How to make decorative plaster under a brick with your own hands

Ornamental plaster could be the ideal answer if you adore the traditional charm of brick walls but don’t want to put up with the trouble and expense of real brickwork. Plastering a wall to resemble brick can give a chic, rustic look to any area, whether it’s an accent wall in your yard or a feature wall in your living room. The favorable tidings? With a little perseverance and the appropriate supplies, you can DIY this project and achieve this look without having to be an expert.

We’ll take you step-by-step through the process of creating decorative plaster that looks like brick in this tutorial. Everything will be covered, including the supplies you’ll need and the precise methods to achieve a perfect finish. Regardless of your level of experience with do-it-yourself projects or your desire to try something new, the process is simple and enjoyable. It’s also a fantastic way to give your house or outdoor area a special, personalized touch.

Prepare to add some creativity to your walls. You can replicate the classic appeal of brick without the weight or expense by using a few simple tools and inexpensive materials. Let’s explore the world of decorative plaster and see how simple it is to transform your area into something new that looks like brick.

Methods of imitation of brickwork with decorative plaster on the wall

Rolling plaster is imitated with rollers and stencils, either homemade or prefabricated. Plaster mixtures are used in the work, which involves applying a thick layer to the wall before creating a brickwork pattern. Decorative cladding imitations can also be achieved with tile adhesive, masking tape, reinforcing mesh, etc.

The main advantages of plaster decor under a brick on the wall in the interior

• the light weight of the plaster coating in comparison with brick or stone cladding reduces the load on the supporting structures;
• imitation of brick using plaster solutions is highly durable, resistant to mechanical damage;
• the work can be done independently, the repair costs are reduced;
• imitation of a brick wall can be used in interiors of different styles (country, loft, classic, gothic);
• decorative textured plaster can be used for interior or facade decoration;
• easy maintenance during operation;
• the possibility of painting and changing the design;
• a brick wall made of plaster is repairable, etc..

But it’s important to consider that work can only be done when the temperature is higher than +10 °C. The relief design must be removed in order to replace a textured coating.

Preparatory work for applying plaster with your own hands under imitation brick

• select finishing materials, tools;
• clean the surface;
• level the base, etc.d.

What is required for brick plastering for interior and exterior finishing

• set of spatulas;
• rule;
• containers;
• masking tape;
• cutter;
• yardstick;
• brush;
• trowel;
• Master OK;
• laser level;
• construction mixer;
• roller;
• brushes;
• marking cord;
• rag;
• sponge;
• pencil or marker;
• Polyethylene film for protecting furniture and floor.

Depending on how bricks are to be imitated, a metal lath, textured roller, scraper, and stencil might be needed. Work is done while wearing protective gloves and a respirator.

How to prepare a wall for decorative plastering

Surface preparation is required prior to building an imitation brick wall.

• old finishing materials (ceramic tiles, paint, wallpaper) are cleaned off;
• the level of curvature of the surfaces is checked;
• if necessary, level the wall with putty or gypsum mortar;
• cracks, chips are covered with a composition of putty and fillers;
• surfaces are treated with a primer to increase adhesion and dried.

Choosing a material for creating an imitation of plaster with your own hands

Many solutions can be used to create an imitation of a brick surface.

• high strength;
• good adhesion to different base materials;
• ease of application, high elasticity;
• low shrinkage;
• wear resistance after hardening;
• the material must be environmentally friendly.

Gypsum plaster solution is used to create the appearance of brickwork in the arched openings on the wall. The coating is easy to process, matte, dense, and appropriate for living rooms, study spaces, bedrooms, and hallways. The material is environmentally friendly, easy to apply, and does not shrink. Applying a layer of 1-2 cm of gypsum plaster will require 8–10 kg of mixture per square meter. To increase the plaster’s adhesion, modifiers (polymer, mineral components) are added to the gypsum composition.

Additives increase the coating’s resistance to moisture, decrease the amount of plaster composition used, and lengthen the service life. To avoid surface cracks, it is not advised to mix cement glue with the gypsum-based mixture.

Bricks, silicates, foam plastic, reinforced concrete slabs, etc. are all treated with gypsum plaster. The layer can be as thick as 5 cm, and it takes 1-3 hours for the coating to set.

As a textured foundation for imitation bricks, a plaster mixture consisting of fine-grained sand and acrylic putty is also utilized. Producers create pre-made blends using silicate and silicone polymers as binders. Plasters have good plasticity, which makes them easy to apply. As they harden, they gain strength, moisture resistance, and good adhesion. Mold doesn’t grow because of the antifungal additives in the mixtures.

The application of mineral plaster will depend on the type of wall. The material has good vapor permeability, strength, durability, and affordability. To avoid surface cracking, it’s crucial to pay attention to the room’s humidity and temperature levels while applying. Mineral coatings can be made with safe synthetic dyes or with natural additives like quartz chips.

Producers create powdered mixes that need to be diluted with water prior to use. For finishing foam blocks, aerated concrete, and concrete walls, mineral plasters are utilized.

