Faux Brick Painting
If you have a plain wall or concrete floor, indoor or out, that is in need of a makeover, faux brickwork can be the ideal solution. Using readily available reusable stencils, you can transform a surface into an eye-catching feature. It’s a quick and easy faux painting technique that is ideal for beginners.
Brick Finishes
A brickwork finish can add color and texture to a boring surface. As an interior finish it can add warmth, as well as adding a stylish and modern touch that goes well with many styles of dcor. Outdoors, on patios and paths, brickwork can be an attractive feature, adding interest to a garden or outdoor living space.
Brick stencils can be used in various scenarios. If you want to extend existing brickwork you can use faux painting techniques and brick stencils instead of resorting to the expense and hassle of actual construction work. If you have a brick feature to restore, you may discover how difficult bricks can be to rejuvenate effectively. Stripped brickwork can be ugly and is easily damaged, with unsightly results.
The Pros and Cons of Stencils
With brick stencils you can cover large areas quickly and efficiently. The only time where you are likely to encounter difficulties is with corners or if you have curved features, such as doors or windows; fixed size stencils can be awkward to use in some spaces. You may even have to finish off these problem areas by hand. If you are matching your design to existing brickwork, you may have to make your own stencil or in some cases, manually mark out your pattern.
Which Design?
Brick stencils come in a staggering array of different designs, with different brick sizes and paving patterns. Choose your design carefully to fit in with the room or surface you plan to transform.
Make sure that the scale is in proportion. Consider the space available. You may not want large bricks in a small room or small blocks in a bigger space. The size of the brick is one factor influencing the degree of texture that results. Some manufacturers offer customizing and re-sizing of stencils.
Different architectural and decorative styles sometimes invite a certain type of pattern. For a home with clean lines, plain brickwork in geometric designs, such as straight rows or chevron patterns, can sometimes be the best choice. Irregular patterns may look good in older or rustic-style homes or create a softer, less rigid effect.
Be Creative
Brickwork doesn’t have to be reds and browns. Other colors can simulate brickwork that has been painted over. You can also choose between a clean, new brick appearance or create a soft, aged look by using paint techniques to create a distressed effect. Stencils are the core of the process but you still have other fun options to choose from to create your ideal look.
Tags: Decorating, Home, home and garden, home improvement, interior design, painting
