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German Schmear & Faux Brick - How To

1/8/2018

13 Comments

 
I love exposed brick!
Especially when it's in an old home and found in an expected place.  Something about
it seems so warm and cozy to me, even if it's found in an industrial space. 
Warms it right up!  It has a history. And if that brick is showing wear,
or the remnants of old plaster then even better.
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What if you don't have any brick walls hanging around in your home and crave
some architectural interest? Create some!  The exposed brick look can be created
so easily and is just as perfect as a wall as it is a fireplace or chimney.  A brick
wall in your entryway or hallway would be just as enchanting.

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I'm in the process of making over our guest room and doing a shiplap look (that post to come later).  As you will see in the photos, there is an odd "bump out" in the middle of a wall where our furnace vents run up to the roof.  In my original design it was going to be done in the same shiplap look as the rest of the room, but once the faux chimney idea came to me I was so glad I hadn't gotten to it yet with the wood.

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The first step was to run to Home Depot and buy a sheet of faux brick paneling.  I lucked out by getting the VERY LAST ONE! More than likely it was still there because it had some damage, but who cares about that when you plan to cover it in joint compound, right?  It also meant it was half price due to the damaged area.  Even better!

I used a jigsaw to make the necessary cuts, and applied the paneling with a nail gun.  You can also use construction adhesive, however  I didn't want to damage the plaster should I
decide to ever remove it....as if! 
That completed the first step.
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  Now to create the old plaster "German Schmear" look. I just used what I had on hand, which was about half of a bucket of joint compound that was left over from the bathroom remodel.  Perfect!
I grabbed two different trowel sizes, but found that I preferred the smaller size to apply and "smear", then followed with the larger one to knock down some of the roughness and
give a dragged look to some areas.  And in case you were wondering, yes those are my pajamas and slippers.  I tend to jump into things right after my morning coffee and news... then sort of
forget to get dressed, or brush my teeth for that matter. 
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Here is where I suggest you take a step back.  When you're working up close it's hard to see the big picture.  Step away and see if you're loving it.  I decided I liked that it was inconsistent.  Heavier with more coverage in some areas, and thinner in others.  YOU CAN'T GO WRONG HERE! Because guess what? It's water soluble! At this point you could even take a damp rag and start wiping away areas if you want more exposure.  Or do as I did and wait until
was was nearly dry and "scrape & chip" away areas.  Between water and scraping you have
plenty of opportunities to play around, and of course can always go heavier if
you want a very plastered look.
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Once my chimney was almost dry I decided to scrape some away and reveal more brick to let a little color show through.  If you did this and didn't like it you can just as easily add more.  The only step left to do after it's cured overnight is to very lightly sand off any places that are rough
and wipe down with a damp cloth.
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I absolutely love it!  It looks as though we really did discover the brick chimney behind our plaster walls.  Now back to finishing up the bedroom makeover and get that shiplap painted!
13 Comments
Julia
1/8/2018 07:47:09 pm

What an amazing look! How surprising that the faux brick actually looks real in the picture! Love your creativity.

Reply
Becky
1/9/2018 05:46:12 am

Thank you! I've used that paneling in the past and simply painted it. This was more fun :)

Reply
Mary
1/8/2018 07:55:29 pm

In love! Beautifully done!

Reply
Becky
1/9/2018 05:46:54 am

Thank you! I love how it turned out and can't wait to finish the room :)

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Nancy
1/9/2018 06:00:58 am

Very nice! I love how it blends with the shiplap, yet stands out too, making a beautiful statement. Perfect!
Did or will you use any type of spray or sealer to make the schmear water resistant?

Reply
Becky
1/11/2018 05:18:10 pm

Since this is in a bedroom I won't need to seal it. I think what is used on the outside of homes is more of a mortar.

Reply
Jackie
1/9/2018 10:38:00 am

It looks great. "Original"

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Becky
1/11/2018 05:18:46 pm

Thank you! It's a good fake :) I love it!

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Melissa
1/11/2018 05:22:58 pm

It’s just fantabulous Becky !! Love ❤️

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Becky
4/3/2018 03:11:48 pm

Thanks Melissa! It was fun to do!

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Brenda
4/3/2018 06:00:09 am

Love this! Am considering this as an option in our cabin remodel. Hopefully I can find a wall that I could do this onto!

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Becky Dunn
4/3/2018 03:12:28 pm

Great! Be sure to email me some photos :)

Reply
Linda Right
7/27/2019 10:52:07 pm

Have been planning on doing this in an upcoming master bath remodel. Thanks for the easy how to! Now I'm even more excited to get to it! :D

Reply



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      I've tried it all...hair stylist/faux painter/stay at home mom/jewelry artist/late in life college student/retail shop owner/design consultant/home stager.  Through it all I've loved doing home renovations, DIY and thrifting.  
       Combine many of those and throw in a fixer upper and you get the perfect storm; owning, fixxing up and hosting in an airbnb!  I love it! Chris and I put our own touches to the structure, then I thrift, shop used and DIY most of what I need to create a unique and special environment for guests to enjoy.  Being an Airbnb Superhost has brought me so much joy!  Helping others do the same is something I hope to add.

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