Do-it-yourself simple decorative brick plaster

A popular design solution is indoor brickwork. This solution is often used to decorate hallway walls or balconies. However, for this type of finishing it is not necessary to use real brick. You can make simulated masonry using decorative plaster. The advantage of this option is that the plaster is applied faster than brick laying. In addition, this work does not require professional skills, so you can save money by doing the finishing yourself. Also, imitation masonry is practical and easy to maintain.

Marking and preparation

So, before you start, do your prep work. It is worth considering that before applying plaster, the wall surface must be smooth. One coat of starting putty may be sufficient.
Next, plan the dimensions of the brick.

Do-it-yourself simple decorative brick plaster

Since it is an imitation, you can choose any size depending on your need. Then, using tape, the seams of the bricks are highlighted.It is important to use a construction level when performing this stage of work, or if you have a laser level, so that both horizontal and vertical seams are even. Another option for drawing horizontal lines is to use a water level. It is convenient to first draw out the brick with a pencil so that if necessary you can erase it, and only then stick the tape.

Applying plaster

After you have marked the seams with tape, you can begin applying the plaster. Use a good quality starter putty. The thickness of the layer to be applied is 2 – 5 mm. For this job you will need a bucket, a mixer for applying the putty, as well as a trowel and a spatula.

When you apply the plaster of the required thickness to the wall, without waiting for it to dry, carefully begin to peel off the tape. Since putty can dry quickly, especially in hot weather, it is best to do this work in small pieces. This way you won't be in a rush and can get the job done accurately. There is no need to smooth the plaster, but rather try to imitate brick using small irregularities and holes.

Since after peeling off the adhesive tape there will be unevenness, especially in the contours of the bricks, it is necessary to sand them with mild sandpaper after the mortar has dried.

After this, you can paint the decorative brick-like plaster in the desired color. To do this, prime the wall, wait until the primer dries, and then paint the brick. To highlight the masonry, you can leave the seam white and paint the brick a different color.