Both untinted and tinted compositions are available. You will need to incorporate color to give the mixture a rich brick shade.

Acrylic plasters come in a variety of textures and shades, are highly elastic, and are long-lasting. Surfaces in the kitchen, bathroom, etc. can be treated with acrylic plaster compositions to give them moisture resistance. Given that acrylic materials have a low vapor permeability, treating small areas under brickwork with them is ideal.

Liquid glass is added to silicate plaster, which is only available pre-made and tinted in containers. Up to 25 years of service are possible with this coating. Silicate plasters are suitable for both interior and exterior finishing. High vapor permeability, ease of application, fast hardening, detergent cleaning, and UV resistance are some of the material’s other benefits.

The mixture exhibits strong antiseptic and hydrophobic properties. However, because the mixture hardens quickly, the solution is prepared in small portions. Prior to applying the composition, priming is necessary. Mineral mixtures are less expensive than silicate material. The composition is versatile and can be applied to walls composed of various materials, such as stone, concrete, foam concrete blocks, etc.).

High elasticity and strength are achieved by hardening silicone plasters. The material is water-repellent and has good vapor permeability. The finish is long-lasting, resistant to wear, and perfect for finishing country home basements. On the other hand, the material is expensive.

Brick-like effects can be achieved with polymer-cement plasters. The material is inexpensive, safe to use, vapor-permeable, resistant to cracks and deformations, and environmentally friendly. Under brick, polymer-cement plaster can be used to decorate interior walls because of its good vapor permeability. The coating is long-lasting, repairable, and fire-resistant.

Brick surfaces can be finished with mosaic plaster. The mixture’s foundation is made of polymer components, and the filler—stone chips made of marble or granite—tints the mixture the desired shade. The composition is produced by manufacturers in a ready-made (thinned, thickened) form. The mass can be used to level surfaces, fix chips and cracks, and is simple to apply and distribute evenly across the base.

Following the drying process, the coating gains resistance to abrasion and moisture. For finishing surfaces made of concrete, chipboard, plasterboard, cement, etc., mosaic plaster is utilized. Mixtures have been developed for interior decoration and facade applications. Plaster that has natural stone chips added to it is expensive.

Several recipes can be used to independently prepare the plaster composition.

Among the examples that are available is a mixture of cement and sand in a ratio of 1:3. Tile adhesive is added to the mixture at a rate of 2 liters per bucket. Dry ingredients are combined first, and then water of the chosen color is added. An electric mixer is used to prepare the mixture.

Technology of creating a brick wall with your own hands in an apartment or house

• clean and level the base;
• mark the wall according to the dimensions of the brick blocks;
• prepare a solution of putty and plaster mixture;
• the composition is tinted and applied to the base in several layers;
• after the finishing has dried, the final decoration is performed.

Marking the wall for bricks

Initial marking is followed by the application of the plaster mixture. The standard size of bricks is similar to that of natural brick blocks, and the joints between tiles should be between 10 and 15 mm. On the other hand, larger or smaller bricks are replicated in certain design projects.

Pencil is used for marking. Horizontal longitudinal rows are required, and the replicated masonry’s symmetry must be verified. A level is used to verify the seams’ verticality before marking. Using masking tape or stationery is one way to mark work.

We make an imitation of a brick wall using masking tape

Applying decorative plaster requires the use of masking tape.

1. Surfaces are leveled, primed, marked.
2. Scotch tape is glued to the wall vertically and horizontally.
3. Plaster mixture or putty solution is mixed.
4. The solution is applied to the marked grid, smoothed out.
5. The surface is given a decorative texture.
6. After the layer dries, the tape is removed, irregularities are corrected.
7. After the coating dries, the final finishing is performed (painting, coating with transparent varnish or wax).

Using a stencil to imitate brickwork

Stencils (either plastic or rubber) can be used to apply decorative plaster to brick.

1. A plaster layer is applied to the surface, at least 4-5 mm thick, to create an effective texture.
2. The stencil is moistened with water, applied to the treated surface, pressed and carefully removed.
3. Then the stencil is moistened again, applied to the wall, pressed in and removed.
4. After the step-by-step processing of the surfaces, the formed masonry is primed and tinted.
5. At the final stage, the wall is covered with transparent wax.

• the stencil is cut out of a sheet of linoleum;
• the mesh is fixed to a wooden frame;
• plaster mortar is applied to the base;
• the coating is leveled;
• the stencil is placed on top, pressed against the surface;
• a new layer of plaster is applied over the stencil, the thickness should be up to 0.5 cm;
• the coating is smoothed out, a texture is created with a brush;
• the stencil is removed, the unevenness is corrected;
• after drying, the plaster is smoothed out with a trowel or float.

It is possible to independently create a plastering stencil in the shape of a grid with vertical and horizontal stripes. The maximum width for the strips should be 10 mm. The block sizes are chosen randomly or in compliance with standards. For the task, sheet plastic is utilized. After transferring the drawing to the plastic, the brick blocks are cut out using a modeling knife or a scalpel. A grid that can be used as a stencil print should be obtained.

