Transform Brick: Plastering Ideas

Not feeling the same old-same old? Uncover the beauty of brick walls with plastering! Exposed brick walls are charming but often feel outdated or easily blend into the background. A little creativity and the proper techniques will transform those walls into show-stopping focal points. In this article, the art of plastering brick will be discussed, ranging from popular techniques like Venetian plaster and Tadelakt to creative approaches with exposed brick accents. It will also offer some valuable tips for achieving this transformation.


The allure of exposed brick
Exposed brick has long held a certain allure for both homeowners and professional interior designers. The raw, textured surfaces speak of history and transport us to another age. From the glow of a brick fireplace to an accent wall in the living room, exposed brick indeed adds character and warmth to any room.

Plastering brick: A modern twist
While the charm of the exposed brick still lingers on, plastering presents a modern appeal. It allows you to take the raw, rough look and make it even, smooth, and exactly how you want it. The unevenness, discolouration, or other imperfections in the wall will easily be covered up with the plaster, leaving it seamlessly smooth and polished.

Popular techniques of plastering brick
Plastering brick is an excellent way to beautify brick walls. Several techniques can be applied.

• Venetian plaster: This method, adapted from the ancient Roman technique, gives a marble-like luxurious effect. Skilful artisans carefully apply layer after layer to achieve depth and movement in this finish, just like veining in natural stone.
  
• Tadelakt: Tadelakt is a waterproof plaster originating in Morocco. It is renowned for its softness, almost like velvet. It's created by rubbing the surface with a smooth stone, yielding a unique luminous finish.
  
• Microcement is a thin, seamless coating that can be applied directly over brickwork to create a modern, minimalist appearance. It's incredibly versatile and available in a wide range of colours and finishes, from sleek and glossy to matte and textured.
  
• Lime plaster: For an eco-friendly option, look to lime plaster. Manufactured from natural materials, it's breathable and helps regulate humidity levels inside the home for a much healthier indoor environment.

Colour and texture play
Plastering opens the door to a world of colour and texture.

• You can choose a classic whitewash for a clean, contemporary look or experiment with bolder colours like deep blues, warm greys, or even bright accents.
  
• Metallic finishes in gold or copper add a touch of glamour and sophistication, while subtle texturing techniques create visual interest and depth.
  
• Colour washes can be applied over the plaster to enhance the brick's natural tones or create a more dramatic effect.

Creative approaches

• Exposed brick accents: If subtlety in transformation is desired, leave parts of the brick exposed. This provides a nice contrast from those parts that are plastered, adding visual interest and releasing the brick's unique character.
  
• Textured overlays: A thin layer of textured plaster over the brick develops its character and creates a different look altogether. Subtle stippling or ragging can be used to add dimension and depth.

Considerations for brick wall plastering
There are a few things to consider before undertaking your brick wall plastering project:

• Plaster: Proper surface preparation is an essential requirement for plaster. This may include cleaning the brickwork, repairing cracked or loose mortar, and making sure the surface is stable and free from dust and debris.
  
• The two most influential factors that can affect a decision on plastering material and technique are climate and age. For example, in coastal cities like Sydney, where the weather conditions are generally humid, plasters that are breathable and resistant to moisture are necessary. More preparation and consideration may be required for older brickwork.
  
• Professional expertise: While a few do-it-yourselfers can try their hands at some minor plastering jobs, it is always advisable to hire experienced professionals, especially where the tasks are big or challenging. Qualified plasterers know just how to provide a high-quality and long-lasting finish.

Inspiration
Get inspiration for plastering your brick wall from the following:

• Design magazines and websites: Various design magazines and websites showcase notable examples of plastering brick walls in style.
  
• Social media platforms: Social media platforms, such as Instagram and Pinterest, are treasuries of ideas for interior wall designs and several new plastering techniques.
  
• Showrooms and house improvement events: Visiting a local showroom or attending home improvement events will allow you to see plastering techniques in action and discuss your project with experienced professionals.

By considering all these factors and exploring the different possibilities, you can turn your brick walls into fabulous focal points that reflect your style and add to the beauty of your home.


Conclusion
Plastering brick walls is a versatile and exciting way to give your living spaces a facelift with styles spanning from the sumptuous elegance of Venetian plastering to minimalist modernity, such as micro cement; a wide range can be delivered with aplomb. Anything from climate to age might be thrown into your imagined landscape, and brick walls veer into unique, captive features. Remember, research with experts and take exploratory options toward finding just that perfect plastering for the walls of your home. This means that through careful planning and execution, you can unlock your brick walls to their full potential and build a truly remarkable living environment.