Stencil a Brick Pattern

• 1). Study a variety of brick pattern styles, so that you can decide which would look best in your design. Rough, patchwork styles will add a rustic feel to a room, while sleek, colonial reds will add a classic touch. Your research also will help you decide which color paints to use.
  
  
• 2
  Consider all the unique colors of bricks.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Measure the size of the surface you will be stenciling on, and write the dimensions down. This will come in handy when shopping for the stencil.
  
  
• 3). Purchase your brick-designed stencils, based on the style and size you have chosen. Most large craft stores offer a wide assortment of stencils, as do a number of online stores specializing in stencils and stamps. Ideally, a good brick stencil has two overlays, with varying rows of bricks and is offset to create a layered look.
  
  
• 4). Spread out your paint, brushes, sponges, palette and jar of water on an easily accessible surface. Move any furniture away from the surface you will be working on.
  
  
• 5). Clean the surface of all dust and debris by quickly scrubbing it with soapy water. Let the area dry completely before moving forward.
  
  
• 6). Tape the first stencil to the surface, starting at the top left corner, using painters' tape. Ensure that you are starting off evenly.
  
  
• 7). Select your base color of your bricks and squeeze that paint color onto your palette. Since acrylic paints dry rather quickly, it's best to work with a few bricks at the same time, using the same color.
  
  
• 8). Spread the base color inside the brick shapes, using a medium flat brush. Move quickly and do not focus on perfection. Bricks are textured and vary tremendously. When you have finished with this color in your selected area, decide on the next color and squeeze that onto your palette.
  
  
• 9). Dab your next color selection inside the previously painted shapes, using your small round detail brush. Create speckles and lines, and occasionally focus on random edges. You will see the dimension building as the two colors are layered.
  
  
• 10
  
  Squeeze your third and final brick color onto the palette. This will be the color you sponge with, so first decide whether it will be finished off with a green, mossy touch, a dark brown antique feel or a warm, sandy beige.
  
  
• 11
  
  Dip your sponge in a clean jar of water and squeeze out all the excess water. Roll it briefly in your selected color and gently tap it onto your current selection of painted bricks, creating a lovely texture.
  
  
• 12
  
  Continue to tape and paint in the same fashion so you have a uniform look to your bricks. While they are individually unique and imperfect, you don't want your style to suddenly change during the painting process. Move in the direction of reading a book: top left and horizontally to the right, return to the row directly beneath and repeat.