Can You Paint Brick, Metal, or Concrete? A Minneapolis Surface Guide
nikko ·
October 19, 2026 ·
5 min read
FREE ESTIMATE
KEY TAKEAWAYS
CONCRETEPaint fails most often from trapped moisture, so test before painting.
BRICKPainted brick is hard to reverse; use breathable coatings only.
METALPaint lasts when rust is fully removed and the primer matches the metal.
How Do You Paint Concrete So It Lasts?
To paint concrete so it lasts, let it cure, test for moisture, clean and etch it, then apply a masonry primer and a coating made for concrete.
Concrete is porous and alkaline, so ordinary wall paint loses its grip quickly.
1
Cure
New concrete needs about 28 days before painting.
2
Test moisture
Tape plastic sheeting to the slab for 24 hours. Condensation underneath means moisture will push paint off.
3
Clean and etch
Degrease, remove white efflorescence, then etch or grind smooth concrete.
4
Repair
Fill cracks with concrete patching compound.
5
Coat
Use 100% acrylic masonry paint on walls and an epoxy or porch-and-floor coating on floors.
COMMON MISTAKE
A garage floor painted without a moisture test often peels within one winter.
PROTECTION
Windows and trim masked edge-to-edge before any coating goes on.
PROTECTION
Siding and windows wrapped in plastic so overspray never lands where it shouldn’t.
Can You Paint Exterior Brick?
You can paint exterior brick, but only with a breathable coating, and painting brick is difficult to undo.
Brick and mortar absorb water and need to release it. A coating that traps moisture can cause spalling, which is when the brick face cracks off during freeze-thaw cycles.
Before painting exterior brick, repoint crumbling mortar, wash gently without high pressure, and let the wall dry for several days. Brick that is already painted is simpler: scrape loose paint, clean, and recoat.
BREATHABLE COATINGS FOR BRICK
Mineral silicate paintLimewashAcrylic masonry paint rated for brick
Experienced exterior brick painters also check gutters and downspouts, because fixing the water source protects brick more than any paint. Aries Painting & Finishes includes surface prep and repairs in its exterior painting services.
How Do You Paint Metal Railings, Doors, and Fences?
To paint metal, remove all rust and loose paint, apply a primer made for that metal the same day, and finish with two thin coats.
Bare steel starts rusting quickly once it is exposed.
METAL TYPE
PREP
PRIMER
FINISH
Steel or iron
Wire-brush to sound metal
Rust-inhibiting primer
DTM acrylic or alkyd enamel
Galvanized
Degrease thoroughly
Galvanized-rated primer
Acrylic topcoat; avoid oil-based paint
Aluminum
Clean and lightly scuff
Bonding primer
Exterior acrylic
Thin coats cure harder and resist chipping better than one heavy coat. A spring inspection of metal railings catches salt damage before rust spreads. Look for flaking, bubbling, or orange streaks; each one means rust has started under the paint.
PREMIUM FINISHPosts, spindles, and stair stringers in one even coat, with clean lines at every joint.
LOCAL CONDITIONS
Painting Brick, Metal, and Concrete in Minneapolis
Minneapolis weather is hard on exterior coatings.
Freeze-thaw cycles force water through porous masonry.
Winter road salt speeds up rust on railings and fences near streets.
A short outdoor season means prep and timing matter more here than in milder climates.
Older brick and block foundations in many Twin Cities homes deserve a careful assessment before any coating is applied.
Aries Painting & Finishes is a Minneapolis painting company that has served St. Paul and the Twin Cities since 2011, with finishes chosen for Minnesota weather.
PREMIUM FINISH
Every board and baluster in one uniform color, even in full sun.
PREMIUM FINISH
A clean, consistent finish built to handle Minnesota winters.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to paint brick, metal, or concrete in Minneapolis?+
The best time to paint brick, metal, or concrete outdoors in Minneapolis is usually late May through mid-September. Most exterior masonry and metal paints need air and surface temperatures above about 50°F and at least a day of dry weather. Always check the product label for exact limits.
How long does painted concrete last?+
Painted concrete on floors and high-traffic areas often needs a fresh topcoat every few years. Painted concrete walls and vertical surfaces usually last longer because they see less wear. Good prep, a moisture test, and the right coating have the biggest effect on how long painted concrete lasts.
Should I hire concrete painting contractors or do it myself?+
Small jobs like a metal railing or a porch step are reasonable DIY projects. Hire concrete painting contractors for large floors, multi-story brick, moisture problems, or commercial property. Professional concrete painters bring moisture meters, grinders, and commercial coatings. Ask any contractor what prep is included and which products they use. You can also check what exterior painting costs in Minneapolis before you decide.
Conclusion
Brick, metal, and concrete all take paint well when prep matches the surface. The key steps are simple: test concrete for moisture, keep brick breathable, and prime metal the same day you remove rust.
If you’re searching for concrete painting near me or metal painting near me in the Twin Cities, explore the exterior painting services from Aries Painting & Finishes, or contact Aries to talk through your project.
