Are you looking to add a rustic, industrial, or vintage touch to your space without the hassle of real brick? A faux brick wall is an affordable and creative way to transform a room, and the best part is—you can do it yourself with just drywall plaster and masking tape! I recently completed this DIY project, and I’m thrilled with the results. Here’s a step-by-step guide so you can achieve the same look in your home.
Materials You’ll Need:
Drywall plaster (also called joint compound)
Masking tape (1-inch wide works best)
A putty knife or trowel
A sponge or damp cloth
A level and ruler
A pencil
Paint (optional, for finishing touches)
Step 1: Prepare Your Wall
Start with a clean, smooth wall. Wipe it down to remove dust and dirt. If your wall has any imperfections, you may want to lightly sand it before beginning.The wall I decided to transform into a feature brick wall was this awful cement wall that I knew I would be looking at a lot. I used TSP to clean walls and floors. I tried to "grind" and "sand" off a lot of the lumps and bumps, but since it was going to be covered in plaster, I knew it didn't have to be perfect.
Step 2: Mark Your Brick Layout
Using a level and ruler, mark horizontal lines where you want your bricks to be. A standard brick is about 2.5 inches high and 7.5 inches long, but you can adjust the dimensions to suit your space. Once you have your horizontal lines, stagger the vertical lines to mimic a real brick pattern.
Step 3: Apply the Masking Tape
Apply masking tape along the lines where you want your mortar lines to be. This will create the separation between the bricks and give a realistic effect. Press the tape firmly so it adheres well to the wall.
Step 4: Apply Drywall Plaster
Using a putty knife or trowel, spread a thin layer of drywall plaster over the wall, covering the tape as well. You can make the texture as rough or as smooth as you like. If you want a more rustic look, use a sponge or crumpled plastic bag to dab and create an uneven surface.
Step 5: Remove the Tape
Before the plaster fully dries, carefully peel off the masking tape to reveal the brick pattern. Work slowly to avoid smudging the edges.
Step 6: Touch Up and Let Dry
If needed, use a damp sponge to smooth any rough edges, or if you'd like to have the "brick" edge thick, you can leave it (I sanded mine lightly after it was dry). Let the plaster dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 7: Paint or Seal (Optional)
For a classic brick look, you can paint your faux bricks in red, brown, or white tones. For an aged or industrial look, try dry-brushing white or gray paint over the texture. You can also leave the plaster as is for a more natural finish.
Step 8: Enjoy Your New Faux Brick Wall!
Step back and admire your work! This DIY faux brick wall adds character and charm to any room, and it’s a great way to create a unique focal point.
Have you tried this project? I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts or photos in the comments below.
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