Decorative plasterboard bricks

Decorative plasterboard bricks are an excellent way to give your walls personality and texture. They provide the appearance of genuine brickwork without requiring bulky materials or difficult installation techniques. Because of this, they’re a great option for both experienced decorators and do-it-yourselfers searching for a simple yet fashionable update.

Because these plasterboard bricks are lightweight and simple to work with, you can easily transform any space with little assistance. Decorative plasterboard bricks can help you achieve the desired effect, whether you’re going for a more modern, urban look or a rustic, industrial feel.

The versatility of decorative plasterboard bricks is one of their main benefits. They blend in perfectly with many design motifs and can be painted or left unpainted. They are also affordable compared to actual bricks, so anyone wishing to improve their interior spaces can use them.

Imitation of a brick wall in the interior

Do not rush to throw away any plasterboard sheets you may have left over from the renovation. If desired, a fantastic "brick" wall will emerge from it. This will not only look no worse than actual brickwork, but it will also save you a ton of money.

Plasteredboard imitation brick is best suited for finishing interior spaces because real brick will obviously not last as long outside due to weather-related factors.

This image illustrates what a brick wall constructed from gypsum plasterboard by hand can look like.

How to make bricks from gypsum plasterboard?

Old gypsum board pieces work well for finishing and will be even more cost-effective. In this instance, the choice of drywall is entirely yours. It doesn’t matter if it’s wall mounted, ceiling mounted, waterproof, or basic—your decision will have no bearing whatsoever on the outcome. As a small experiment, you can also use varying thicknesses of gypsum plasterboards; the result will look more authentic and like real brickwork.

Apart from the drywall material, you will require:

  • You will need a ruler to measure the bricks.
  • Pencil.
  • A stationery knife is needed for cutting bricks from plasterboard.

You must measure the bricks that will be laid in the future. It is advised to select the standard size of 25 x 6.5 centimeters, which is the most practical for subsequent finishing.

The following is how fake bricks are cut:

  1. Draw bricks of the selected size on sheets of drywall using a ruler and pencil.
  2. Using a knife, cut the sheets according to the markings.
  3. Of course, the drywall itself will have to be broken along the cutouts, but this can be done quite easily using the cuts. Don’t worry about small unevenness – this is not bad at all, but on the contrary, it will make the bricks more like natural ones.

How to glue artificial bricks?

When selecting an adhesive, it is advised to go with the most widely used tile adhesive. Purchasing adhesive that is heat-resistant, moisture-resistant, or has higher fixation is a waste of money. The best option is an inexpensive tile adhesive made of gypsum.

Step-by-step instructions for installing technology:

  • The glue is applied to a small section of the wall with a spatula. Do not apply glue to the entire wall at once, otherwise while you are fiddling with the bricks on one side of the wall, the other side will already dry out.
  • You need to glue the bricks to the wall, starting from the bottom corner, gradually moving up. In the gaps formed in the process, which were obtained at the end of the wall, you need to insert the halves of the bricks.
  • You need to let the glue dry, this can take about 8 hours to a day, depending on the brand of glue.
  • When the glue has dried, you need to move on to the next step: removing the paper layer from the plasterboard bricks. This is done with ordinary water and a sponge. Wet the bricks with a wet sponge, first remove the first layer of paper, then wet and remove the second layer.
  • At the next stage, you will need a metal brush. Use it to leave various scratches, grooves and irregularities on the plaster. Use a knife to process the edges of the bricks, imitate chips on their surface, like on real bricks.

Grouting the masonry

You can buy ready-made grouting mortar at any hardware store, but if you’re making mortar specifically for decorative stone, making your own mortar is not only more cost-effective but also results in a higher-quality finished product.

It can be made with sand and cement in a 1:4 ratio, but it is advised to add plasticizer to prevent the solution from "settling." Tile adhesive can also be added in a 2:1:4 ratio to the sand and cement. To keep the solution from settling and to increase its flexibility, plasticizer is required.

By using a spatula to force the solution into the seams, you will merely stain the bricks rather than achieving the intended effect. A plastic bag, preferably thick one, or a syringe gun can be the most practical option. Using the bag, create a sort of pastry bag, fill it with the solution, and press it out along the seams. Put on rubber gloves because the alkali can severely dry out your hands.

Watch the video below to learn how to make grout.

Without the inconvenience of actual brickwork, decorative plasterboard bricks provide a quick and inexpensive way to give your walls a chic, textured appearance. Due to their ease of installation, these lightweight panels are a popular option for do-it-yourselfers and homeowners who want to update their interior spaces. Decorative plasterboard bricks are a great way to add character and a sense of craftsmanship to any room. They come in a variety of designs and finishes.

How to paint tiles

It will take several days to paint the completed imitation brickwork because painting in three stages will help to achieve the desired color and strengthen the plasterboard bricks.

Water-based paint is the most popular type that works well on plasterboard surfaces. It is typically offered in white, which is ideal if you want to paint a white wall. However, you can mix specific colors of the desired shade into the water-based paint if you’d like a different shade of brick.

  • For the first stage of painting, a solution is diluted: paint, primer, water, in a ratio of 2:1:3. Let it dry for 24 hours before the second stage.
  • For the second layer of paint, reduce the amount of water. Now the ratio of concentrate (paint and primer) and water should be 1:2.
  • For the third layer, the ratio is paint, primer, water (1:1:1).

Paint can be applied using a roller, paintbrush, or spray gun. Naturally, the first scenario will be much faster, but there’s a chance you could unintentionally stain the adjacent walls, the floor, and the ceiling. It will take a little longer to paint with a brush, but you can paint the bricks and seams completely.

Be aware that painting an artificial brick wall with a roller will result in an antique-looking finish. Because a roller does not cover up seams, chips, or cracks in paint, the brickwork will appear extremely realistic.

Aspect Details
Material Gypsum plasterboard
Usage Interior wall decoration
Installation Easy to cut and install
Appearance Realistic brick look
Maintenance Requires occasional cleaning
Cost Affordable

Plasterboard bricks with decorations provide an easy and fashionable way to update any space. They’re a great option for both professionals and do-it-yourselfers because they blend the ease of modern materials with the allure of traditional brickwork. These bricks can be customized to fit your design concept, whether you want to create a modern or rustic aesthetic.

The lightweight nature of plasterboard makes installation simple and doable even for inexperienced workers. Plasterboard bricks are highly versatile and can be used in a range of settings, from feature walls to entire room installations. They offer a visually pleasing and long-lasting finish.

By going with ornamental plasterboard bricks, you’re selecting an economical option without sacrificing design. The outcome is a room that feels distinctive and customized, plus it’s simple to update and maintain as fashions shift.

What type of plaster do you prefer to use in your projects?
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Andrey Ivanov

An experienced builder with more than 15 years of experience. I specialize in plastering and decorative finishing. I started my career as an ordinary worker, gradually accumulating knowledge and skills in various finishing techniques. Now I share my experience to help beginners master the craft and avoid common mistakes.

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