Faded advert effect on internal redbricked wall

seannash

So I want to recreate this effect on an internal redbricked wall in my home.


Im a pretty good artist,Ive painted on plastered walls but never painted on brick before.

My thinking is to use exterior paint and somehow distress it (sandpaper maybe)

I keep looking for a guide but i cant find one online.
Has anyone done or knows of anyone who has done this before

seannash

Anyone?

looksee

Ok, here's my suggestion, though I haven't actually tried to do it. I don't think you should try distressing with something like sandpaper as I think you will smudge it rather than fade it.

I would attempt it by making stencils of the lettering then sponging with a fairly dry sponge/pad and emulsion so that a lot of brick shows through. Use really dull versions of the colours, some shades darker than the original colours. You could also try it by dry brushing without stencils, either way I think it will be a fairly slow process

seannash

Thanks for the reply.It would hardly smudge if its dry would it?

Stnciling unfortunately isnt an option as its a big wall space.

I thought maybe sandblasting it might work along with powerwashing it(although the water would be a problem)

The sponging is a great idea,probably a whitewash might help with the see through sort of effect

Thanks for the post

Tiriel

Ahhh I had a reply typed and it erased itself! Hate it when that happens!

I think that the gist of what I had typed said that often when you see those images of faded brick art.. it is clever photoshop overlays that achieve the effect - I know this because I spent a day fooling around with how to do it in a digital design course

But.. I agree it is nice and could be really intersting! I think what Looksee above said is great, I would add perhaps a dry wire or old bristle brush of some sort that you can literally scrub off the paint in areas and add to the worn effect. Also, just wondering if a spray would help - coating some areas more than others and keeping it as translucent as possible. Reworking it with the dry brush once it has dried and then layering it up very slowly.

Best of luck with it anyway OP!

Ponder013

You could try using chalk based paints - I haven't used them in the way you are talking about, but have used them on wood - they are designed to add a distressed look to furniture and applied with a dry brush, as previously suggested might work, with a little sanding once dry.

You'll have to post a pic of the finished product!