Exposed Brick: Finishing, Maintenance & What to Consider

Few finishes bring as much warmth and history to a room as exposed brick. It's a favorite in New York renovations for good reason — but uncovering it, finishing it, and keeping it looking good all come with real considerations. Here's what to know before you take the plaster down.

What to Consider Before Exposing It

Interior brick wasn't meant to be seen. Builders typically used lower-grade brick for interior wythes, saving the higher-quality face brick for the exterior. That means a newly exposed wall may not look as polished as the brick on the building's outside.

Removing plaster can create moisture problems. That old layer of plaster was often doing real work protecting the brick and buffering humidity. Stripping it away without a plan can expose the wall to temperature and moisture swings it wasn't built to handle.

It affects insulation. A wall that's exposed on the interior loses whatever thermal benefit the plaster and air gap were providing, which is worth factoring into your heating and cooling plan.

Finishing the Brick

Sealing preserves the natural look. A penetrating sealer soaks into the brick and mortar to guard against water, dust, and staining while leaving the texture and color intact. Sealers come in matte or glossy finishes depending on the look you want.

Painting or whitewashing brightens a space. If the brick's natural tone is uneven or too dark for the room, a heavy primer coat followed by acrylic paint can brighten it while still showing its texture. Whichever finish you choose, stick to a breathable product — a non-breathable coating traps moisture and accelerates deterioration.

Match the sealer to your climate. A water-repellent sealer that performs well in a dry climate can underperform in a humid one, so the right product depends on the specific conditions of your space.

Keeping It Looking Good

Dust and grime are the main enemy. Remove loose debris with a soft cloth or vacuum, then wipe lightly with a damp cloth. Skip harsh detergents, which can discolor the brick.

Watch for crumbling mortar. Temperature and humidity swings can make mortar brittle over time. Inspect for cracks or gaps periodically and repoint as needed to keep moisture and debris out.

Resealing is periodic, not one-and-done. Most sealers need reapplication every few years depending on the product and how much wear the wall sees — clean and repair the surface first before resealing.

Exposed brick can be one of the most rewarding details in a renovation when it's done right. If you're considering uncovering a wall or want to know what's behind your plaster before committing, we can help.