What’s the difference between slab replacement and a full prehung door replacement?

A slab replacement replaces only the door panel, leaving the existing frame. A prehung Door Replacement includes a new door mounted in a new frame. Prehung replacement is often best when the frame is damaged, out of square, or you want the best seal and performance.

How do I know if my door frame needs to be replaced too?

If you see rot, soft wood, water staining, shifting, or major alignment issues—or if the door still doesn’t fit properly even after adjustments—your frame may need replacement. We inspect the full opening and recommend the option that makes the most sense.

What impacts front door replacement cost the most?

For Front Door Replacement, the primary cost drivers are typically the door material, whether you’re replacing the frame, the size/configuration (e.g., sidelights), and the condition of the existing opening. Hardware upgrades and finishing work can also affect the total Door Replacement Cost.

Can you paint the door after installation?

Yes. As Matthews’ Painting Company, finishing is part of what we do best. We can paint the door, trim, and surrounding areas so everything looks consistent and professionally completed.

Will a new door help with drafts and high energy bills?

It can—especially if your current door is warped, poorly sealed, or has failing weatherstripping. A properly installed insulated door system can reduce drafts and improve comfort, which may help lower heating and cooling costs at the entryway.

Whitewashing Brick & Stone

A Softer, Brighter Look Without Losing the Character of Real Brick & Stone

Brick and stone are some of the most durable and timeless building materials, but its color doesn’t always age as well as its structure. Dark reds, oranges, and uneven tones can make a home feel dated or overly heavy. That’s where whitewashing comes in.

At Matthews’ Painting Company, we specialize in professional brick whitewashing that enhances your home’s appearance while preserving its texture and character. Whether you’re considering whitewashing a brick house, updating a fireplace, or refreshing an interior accent wall, we focus on delivering a clean, consistent, and long-lasting finish.

Unlike many companies, we do not use lime wash. We’ve seen firsthand how lime can be rinsed off by rainwater, leading to inconsistent results over time. Instead, we use a more reliable system that offers greater durability, better control, and a more uniform appearance.

OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

What Is Whitewashing Brick?

Whitewashing brick is a technique that lightens its appearance while still allowing some of its natural color and variation to show through. Instead of completely covering the surface like paint, whitewashing creates a breathable, dimensional finish.

This makes it ideal for homeowners who want to:

Brighten their home without losing the look of real brick
Reduce harsh or outdated brick tones
Create a more modern, clean aesthetic
Maintain depth and texture instead of a flat painted surface

From subtle softening to a more pronounced whitewashed look, the finish can be customized based on your preference.

Why Homeowners Choose Whitewashing Over Painting

While we also paint brick, many homeowners choose to whitewash a brick wall or exterior because it offers a more natural, flexible result.

Keeps the Brick’s Character

Whitewashing allows the original texture, mortar lines, and slight imperfections of the brick to remain visible.

More Customizable Appearance

We can adjust the finish’s translucency so you can choose how much of the original brick shows through.

Softer, More Natural Look

Instead of a bold, solid color, whitewashing brick exterior surfaces creates a softer, more organic finish.

Great for Both Modern and Traditional Homes

Whether your home is contemporary or classic, brick whitewashing complements a variety of styles.

Our Professional Whitewashing Brick Process

A high-quality whitewashing project for a brick house starts long before the whitewash is applied. Preparation and application technique are what determine whether the final result looks professional or patchy and inconsistent.

Deep Cleaning and Treatment: We begin by removing mold, mildew, algae, and dirt with a strong bleach solution combined with detergent, then pressure washing. This ensures a clean surface so the whitewash adheres properly and looks even across the entire area.
Proper Drying Time: After cleaning, we allow the brick to dry for 2 weeks or more before returning to complete the whitewashing. Brick holds moisture, and rushing this step can lead to poor results. Taking the time to let it fully dry ensures better adhesion and consistency.
Mortar Inspection and Repairs: If we find failing mortar joints, we address them before applying the whitewash.

Minor issues may be caulked
More significant damage is re-tuck-pointed

This step improves both the appearance and the long-term durability of the finished surface.

Protection of Surrounding Areas: We take extra care to protect your property by using double protection, including plastic coverings and drop cloths.

This is especially important for:

Landscaping
Windows and trim
Flooring and furniture (interiors)
Walkways and nearby surfaces

On-Site Color Sampling: Before full application, we test the finish in a discreet location so you can see exactly how it will look.

Exterior samples are typically done behind bushes or in hidden areas
Interior samples are usually placed low on fireplaces or walls

This allows you to confidently choose the final look before we proceed.

Custom Translucency and Color Options: We offer multiple color options and can adjust the finish’s transparency or opacity.

This means you can choose:

A light wash with more brick showing through
A heavier whitewash for a brighter, more muted finish

Your result is tailored—not generic.

Hand-Applied Brush and Wipe Technique: This is where our process truly stands out. We brush and hand-wipe the whitewash to create a more uniform, controlled, and consistent finish. This method avoids the uneven or overly blotchy look that can happen with less detailed application techniques.

Where Whitewashing Brick Makes the Biggest Impact

Our whitewashing brick services are ideal for a variety of areas throughout your home.

Whitewashing Brick Exterior

Transform the entire look of your home with a lighter, more updated exterior while maintaining the charm of real brick.

Whitewashing a Brick House

A full exterior whitewash can dramatically improve curb appeal and give your home a refreshed, cohesive appearance.

Whitewashing a Brick Wall

Interior brick walls can feel heavy or outdated. Whitewashing softens the look while keeping texture and warmth.

Fireplace Whitewashing

One of the most popular updates—turning a dark, dominant fireplace into a bright, modern focal point.

Why Matthews’ Painting Company Is Different

Choosing the right contractor for brick whitewashing matters. The difference between a rushed job and a carefully executed one is immediately visible.

Here’s what sets us apart:

We do not use lime wash, avoiding inconsistent and temporary results
We perform thorough cleaning and allow proper drying time
We repair the mortar before applying the finish
We protect your property with double-layer coverage
We provide real on-site samples
We customize translucency and color
We apply by hand for a consistent, professional finish

Our goal is simple: deliver a result that looks intentional, lasts longer, and enhances your home.

Considering Whitewashing or Painting Your Brick?

While this page focuses on whitewashing brick, we also offer full brick painting services. If you’re unsure which option is right for your home, we can help you compare the two and choose the best fit for your goals.

Get Started with Whitewashing Brick

If you’re ready to transform your home with whitewashing a brick house, updating an interior feature, or refreshing your exterior, Matthews’ Painting Company is here to help.

We combine proper preparation, custom finishing, and hands-on application to deliver results that stand out for the right reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is whitewashing brick permanent?

Our whitewashing brick process is designed to be long-lasting. Unlike lime wash, which can wash off over time, we use a more durable system that holds up better and provides a more consistent finish.

Can you control how white the brick looks?

Yes. We can adjust the translucency to show more or less of the original brick color. This allows you to achieve anything from a subtle wash to a much brighter finish.

How do you prepare a brick before whitewashing?

We thoroughly clean the surface using a bleach solution, detergent, and pressure washing to remove mold, mildew, dirt, and algae. Then we allow the brick to dry for at least two weeks before applying the whitewash.

Can interior brick be whitewashed?

Absolutely. We frequently whitewash brick walls and fireplaces indoors to create a lighter, more modern look while maintaining texture.

How is your process different from other contractors?

We focus heavily on preparation, drying time, and hand application. We also avoid lime wash and instead use a system that provides better durability, more control, and a more consistent finish.