Create a Realistic Brick Look in Any Room: A Guide to Painting Faux Brick Panels

Painting faux brick panels on your wall is a great way to transform the look of a room with little cost or effort. It is a simple process to create a realistic brick effect, and with the right technique you can greatly improve the interior of your home.

Before you start painting make sure the room you are working in is well ventilated and clear all furniture out of the way of the painting area. Lay down newspapers or plastic sheeting on the floor to protect it from any paint drips. Use painter’s tape to mask off any areas of the wall you don’t want to paint and any furniture, such as headboards, which need protecting.

The base coat of the panelling should be cream or grey paint to give the effect of a brick wall’s mortar. Use a roller or brush to paint the wall then leave it to dry for 6 hours – if painting over more than one coat you will need to wait at least 6 hours before adding a fresh one.

For the faux brick panelling, you will need styrofoam plates and sponges, acrylic paint and a paint brush. Start by creating a splodge of your chosen brick colour in a plate, you can use more than one colour for a more realistic look. Dab the sponge lightly into a bowl of water, then into the plate of paint, making sure you don’t overload the sponge with too much paint.

Firmly press the sponge only once onto the wall, then quickly remove it. This should leave a brick-shape stamp. If it’s patchy, don’t worry – this adds to the brick effect. Mark the space between each brick with a pencil or place your finger against the previous brick and reload the sponge with more paint.

When coming to the edges of the wall, use a sponge that is cut in half. This will give you the effect of incomplete bricks to fit the wall’s shape.

Once you have finished painting, leave the paint to dry before carefully pulling off the painter’s tape.

To finish the look of your faux brick panelling, you could also enhance it with other craft materials such as chalk, paint or textiles. Depending on the materials used, you can create a wide variety of brick colours, brick effects and brick patterns. With a few creative tools and the right technique, your faux brick wall will have a realistic 3D look, and your room will be transformed.
Painting faux brick panels can be a fun and inexpensive way to create a rustic look in your home. Although creating a faux brick panel effect can be time consuming, it is easier than it looks and can dramatically improve the interior of your home. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

Step 1: Prep the Area

When embarking on a faux brick wall project, the first and most important step is preparation. Make sure the room you are working in is well-ventilated and free from furniture or other items that may get in the way. Cover the floor from floor to ceiling with plastic sheeting or newspaper and lay tape over any surfaces or furniture that you do not want to paint.

Step 2: Paint Base Coat

Before you start applying your faux brick panels, paint a base coat of cream, grey or another neutral color of your choice. This neutral color will imitate the look of mortar, creating the illusion of an authentic brick wall. If you are painting more than one coat allow the paint to dry for at least 6 hours before you start with the faux bricks.

Step 3: Gather Materials

Before you get started, you will need a few materials to create your faux brick panels: Styrofoam plates, acrylic paints in various brick colors, paint brushes and sponges. You’ll also want to prepare a bowl of water and keep a damp cloth or paper towel nearby to help with any smudges.

Step 4: Paint Your Faux Bricks

Once you have all your materials prepared, begin painting the faux brick panels. Start by pouring some brick-colored acrylic paint onto a styrofoam plate. Next, lightly press a damp sponge into the paint and begin dabbing the sponge onto your wall. Start at the top and work your way down, making sure to leave a finger’s-width of space between each “brick”. To create a partial brick shape for the edges of the wall, cut one of your sponges in half and repeat the painting process.

Step 5: Let It Dry

After you are done painting your faux bricks, leave your wall to dry. Once it is dry you can remove the painter’s tape and admire your work. You can also apply a clear sealant to your faux brick panel to increase its durability and make it easier to clean.

Creating a faux brick panel effect on your wall can be a relatively simple task once you know the steps. With a little bit of preparation and the right materials, you can give your interior walls the vintage look of a brick wall in no time!