Painted Faux Brick Tutorial

I wanted to paint trompe l’oeil style bricks on some unsightly ductwork and needed guidance. However, I had a hard time finding a tutorial that was not just a brick-shaped sponge stamped on a background. After looking at lots of pictures of bricks and some well-done faux walls, I came up with my own tutorial. www.fauxpanels.com Create an authentic looking …

Brick Veneer-DIY

Marc Bartolomeo shows how to spice up any interior wall with brick veneer. Thisvideo is part of Kitchen Impossible show hosted by Marc Bartolomeo . SHOW DESCRIPTION :When it comes to kitchens, homeowners often end up overwhelmed, out of money and frustrated with the renovation process. On Kitchen Impossible, contractor Marc Bartolomeo helps discouraged homeowners transform their terrible kitchens into …

Leave that brush alone! Experts say masonry facades are ‘happier unpainted.’

Masons aren’t big fans of painting brick, for aesthetic reasons as well as maintenance and structural integrity issues. “I like the natural look of the brick,” said mason Mark Vaughan. Some question whether paint can trap moisture in the masonry wall, especially in softer, more permeable old bricks. Old bricks, dating to before the World War period or even earlier, …

Brick facades are sturdy, but keeping them that way requires care

As old as dirt, the sturdy brick is. Long before fairy tales with pigs and wolves came along, ancient peoples knew the strength, fire resistance and durability of the humble clay brick. Modern people know that it adds value and the aura of prestige to a home. “Brick has housed humanity in its move from sticks, stones and caves,” said …

39 Ways to Prevent Cracks in Brickwork

Changes in temperature or moisture can wreak havoc on building materials, and brick is no exception. Elastic deformation due to loads, creep, or changes in volume can cause movement, which can crack your project’s lovely brickwork. There are two basic ways to avoid cracks in masonry elements (for the purposes of this article, we’ll stick to bricks): 1) minimize the …

Info about becoming a Brick Mason

Significant Points * Job opportunities are expected to be good, especially for those with restoration skills. * Some entrants learn informally on the job, but apprenticeship programs provide the most thorough training. * The work is usually outdoors and involves lifting heavy materials and working on scaffolds. * About 27 percent of brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons were self-employed. Brickmasons, blockmasons, …

Ambrico adds Twitter!

Ambrico is proud to have started a twitter feed. You will find updates about our site on twitter. To visit our twitter page, go to: http://twitter.com/#!/americanbrickco Our twitter username is @AmericanBrickCo