Painting a faux brick wall can completely transform the look and feel of a room. However, choosing the right paint is crucial for getting the texture and color just right. This article will provide a quick overview of the factors to consider when selecting paint for faux brick, as well as recommendations for specific paint brands and finishes that work well. Keep reading for the key information you need to make an informed decision about what paint to use on your faux brick wall.
Page Contents
- 1 What type of paint works best on faux brick?
- 2 How do I get the right brick color?
- 3 Should I use a specialty faux finish paint?
- 4 How do I get the texture just right?
- 5 Should I use a primer first?
- 6 What are the steps to paint faux brick?
- 7 Can I paint faux brick on drywall or wood?
- 8 How do I paint faux brick in my kitchen?
- 9 Can you paint over existing real brick?
- 10 Tips for painting faux brick indoors vs. outdoors
- 11 Conclusion
What type of paint works best on faux brick?
When painting faux brick, you’ll want to use a high-quality latex or acrylic paint. Latex paints provide excellent adhesion and durability on a variety of surfaces, including faux brick. Acrylic paints are also a good option as they are designed to flex and move without cracking or peeling. Oil-based paints are not recommended as they don’t allow the faux brick surface to properly breathe.
You’ll also want to choose a paint with a flat, matte, or eggshell finish rather than a glossy finish. Flat or matte paints will help absorb light rather than reflect it, enhancing the realistic look of brick. Glossy finishes can make faux brick look obviously fake and toy-like.
How do I get the right brick color?
Nailing the color is one of the most important aspects of painting faux brick. You’ll want to take the time to find just the right undertones.
For a classic red brick look, aim for paint colors in the orange-red or brown-red color family. Sherwin Williams Brick Path is a popular choice, but you can also look at colors like Rustic Red or Fireweed.
For a more unique twist, consider mixing in gray undertones with a color like Gray Matters or Buxton Blue. Deep plums like Raisin in the Sun can also be pretty on faux brick.
Be sure to get color swatches and samples before committing to a paint color. Look at the swatches at different times of day to see how the color changes in different lighting.
Should I use a specialty faux finish paint?
While you don’t have to buy a specialty faux finish or brick paint, these types of paints can make the project easier. Paints made specifically for faux finishes contain ingredients to increase adhesion and durability on concrete, wood, and other faux brick surfaces. The gritty texture also helps recreate the look of real brick.
Some top options for faux brick paint include:
– Faux Effects Brick Paint
– Rust-Oleum Specialty Brick Paint
– Modern Masters Brick Paint Kit
– Paint Palette Brick Paint
These paints are available at most hardware stores. Just be sure to follow the specific application instructions to get the right texture and coverage.
How do I get the texture just right?
Achieving the bumpy, gritty texture of real brick is important for making faux brick look authentic. Here are some techniques to recreate that texture with paint:
– Use a roller with a rough, nubby texture. A 1/2″ nap roller will apply the paint unevenly to mimic the surface of brick.
– After painting with a roller, go back over the surface in small sections using a brick pouncing brush. Pounce up and down to create indentations and unevenness.
– Consider mixing sand or small gravel into the paint before applying for extra texture.
– Apply a second coat of paint in a contrasting color. Then immediately roll over it with a damp rag or sponge so some of the base coat shows through. This adds depth and an aged look.
Doing a practice run on scrap material like plywood can help perfect the faux texture before moving on to the actual wall.
Should I use a primer first?
Applying a primer before the faux brick paint is highly recommended. Priming helps the paint adhere properly and prevents the surface material from bleeding through the paint.
For best results, choose a high quality primer specifically made for masonry surfaces. Options like Zinsser’s Bulls Eye 1-2-3 and KILZ Adhesion High-Bonding Interior/Exterior Primer will work well under faux brick paint.
Be sure to read the product directions carefully as some faux brick paints recommend using their proprietary primers. Priming will lead to a long-lasting, professional looking faux brick finish.
What are the steps to paint faux brick?