Formation of individual bricks on a plaster wall

Plaster mass can be removed at the seams to form a brick covering. A scraper is used to do the task. The finishing process is comparable to making a wild stone replica.

1. The surface is treated with plaster.
2. After drying, it is necessary to mark the brick blocks with a pencil using a lath or a rule.
3. The seams are removed from the horizontal lines.
4. Then the vertical seams are formed.
5. Finally, the finishing material is removed from the surface with a dry cloth.

A steel strip with a handle or a thin chisel can be used in place of a scraper in the work.

Using a special roller – technology

Using a roller to apply decorative plaster while embossing is another method to replicate a brick wall. The roller is rolled to create a textured surface. To replicate two to four rows of masonry, depressions are left in the wall. Applying constant pressure, the roller is moved across the surface. You can buy or make your own decorative roller. It is advised to test the application method on a small area before beginning work.

Making a roller for textured brick with your own hands

Sealant, a roller, a cup of soapy water, and an extra rod can be combined to create a roller that replicates a brick wall.

1. The tubular part of the tool is removed from the handle.
2. The element is strung on a rod and placed on 2 supports.
3. Sealant is applied to the roller and evenly distributed.
4. Hands are moistened in a soap solution, the protrusions of the sealant are pressed.
5. Sealant strips are applied to the middle of the cylinder to create a masonry joint.
6. Additional 2 strips are applied along the edges of the cylinder.
7. Then 2 longitudinal lines are applied between the simulated seams, the protrusions are softened.
8. The tool is dried, removed from the rod and placed on the handle.

Rubber sheet up to 10 mm thick, a rubber roller, a degreasing agent, and rubber glue are needed for the next iteration of creating a textured roller.

1. The surfaces of the roller are degreased.
2. The rubber sheet is treated with degreasing agents.
3. 3 strips are cut from the sheet, up to 10 mm wide for drawing the seams.
4. Additional strips are cut for the lintels of brick blocks.
5. The strips are glued to the roller.
6. After the adhesive base has hardened, the roller can be used.

Finishing for decorative plaster

1. Remove excess material, clean off protrusions that violate the integrity of the pattern. The work is carried out with sheets of sandpaper.
2. Then the dust from the dried plaster is removed with a brush.
3. The next step is priming and painting the surfaces with a brush.
4. Painting can be done in one tone or with painting the seams with a contrasting color.
5. According to the design project, the bricks can be of different shades.
6. After the first layer of paint has dried, the seams between the bricks are drawn with a narrow brush.
7. After drying, the coating is treated with a transparent varnish to increase the durability of the finish, protection from steam, moisture.

Step	Description
1. Gather Materials	Get plaster mix, a stencil or brick pattern tool, a trowel, and a sponge. You might also need paint if you want to color the plaster.
2. Prepare the Surface	Clean the wall where you"ll apply the plaster. Make sure it’s dry and free from dust or debris.
3. Mix the Plaster	Follow the instructions on your plaster mix to prepare it. Usually, you"ll mix it with water until it has a smooth, creamy consistency.
4. Apply the Plaster	Use the trowel to spread the plaster onto the wall. Apply it evenly, covering the entire area you want to decorate.
5. Create the Brick Pattern	While the plaster is still wet, use your stencil or brick pattern tool to press the design into the plaster. This will create the look of bricks.
6. Texture the Surface	To add realism, use a sponge to lightly dab and texture the surface, mimicking the look of real bricks.
7. Let it Dry	Allow the plaster to dry completely. This may take a few hours or overnight, depending on the thickness and humidity.
8. Paint (Optional)	If you want to add color, apply paint once the plaster is fully dry. Choose a color that resembles real bricks for a more authentic look.

Any space can benefit from a rewarding do-it-yourself project that adds a touch of rustic charm: making decorative plaster that looks like brick. The instructions provided will help you attain an amazing outcome that turns boring walls into focal points. Recall that patience is essential for achieving a professional-looking finish; take your time with each step.

The procedure may initially seem a little overwhelming, but with some practice and the appropriate tools, it becomes very doable. Make sure to prepare your plaster mixture per the instructions and start with a clean surface. You can alter the appearance to suit your style, whether you like a traditional brick pattern or a more contemporary twist, by using stencils or freehand techniques.

To get the ideal look for your room, don’t be afraid to try out different hues and textures. It is simple to make corrections or start over if you make a mistake or the outcome isn’t precisely what you had hoped for. Have fun with it! The beauty of do-it-yourself projects is that they allow for creativity and personal expression.

Your efforts will ultimately pay off with a distinctive and lovely finish that gives any space personality. Savor your freshly designed area and feel proud of yourself for doing it all by yourself. Cheers to plastering!

Making decorative plaster that resembles brick is a great do-it-yourself project if you want to give your place a bit of classic charm without going over budget. With inexpensive materials and simple tools, you can make your own fashionable plaster that mimics brick by following this guide. Whether you’re painting a room or giving your walls some TLC, this simple technique will help you create a lovely, personalized look that gives any area personality and coziness.

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