How to Faux Paint Bricks
Brick walls create an old-world charm and character to your home. It is a unique architectural detail that creates warmth and whimsy. If you are not lucky enough to have a home with brick walls, there is still a way to create the same look and feel. Faux brick finishes are a wonderful way to add a special touch to your walls. While it is a time-consuming job, it can be tackled by a do-it-yourselfer with a great deal of patience.
Things You'll Need
- Chalk line
- Level
- Measuring tape
- Chalk
- Painting tape
- Paint roller
- Acrylic paint in various hues of red, black, gray and white
- Foam plates
- Painting glaze
- Paint brushes
- Sea sponges
Instructions
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1
Determine the size of the brick pattern you would like to use.
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2
Measure the height of the wall and determine how many rows will fit based on the size determined in Step 1. Be sure to add an extra 1/2 inch for the mortar lines.
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3
Determine the vertical center line of your wall, and snap a chalk line from top to bottom.
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4
Use a level to draw the rows on the wall. Remember to add the mortar lines as well. Using a level will ensure your rows are even.
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5
Begin drawing in your bricks with chalk, from the center line, starting at the top of the wall. Use the center line to bisect the top brick, with half the brick on one side of the center line and half on the other. Continue drawing in bricks until the first row is finished.
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6
Start the second row so that the center bricks start on either side of the center line. Draw in the entire row. Continue this process so that every other row of bricks is bisected by the center line.
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7
Apply painting tape across the rows and on either side of each brick, again leaving 1/2 inch on all sides for the grout line. Press edges of tape firmly so that the paint does not leak underneath.
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8
Paint the entire taped surface with the base color red.
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9
Place a dollop of each paint color on several foam plates. Mix with painting glaze to extend the time you are able to work with the paint before it dries.
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10
Dab a damp sea sponge into one of the colors. Dab off the excess paint onto the plate. Add details to the bricks, dabbing the sponge into various areas of the brick. Repeat process with other colors until the desired effect is achieved.
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11
Remove tape when paint is still a bit wet. This will create a cleaner edge.
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12
When bricks are dry, reapply the tape. This time you will cover the brick area and leave an opening for the grout line.
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13
Use a sea sponge to add the mortar line. Dab in various shades of gray, white and black to create highlights in the mortar. Continue to work with the colors until the desired look is achieved.
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14
Pull off the tape while paint is still wet to create a clean line.
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15
Touch up bricks and grout lines using a combination of small paint brushes and sea sponges.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't create a pattern with the paint colors. Be random in the bricks you choose to highlight with each color.
