We've been searching off-and-on for months for a faux brick wallcovering to match one in the building we work in. It seems to be made from a thick molded, compressed paper, and was most likely installed sometime in the 1950s. It's a brilliant match for the real brick on the facing wall, and because they are both painted a beautiful gray, it's impossible to tell the real from the faux without actually touching it...
In response to a post from earlier in August, (and the subsequent tide of vehement "no faux" comments!), while faux raw brick may read as tacky, faux painted brick can read as anything but! These Vacuform panels from Rose Brand are almost exactly what we've been searching for: Lightweight, easily installed, and easily painted, these could be the perfect solution for someone who wants the texture of brick in a home lacking the actual material.
Vacuform is used primarily for sets and displays, and does not come in solid panels, but rather thin sheets molded to look like brick, with hollows on the backside. Because of this, it is not ideal for walls where art or shelving would be hung; however, strategic placement of anchors and hooks would be possible if placed in the shallowest recesses of the plastic. While not cheap (a 4'x12' panel will run you around $135), it costs about as much as a good wallpaper, and is much easier to cut and install yourself.
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
Has anyone seen these panels in person?
view Anna at D16's profile
I'm not convinced that painting faux brick takes away the tackiness. These are clearly well suited for display purposes, but in a home? What are the odds that a future buyer won't touch the fake brick and think "Ew!"?
view Lisa (Montreal)'s profile
Architects are trained to shudder at this sort of thing...
view hypostyle's profile
I work in theatre, and as you might imagine, Vacuform is a great material for us. While I have my doubts about a long-term installation in a residence, I think with a proper painting job, it will look quite realistic and feel that way as well.
While the Rosebrand Vacuform is most widespread in the industry, I usually get mine from Scenic Service Specialists in Utah: http://www.scenicservice.com/vgallery/
The sheets about about 1/3 of the Rosebrand price, and the selection of textures is excellent.
One can also use Scenic Solutions (also in Utah):
http://www.ssiarts.com/
view annoushka's profile
I grew up with this (maybe not this exact product) but I've always shuddered at the fakeness. Please.
view K T G's profile
Eeeww. Brick? Nice, sometimes. Painted brick? Maybe in emergencies. Fake painted brick? Uhm, why???
view particlebored's profile
I love it! Back in the 50s we marveled at the man-made! Pam
view 50s Pam's profile
can be just as classy as faux wood beams...
i love it!
view jmbylin's profile
I think my creative soul just died a little. This is beyond tacky and not in a good way.
view hessilou's profile
:shudder: big time. why in hell would anyone want faux brick (or faux woodbeams, for that matter)?? barfbaggable.
view maike's profile
I remember this product being heavily advertised on game shows during the 1970s:
http://www.e-zbrick.com/index.htm
view JefferyK's profile
I thought the same thing about those faux beams. They looked nice in the picture but I really don't think I could deal with the faux-ness. It's like a plastic plant to me.
view universal mod's profile
Still tacky.
view Cool Breeze's profile
The heart-felt comments are hilarious. Keep it up.
I don't have too much experience with faux brick, but like most things, real is always better than imitation. Imitation is flattering, but not long lasting.
view Michael Dumas's profile
w0w, I guess things never change re: tide of vehement "no faux" comments. It's funny the same happened with the post about interior colors. People always fighting for the other opinion--usually minority. Hence my comment::
I'm sure putting up fake anything isn't good for selling a house but if you've got an area you don't know what to do with, that people won't go up and touch, then why not. It's different and probably unexpected. Very cool.
view Judochop's profile
I know these posts are a little out-of-date, but - this is really cool, and I've actually been looking for something like this!
Maybe it's because I didn't "grow up" with faux brick"? I've never seen it before.
I've been looking for this because I live in a studio apartment in the city. I cannot make a permanent change to the walls. I have painted one of my walls, but the wall is uneven and does not take the paint uniformly. I really want texture on the wall, but I am definitely not about to lay my own brick wall!
view LJN_NYC's profile
Ack! I just saw this post. I bought a home with fake brick throughout the kitchen. Rather than repainting to change the look of the kitchen, I'm going to have to rip this stuff off and hang new drywall. If you want interesting walls, spare the future homeowner and use something that is easy to remove.
view durhamite's profile