One of the easiest faux painting finishes is faux brickwork. It can add interest to a dull flat wall or drab concrete surface, either in the home or in the garden or patio area. The great thing about it is that reusable stencils, easily available from many retailers, make the job really quick and easy, even for beginners.
The Charm of Faux Brick
Brick finishes can complement many styles of decor. They can look trendy and modern, adding warmth and color to a room. Old brickwork has a soft and time-worn quality that is attractive indoors and out. In the garden or on the patio, plain walling or an ugly concrete slab floor can be transformed into an appealing feature of your living space.
Faux painting using brick stencils is an economical and practical answer to various problems. If you have brickwork that needs restoration, it may be the ideal solution. Damaged brickwork is difficult to repair and stripping brickwork of paint often reveals an unsightly surface beneath. Extending actual brickwork - if you can find matching bricks - is messy and expensive. Paint can give you the appearance you want without the hassle of construction work.
The Pros and Cons of Stencils
Ideal for beginners or those lacking confidence in their artistic skill, brick stencils present few difficulties and even if you're trying to match existing brick, you will find many products to help. In other circumstances you may have to consider making your own matching stencil, or mark out the design by hand. The only significant problems you are likely to face are those that may arise with corners or curved edges. You may have to complete brickwork around doorways and windows by hand.
Which Design?
You'll be spoiled for choice when choosing amongst the patterns of brick stencil on the market. You will need to consider which design best suits the space or surface that you'll be making over.
Different brick sizes and patterns create different textural effects. Choose a scale and degree of texture that fits your room or surface. Large and small brick patterns will be most suitable for different spaces. Some stencils are available from retailers in custom sizes.
You will also need to consider how a design will complement your room and its architectural and decorative style. Swirling or irregular patterns can create a soft effect and may go well in older or cottage-like homes and traditional-style gardens. Plain rows or geometric designs, including herringbone patterns, may suit a more modern house.
Have Some Fun with It
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. - 15615
The Charm of Faux Brick
Brick finishes can complement many styles of decor. They can look trendy and modern, adding warmth and color to a room. Old brickwork has a soft and time-worn quality that is attractive indoors and out. In the garden or on the patio, plain walling or an ugly concrete slab floor can be transformed into an appealing feature of your living space.
Faux painting using brick stencils is an economical and practical answer to various problems. If you have brickwork that needs restoration, it may be the ideal solution. Damaged brickwork is difficult to repair and stripping brickwork of paint often reveals an unsightly surface beneath. Extending actual brickwork - if you can find matching bricks - is messy and expensive. Paint can give you the appearance you want without the hassle of construction work.
The Pros and Cons of Stencils
Ideal for beginners or those lacking confidence in their artistic skill, brick stencils present few difficulties and even if you're trying to match existing brick, you will find many products to help. In other circumstances you may have to consider making your own matching stencil, or mark out the design by hand. The only significant problems you are likely to face are those that may arise with corners or curved edges. You may have to complete brickwork around doorways and windows by hand.
Which Design?
You'll be spoiled for choice when choosing amongst the patterns of brick stencil on the market. You will need to consider which design best suits the space or surface that you'll be making over.
Different brick sizes and patterns create different textural effects. Choose a scale and degree of texture that fits your room or surface. Large and small brick patterns will be most suitable for different spaces. Some stencils are available from retailers in custom sizes.
You will also need to consider how a design will complement your room and its architectural and decorative style. Swirling or irregular patterns can create a soft effect and may go well in older or cottage-like homes and traditional-style gardens. Plain rows or geometric designs, including herringbone patterns, may suit a more modern house.
Have Some Fun with It
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. - 15615
About the Author:
Find more brick stencil ideas from That Painter Lady. Then claim your free "Insider's Guide to Faux Painting" and avoid all the common mistakes, get success tips, find the right products for the job and more.
