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The Evolution of Brick Staining: From Color Complaints to Industry Essential

Words: Don Foster
Photos: MASONRY COSMETICS

Over thirty years ago, much of the conversation around brick staining centered on color complaints. In the early days, nearly all of our work stemmed from those situations, projects where something had gone wrong, and staining was brought in as a corrective measure to resolve the issue.

Today, that reality has changed dramatically. Color complaints now represent a much smaller percentage, often under ten percent, of the brick staining work I have witnessed over the past three decades. While that shift is meaningful on its own, it becomes even more compelling when viewed in the broader context of the industry as a whole. Brick manufacturers in North America produce more than six billion bricks each year, and only a very small fraction of that output is associated with color-related issues. Seen from that larger perspective, the decline in color complaints is not a coincidence or an exception; it is a reflection of a remarkable advance in manufacturing quality, consistency, and control across the brick industry.

Brick staining has evolved alongside that success. What was once discussed quietly, sometimes even reluctantly, is now openly recognized as a necessary and valuable companion to the modern brick industry. Brick staining today supports brick manufacturers, architects, builders, dealers, and masons, not because brick has failed, but because brick has endured.

Matching bricks has undeniably become more challenging. Plant closures, discontinued colors, and changes in sizes and textures have all contributed to this reality. These changes, however, did not occur without reason. Many older plants reached a point where continued operation was no longer practical or efficient, and difficult decisions were made to protect the future of the industry rather than preserve the past at any cost.

 
Residential car impact, this was the closest brick they could find in size, texture, and color.

At the same time, manufacturers faced an industry-wide labor shortage. Instead of retreating, they responded with innovation, investing in robotics, automation, and improved production processes. The result has been increased efficiency and, just as importantly, improved product quality. Brick manufacturers conforming to ASTM C216, including FBX and FBS types, are producing some of the finest full-sized facing brick ever manufactured.

Brick staining did not emerge in opposition to these advancements; it emerged in support of them. Rather than being viewed as an afterthought or an undesirable necessity, brick staining has become an important tool, especially for architects and restoration professionals tasked with preserving our built history. Brick has proven itself over thousands of years, yet buildings still require upkeep. Repairs, restorations, and expansions inevitably create moments when a perfect brick match is no longer available. The question the industry does not always want to hear is: why build with brick if it cannot be thoughtfully matched in the future?

This is where brick staining shines, not as a shortcut, but as a solution. Whether matching new brick to existing structures, blending repairs seamlessly, or refreshing the appearance of an aging building, brick staining expands possibilities rather than limiting them. Additions no longer need to compromise design intent, and older buildings no longer need to wear mismatched repairs as visual scars. The industry gains flexibility without sacrificing integrity.

Of course, this evolution comes with responsibility. Not every product labeled a “brick stain” deserves that name. A true brick stain must work with the brick, not against it. Products that are simply watered-down paints should be identified honestly for what they are. Brick was designed to be maintenance-free, breathable, and durable; any product that compromises those qualities, by forming a coating, trapping moisture, or creating future maintenance, undermines the very reasons brick has earned its reputation.

The good news is that access to proper brick staining solutions has never been better. Certified contractors now operate across the country, many of them masons or restoration companies that have incorporated staining as an in-house service. These professionals understand brick, respect its behavior, and use staining to enhance, not replace, the craft they already practice.

For smaller repairs, fill-ins, car impacts, or poorly matched additions, do-it-yourself brick staining kits have quietly served the industry for decades. Originally embraced by masons, these tools have also empowered homeowners and building owners who recognize the clear advantages of staining brick rather than painting it. The global reach of these solutions speaks to their reliability and continued relevance.

 
Before & after brick staining on the residential car impact.

Brick staining today is no longer about correcting mistakes. It has become part of a broader responsibility that the masonry industry carries as buildings age, communities evolve, and expectations for long-term performance continue to grow. Brick has already proven its durability over centuries, but the industry’s role does not end once a wall is laid. Stewardship requires thoughtful solutions that respect brick’s permanence while allowing structures to adapt over time.

For architects, builders, and owners, brick staining now serves as a practical bridge between longevity and design continuity, allowing buildings to change without abandoning their character and enabling repairs and additions to feel intentional rather than intrusive. When original materials are no longer available, and exact matches cannot be sourced, staining offers a way to preserve visual integrity without compromising performance. In that role, brick staining does not compete with brick manufacturing; it complements it by extending the usable and aesthetic life of masonry structures. Looking ahead, collaboration across the industry becomes even more important, as brick manufacturers continue to raise standards through improved processes, tighter controls, and consistent quality, while masons and restoration professionals carry forward the craftsmanship that gives masonry its strength and identity. When approached with discipline and the right products, brick staining fits naturally within that ecosystem as a service that protects investments and reinforces confidence in brick as a premier building material.

 
Brick staining on the former Liberty Mutual building in Mishawaka, Indiana, now repurposed as Mishawaka City Hall.

There is also an important opportunity in how the industry presents itself to the marketplace. Buildings that age gracefully, repairs that blend seamlessly, and additions that respect the original structure reinforce brick’s reputation in ways no marketing effort ever could. When brick staining is used responsibly, it helps ensure that the story brick tells over time remains one of quality, durability, and pride rather than compromise or decline. That responsibility calls for clarity and honesty within the industry. Not every product should be called a brick stain, and not every project requires staining. When brick staining is necessary, it must be done with a clear understanding of the material, respect for its behavior, and a commitment to long-term performance.

In that role, brick staining has matured alongside the industry it serves, moving beyond its early association with color complaints into a discipline defined by foresight, collaboration, and stewardship. This evolution does not represent a departure from brick’s legacy, but a continuation of it, reflecting an industry willing to adapt while remaining faithful to the material that has defined it for generations, as it looks confidently toward the future.


About: MAP Partner
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