Faux Brick–German Smear

As long as I can remember I’ve loved interior brick walls.  I gravitate to anything brick, stone and wood.

Since I’ve never lived in any house that would have an interior brick wall, at some point I’d have to create my own.

Faux brick panels seem to be very popular these days.  I’ve seen them used many times and in many ways.  I’ve never quite liked the visible seams though.  Some people just use them as they are.  Some paint them.  But I can always see the seam.

The German Smear technique is what we’ll be doing on panels that are being installed in the bedroom, behind the bed.

The entire bedroom makeover will be revealed shortly but for now let’s cover the brick wall.

Our panels are being attached to the drywall with both nails and adhesive.

These panels are called Carriage House Paneling and are found at Home Depot. 

As great as they are, they end up looking like this when put together. Can’t deal with that.

The seams aren’t very noticeable in this picture below but you can definitely see them in person.

I’m using simple ready mixed Drywall Compound.  It doesn't have to stand up to the exterior elements so this works fine.

I applied the compound with a taping knife.

To scrape some excess compound off the bricks use a scraper.

First, I started on the seams.  I filled the seams with a thin coat of compound and allowed it to dry. Already the seams began to disappear.

My tools are slightly dirtier than those pictured above.  I managed to get it all over myself.

Since you wont be able to dip that taping knife in the bucket, use the scraper to get it onto the knife.

There really isn’t any technique to it but I did try to vary the degree of pressure when applying it to the wall.  This allows some areas to get more compound and some to get much less.  Because of the dark wood bedroom furniture I decided to leave the walls a little on the whiter side.

When you’ve got it all covered, stand back and see where you can scrape some off.  Allow some of the color beneath to show through.  I didn’t really care if I got it all the joints, after all  its supposed to look like plaster that’s aged and fallen off the brick.

Unlike most Smear techniques I left some rough patches and scraper marks.  Those marks lend an air of authenticity and make the wall more 3D.  When you see this wall upon entering the room, you honestly believe this is brick.  Even up close you need to touch to it in order to tell.   I think smoothing the compound out would make the wall appear too flat.  I actually like the way the light catches the rough spots.

So here is a sneak preview of the room makeover.   Take notice of the new sconces.  Yes, those are outdoor lanterns.   Love these new lights in the bedroom.

Next up, the rest of the bedroom makeover!

SEE THE COMPLETE WALL AND BEDROOM MAKEOVER HERE