Technology for making decorative bricks from plasterboard with your own hands

Decorative bricks can give your walls a quaint, rustic feel that will make your house feel special and inviting. There is an easier, less expensive way to get this look with materials you may already have on hand, even though real bricks can be pricey and difficult to install.

We’ll walk you through the process of creating your own decorative plasterboard bricks in this article. Even if you’re new to do-it-yourself projects, you can still enjoy this creative and enjoyable project that only needs simple tools and supplies.

You can give any room in your house personality and coziness by turning plain walls into a gorgeous brick-like surface with a little time and effort.

What is needed to create bricks from plasterboard

Stone and brickwork are the most popular imitations of natural and architectural materials used to face surfaces. Although these products are expensive, gypsum boards can be used to create products.

Getting a brick substitute is the easiest option. The following supplies are needed for the project:

1. Drywall. The appropriate type is selected depending on the room or area of ​​decoration. For wet rooms, moisture-resistant sheets are preferable, for other objects – ordinary ones. Standard options can also be used in the bathroom, but more serious finishing and preparation will be required.
2. Putty. It is recommended to purchase textured and textured varieties, but the usual composition also allows you to get an interesting imitation using various methods.
3. Water-based acrylic paint. The color is selected individually, but to enhance the effect, it is advisable to use at least two shades. This will allow you to perform layer-by-layer application with shading.
4. Deep-penetrating primer. Acrylic compositions are more preferable.
5. Sand. For the best result, you need to select materials of different fractions, cleared of foreign inclusions.
6. PVA or similar type of glue. Required to decorate plasterboard elements with decor.
7. Mixture for laying plasterboard parts. These can be tile or special mounting compounds.
8. Transparent or matte varnish.

• Construction or stationery knife. The device must be reliable, with an easily replaceable blade.
• Ruler, straight rail, profile.
• Several small spatulas.
• Roller and brush.
• Container and drill with mixer attachment.
• Rubbing plane.

It is not necessary to get everything ready because devices and materials are chosen based on what will be used in a specific situation.

Making ornamental bricks out of plasterboard is a quick and inexpensive method to give your walls a distinctive, personalized appearance. You can turn regular plasterboard into chic brick-like panels that can be painted or finished to match your decor with just a few basic tools and supplies. Anyone looking to add texture and character to their space without breaking the bank will find this DIY project ideal.

Preparation and marking of the surface

Initial work is completed in accordance with the plan:

1. The optimal size of the bricks is determined. The real parameters of the products are taken as a basis: length – 250 mm, width (height) – 55-65 mm. The thickness depends on the thickness of the drywall, which is 9.5 or 12.5 mm.
2. To facilitate subsequent procedures, the sheet is treated with a primer. The mixture is applied to both sides of the product. This will avoid difficulties, because working with small fragments is much more difficult.
3. After drying the slab, markings are applied; for this, the material is laid on a flat surface. Clearly visible lines are drawn with a simple pencil.
4. If the room does not allow placing a solid panel in a convenient position, then cutting into the required parts is carried out immediately.

Using leftovers is a great way to solve the problem. The best cutting pattern is chosen in order to mark them. The masonry should all be the same height to create a pleasing and harmonious decorative appearance; width variations are the only acceptable form of variation.

Not to worry, there is still a method: properly cut gypsum plasterboard tiles are covered with imitation material.

Cutting gypsum boards and decorating artificial bricks

The following algorithm is used when breaking up drywall into fragments:

1. The slab is laid on a flat surface with the possibility of displacement.
2. Using a construction knife, deep cuts are made (more than 2/3 of the sheet thickness).
3. The piece breaks off in one motion, the underside of the drywall is cut through.
4. If the bricks have an aged appearance, then uneven edges are not processed. A plane is used to shape straight sides.
5. Long fragments are cut into separate parts.

With a tiny margin, the necessary number of blanks is promptly prepared. This is accomplished by performing computations that account for the wall’s area and the width of the seam between the components. By using this method, you can prevent noticeable variations between the fragments.

There are various ways to achieve the desired decorative effect; the most basic method is to create an imitation of brick as follows:

1. Putty mixture is being prepared. The amount depends on the lifetime of the solution.
2. The composition is applied with quick movements to the surface of the parts.
3. After a certain volume has been completed, but before the mixture has set, the desired texture is formed. For this, you can use improvised tools: polyethylene film, a brush with hard bristles or a sponge.
4. If you plan to create an imitation of new masonry, then the solution is distributed in an even layer.
5. After the parts have dried, they are sanded. This process is especially relevant when aging.
6. To give the masonry an interesting volumetric effect, you can paint it in several layers. The depressions and protrusions are treated with a dark-colored composition, after which shading is performed.

Putty is not an option; instead, just wet the cardboard and remove it from the gypsum board’s front surface. After that, paint after applying the texture with a metal brush. The three-part video that is included in the article walks viewers through the entire process.

Interior details with a finely detailed front structure appear authentic. Sand is then poured on top of the glue-applied surface to accomplish this. To fix the outcome, a coat of varnish is applied after it has dried.

Be aware of this! Putty work can be done after installation, but it will require a lot of labor.

Making ornamental bricks out of plasterboard is an easy and affordable way to give your house a special touch. A few simple tools and some materials will let you turn plain walls into something unique that expresses your own style.

You have total control over the final appearance with this method because you can alter the bricks’ size, shape, and finish. This do-it-yourself project can achieve a sleek, modern design or a rustic, weathered appearance.

This method is not only affordable, but it also gives you the satisfaction of creating something by hand. It’s an enjoyable project that’s ideal for do-it-yourselfers and can be finished in a single weekend.

All things considered, creating ornamental bricks out of plasterboard is a doable project that can dramatically improve the look of your room without going over budget.

Video on the topic

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