Choosing the right paint is crucial. You need something breathable so moisture doesn’t get trapped, leading to peeling or mold. We used two coats of Benjamin Moore’s Cryli Cote Satin Exterior in Revere Pewter.

Color

Remember that lighter colors may show dirt and stains more quickly, while darker colors can fade. Test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure you’re smitten with your color choice.

I tested in multiple areas, on different sides of the house to see how the paint showed in different light. Before I put down a test swatch of the paint, I primed.

Tools

Brick isn’t a flat canvas, so you’ll need to take that into consideration when choosing your tools.

A paint sprayer is helpful for covering large areas. If you go the paint sprayer route, you will want to cover your windows with plastic, so get some tape and several rolls of plastic. You’ll also likely need a ladder.

A high-quality, long-nap roller can also be used for most jobs. But keep a paintbrush handy for all those nooks and crannies.

Weather Watch

Paint won’t dry properly if it’s too hot or too cold or if rain is in the forecast. Make sure you’ve got a stretch of decent weather lined up.

Budget Wisely

You’ll probably need more paint than you think for all those tiny brick crevices. Make sure to factor that into your budget so you’re not making frantic trips to the paint store.

Take Your Time

This isn’t a weekend job. It’s more like a ‘take a week off work and go all in’ kind of task. Plan accordingly, and maybe even recruit some willing—or bribable—helpers.

How’s the Revere Pewter Painted Brick Holding Up?

Well, it has only been 6 months, so I have nothing to report. I also painted our back steps, which we are actively up and down, so I imagine those will be the areas that first show wear. When I spoke to several contractors, I was told that the paint may wear off on those areas and need touching up once every year or so. But after a busy summer, there is no sign of wear yet.

So, without a doubt, I am very pleased with painting the exterior brick in Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter. We are 15 years into that roof, so when it is time to replace it, I think I’ll go with a darker color, which would also still work with the Revere Pewter.

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