Faux Painting on Brick

Cleaning

• Interior brick surfaces, especially those near fireplaces, can be packed with dirt and grime. Before considering a faux technique on your brick wall, thoroughly cleanse the entire area. Clean a dusty brick wall using the telescoping or cleaning tool from your vacuum. This will help you to gently suction away all of the dust on the surface of the bricks, as well as in the spaces in-between. If you still see dirt deposits, cleanse the area with a mild soap and water. Allow the surface to completely dry before beginning the paint process. Homes with extensive dirt, soot or other messy material on interior brick surfaces may require a stronger cleaner specifically made for this purpose. Follow all cleanser instructions to avoid health and safety hazards.

Preparation

• Whether you are choosing a faux sponging, rag ragging or other technique, first prepare the cleaned surface with a high quality primer. This step is especially helpful if you have a previously unpainted brick wall. Cover the floor area and any nearby furniture with a drop cloth. Mask the edges and any trim work with painter's tape. Use an acrylic interior primer to coat the entire surface. Unlike a flat plaster or drywall surface, the brick interior's crevices will make covering the entire surface more challenging. Use a nylon bristled brush to fill in the mortar spaces, and recoat after the initial layer is dry.

Faux Techniques

• Many different techniques can enhance the overall room aesthetic by providing a new focal point or adding a splash of color. Popular styles of faux painting include sponging, rag rolling, color washes and crackle type glazes. Sponging and rag rolling use a soft tool, such as a sponge or rag, to create a duel-toned texture on top of an original coat of paint. Color washes allow you to cover one layer of paint with a second, slightly see-through hue that you can soften by removing small amounts with a cloth.

The Painting Process

• Faux painting a brick wall can be much like painting a regular or flat wall. The major difference will be the existing texture of the brick and the spaces in-between. Create a continuous look by pressing paint into the crevices with your sponge, rag or other chosen painting tool, or skip these areas to keep the original segmented brick look. Due to the porous nature of the brick, you will need slightly more paint than you would for a similarly sized flat wall. If you are using a faux or craft glaze, test a spot first to ensure it adheres to the surface properly.