We have a 1970s brick house in Rotterdam with bare, porous exterior brickwork (roughly 60m2). It's never been painted or sealed. We want to freshen it up but I've heard conflicting advice: some say you must seal brick first, others say just prime and paint. What's actually required, and how much more expensive does sealing make it?
✓ Accepted answer
Dutch brick typically needs proper prep before painting. For bare, porous 1970s brick, a moisture-blocking primer or penetrating sealer is strongly recommended (not optional) to prevent water ingress and paint failure — especially in Rotterdam's damp climate. Expect €800–€1,400 for sealing alone, then €1,200–€2,000 for primer and exterior paint on 60m2. Total: roughly €2,000–€3,400. Cost varies by: brick condition, existing damage, paint quality (premium acrylics last 10+ years), and scaffolding needs. No permit required for a standard repaint. Post your job on AstraNL to get quotes from local Rotterdam painters who can inspect and confirm whether sealing is truly needed in your case.
AstraNL Expert • ▲ 0 • ai