Follow this process for painting convincing faux brick:
1. Clean and prepare the wall surface. Repair any damages and sand glossy areas.
2. Apply 1-2 coats of masonry primer and let dry completely.
3. Use painter’s tape to mask off any nearby surfaces you don’t want to paint.
4. Apply the base paint color using a rough texture roller. Work in small sections and maintain a wet edge.
5. Use a brick pouncing brush to indent the surface immediately after rolling each section.
6. Once dry, apply a second contrasting color with a roller. Distress it using a damp rag or sponge.
7. Use additional paint colors to add details like mortar lines or an aged patina.
8. Remove tape and finish with a matte sealer for protection.
Going slowly and following all product directions will result in the most professional looking faux brick wall. The extra time and care is worth it!
Can I paint faux brick on drywall or wood?
In addition to concrete and existing brick surfaces, it’s absolutely possible to create faux brick on drywall or plywood. This expands your options for where faux brick can be used in the home.
On drywall, be sure to fill any cracks or imperfections with joint compound and prime using a drywall primer. Two coats of primer may be needed for the best results.
For wood, sand any rough areas and use wood filler as needed. Apply 1-2 coats of high adhesion wood primer before painting the faux brick colors.
No matter what surface you use, following the techniques for texture and using the right paint will allow you to achieve remarkably realistic faux brick effects.
How do I paint faux brick in my kitchen?
The kitchen is a great place to add the classic charm of faux exposed brick. To paint faux brick in your kitchen:
– Clean surfaces thoroughly and repair any damage to walls. Cover countertops.
– Tape off cabinets, trim, and any surfaces not being painted.
– Apply 2 coats of oil-based primer to surfaces to limit absorption. Allow to fully dry.
– Use an eggshell or satin faux brick paint for durability and easy cleaning.
– Add “mortar lines” by taping off sections before painting each coat. Remove before dry.
– Use darker paint colors for the “joints” and lighter colors for the brick face itself.
– Seal with a satin polyurethane for protection and subtle sheen.
Take care to keep paint off any food surfaces. Faux brick adds beautiful contrast to kitchen backsplashes, islands, ceiling beams, and wall accents.
Maintenance Tips
– Use mild soap and water for cleaning. Avoid abrasive scrubbers.
– Re-apply protective sealer every 2-3 years.
– Spot treat any stains immediately to prevent absorption into the finish.
Can you paint over existing real brick?
Painting over existing real brick is possible, but it requires proper preparation and paint selection. Here are some tips:
– The brick surface must be cleaned thoroughly to remove any grease, grime, or flaking paint.
– Allow the brick to fully dry before priming and painting. Any residual moisture will cause the paint to peel.
– Choose an exterior masonry primer and latex paint designed to flex and withstand temperature changes. Otherwise the paint may crack.
– For interior brick, an oil-based primer provides excellent adhesion and blocking.
– Rough or uneven bricks may require filling indented mortar lines with patching compound prior to painting.
– Expect to use multiple coats of primer and paint for full coverage over the texture of real brick.
– Avoid glossy paints which make imperfections in the brick more visible underneath the paint. Matte or satin finishes look best.
While painting over real brick is possible, it cannot be easily reversed. Consider testing in an inconspicuous area first. If done properly, painted brick can look fresh and updated.
Tips for painting faux brick indoors vs. outdoors
Painting convincing faux brick requires slightly different approaches for indoor vs. outdoor use. Here are some key tips:
Indoors:
– Lighting is more diffuse so imperfections are less noticeable.
– Temperature and humidity are controlled, so adhesion is easier.
– Typical paint sheens like matte or eggshell work well.
– Drywall or plywood are easier surface materials than masonry.
Outdoors:
– Direct sunlight makes imperfections more obvious. Take time with texture.
– Use exterior-grade primer and paints that withstand temperature extremes.
– Satin or semi-gloss finishes hold up better outdoors.
– Surfaces need proper cleaning/prep to counteract grime and pollution.
– Stucco, concrete, and existing brick require heavy-duty adhesion.
While the principles are the same, outdoor faux brick requires extra care and the most durable paints. Well executed, it can mimic old brickwork beautifully.
Conclusion
The right faux brick paint and application techniques can transform a boring wall into a stunning decorative statement. With some preparation and close attention to texture, color, and paint selection, anyone can attain the antiqued charm of brick without the masonry work. Use the recommendations in this article to guide your faux brick painting project to create the authentic look you desire indoors or out. With the proper materials and some practice, you’ll be amazed by the realistic faux brick finish you can achieve.