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You should use cement for a chimney crown. The purpose of the chimney crown is to protect the mortar below from water damage and the effects of weather. For this reason, chimney crowns should only be made using cement. When repairing a crown, use caulks and sealants designed for cement repair rather than mortar repair.

While painting can certainly change the look of a chimney, you should think twice about giving your brick chimney the old landlord special.

Painting brick is porous, meaning it’s full of tiny holes that can soak up moisture. Those holes also allow it to dry, though. So, when you paint it, you trap any moisture inside, providing an opportunity for mold, mildew, and water damage.

Paint also shows wear faster than naked brick. This means that once you paint a brick surface, you’ll have to keep painting it to maintain a clean look. A paint job is also harder to undo on brick because of its porous nature. Once you paint it, it’s hard to go back without some serious power washing—another added cost.

No, using a power sander on brick is not recommended because the force of the sander can destroy brick's fragile outer layer. Even using sandpaper on brick is discouraged because of the damage its abrasiveness can cause.

There are tons of paint colors to choose from for your brick house, but here are some great choices you should consider. Different shades of white can add a modern vibe. Instead of a bright white, try off-white or cream-white.

If you’re not into the idea of a white house, then you might go the opposite route and go with a matte black tone. Black painted brick houses have their own contemporary aesthetic that might fit your vision.

Additionally, some great barndominium colors include gray, blue, and sage green.