How to Paint Concrete to Look Like Bricks or Tile

Sweep and clean the concrete surfaces thoroughly. If the concrete is especially smooth or is older, wash the surface using an eco-friendly all-in-one concrete cleaner and etching solution. Scrub the concrete with the solution, using a scrub brush, and rinse with fresh water. Allow the concrete to fully dry.

Determine the desired unit size of the faux brick or tile. A standard brick size is 7½ inches by 2¼ inches. Standard tile size are 4 inches by 4 inches and 6 inches by 6 inches.

Cut a square piece of non-warped plywood to serve as the "handle" for the stamps. Cut the piece to a size that will perfectly fit three to four rows of three to four bricks or tile stamps. Be sure to take the spacing between bricks or tiles into account when determining the size.

Cut nine to 16 brick or tile shapes, of the desired unit dimension you determined earlier, out of sponges using scissors or a serrated knife.

Glue the sponges to the plywood in the brick or tile pattern with craft glue. Brick patterns are typically staggered. Cut half-bricks to fit on the ends of alternating rows, when needed to complete the pattern. Tile patterns are typically in the formation of a grid.

Create several straight, intersecting lines on the concrete surface, using a chalk snap line, to serve as guides for stamping the concrete straight.

Paint the sponges the desired brick or tile color with concrete stain, using a mini paint roller. Starting in one corner, pressing the sponges to the concrete surface. Continue painting and stamping in successive rows.

Allow the stain to dry for the time instructed on the manufacturer's directions, then paint the concrete with a penetrating concrete sealer to protect the stain color as well as the concrete.