How To Make Concrete Look Like Brick (DIY Guide)

As you’ll see in the rest of this article, there are a few ways to make your concrete look like brick, but the ideal method will ultimately depend on your objectives. For instance, you may want a concrete surface to look like a brick in pattern, texture, and color.

In other cases, you might want a pattern resembling brickwork – no matter your goal, I’ve got you covered.

Here’s How to Make Concrete Look Like Brick

1. Use stencils and a preferred brick-colored paint.
2. Paint bricks on a concrete surface with a sponge.
3. Get rubber or silicone mats to paint on the concrete.
4. Stamp concrete floors with brick-patterned mats.
5. Make concrete floors look like bricks using a roller.

In addition to your preferences, you’ll want to consider the condition of the concrete while selecting a technique.

Moreover, each method requires diligent planning, especially for projects that span days, if not weeks. Therefore, read on to learn more about how to make concrete look like brick.  

1. Use Stencils and a Preferred Brick-Colored Paint

Using stencils is the simplest way to make concrete look like brick. Every method has its merits and demerits, and so does using stencils. However, there’s no easier and quicker DIY method.

You can buy stencils online or at your local hardware and home improvement store. You can also design and make stencils yourself if you want, particularly for unique brick patterns. 

You’ll usually find stencils for the running bond brick pattern, offset, or subway tile. Another popular and readily available pattern is the herringbone.

The straight lay or stack bond pattern isn’t that common among stencils, nor is basket-weave, be it regular or diagonal.  

Apart from the stencils, you’ll need all the essential tools and supplies for a typical paint job. If your concrete structure or surface has defects, you may want to seal visible cracks before starting the project.

Additionally, you must clean and prep the concrete surface and allow it to dry completely. 

You can use stencils on interior and exterior floors. The same stencils are good for walls, too. However, not all stencils are reusable, so you must check the label for relevant information. 

Here are the essentials you’ll need for this DIY project:

• Brick stencils (at least a couple if the size is too small).
• Brick-colored paint (or a combination of colors you want).
• Mortar-colored paint (or two shades of gray, as you prefer).
• Sealant, painter’s tape, rollers, brushes, tray, sponge, rag.

Here’s how to make concrete look like brick using stencils and preferred paint:

1. Clean the concrete surface – this includes sweeping, mopping, and washing.
2. You may use a shop vac and pressure washer for impeccable cleaning.
3. Allow the surface to dry, and use this time to look for stains and cracks.
4. Remove the stains and seal the cracks or let the paints conceal them.
5. Use a degreaser and cleaner to eliminate stains for a spotless canvas.
6. Get a scraper to remove any rigid debris from the concrete surface.
7. Apply two coats of base paint once the surface is clean and dry.
8. You may choose a mortar-color paint or mix two shades of gray.
9. Some people don’t mind the concrete’s color as the substrate.
10. A few DIYers choose other colors, as it is a matter of preference.
11. If you want a flawlessly smooth surface, you can apply primer.
12. Allow the primer or base coats to dry completely before painting.
13. Set up the stencils with painter’s tape if they don’t have adhesive.
14. Apply painter’s tape along the periphery of the concrete surface.
15. Pour the brick-colored paint or your selected hues on a tray.
16. Choose a paint roller of an appropriate size and start painting.
17. Complete painting over each stencil and move on to the next area.
18. Use the paint brushes and sponge to improve the applied shades.
19. Use the rag to dab off any excess if there’s denser paint anywhere.  
20. You may use a brick stencil partially to paint the edges and corners.
21. Remove all stencils and add finishing touches as and where needed.
22. Let the paint dry before applying the sealant to finish your DIY project. 

Bricks don’t have one specific color or shade. You can experiment with reds, browns, and blacks for the desired appearance.

Moreover, any selected color’s precise hue and texture will vary depending on the brand or manufacturer, so there’s sufficient room for you to experiment.

2. Paint Bricks on a Concrete Surface With a Sponge

Painting bricks on concrete using a sponge is the most inexpensive approach on today’s list. However, it is a tedious project, especially compared to using stencils.

You can use paint rollers over sizable areas with stencils. Using a sponge, you must paint one brick at a time.

That said, sponges provide you with unmatched liberty. You won’t be confined to the shape and size of stencils. Furthermore, you will probably need much less paint, as you have only to create the bricks. 

Regarding the base, you can use mortar-colored paint or your preferred shade of gray. Alternatively, you can use the concrete’s color if it doesn’t look totally out of place with the brick hue you want.

Prep the concrete surface for this method exactly as you would for brick stencils, as I have described above. You may want to use primer for a smoother base. Just remember to allow it to dry before painting fully.

Once the base is ready, here’s how you can make concrete look like a brick with a sponge:

1. Start at a corner so you don’t end up there after painting the entire area.
2. If a pattern demands starting somewhere specific, stay away from dead ends.
3. Pour the brick-colored paint or your selected combination into the tray and stir it.
4. Use a brick-shaped sponge or cut to alter its size for your desired dimensions.
5. You can use a mini paint roller instead of a sponge if that’s more convenient.
6. Dip the sponge or roller in the paint and remove the excess on the tray’s ribs.
7. Place and press the sponge to cast its impression in the shape of a brick.
8. Repeat the process in a chosen pattern and replenish the paint as needed.
9. You can use painter’s tape to create a pattern if it simplifies the process.
10. Painter’s tape is always necessary for using a mini roller instead of a sponge.
11. Cover the whole area and touch up any brick you think needs improvement.
12. Let the paint dry before you apply a sealant as per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Most DIYers opt for latex paints to make concrete look like brick. Additionally, using a water-based sealant as a clear protective coat will allow painted or faux brickwork to look much more aesthetically pleasing.  

Using stencils, sponges, or mini paint roller effectively creates shades. Additionally, they allow you to incorporate centerpieces or other design elements into the larger brickwork pattern.

For instance, you may have a decorative piece at the center or combine two bricklaying patterns. You can even select the Spanish bond brick pattern for your property.    

3. Get Rubber or Silicone Mats to Paint on Concrete

This technique is another practical way to make dry concrete look like brick. You can paint on concrete with rubber or silicone mats with a brick pattern. As a result, you won’t need stencils, mini paint rollers, or sponges. However, you will require other essentials, i.e., paints, brushes, etc.

The prepping process remains the same as above. You need a clean and dry concrete surface. Use primer or mortar-colored paint for the base. Load up each brick-patterned mat with paint or a mix of different hues, and cast an imprint on the concrete. 

You’ll need to buy a mat with the pattern you want. These mats are often branded as stamps. Alternatively, you can make DIY silicone mats at home using molds, a more labor-intensive process. Either way, using mats to create a faux-brick effect is as easy as the stencil method. 

Generally, these brick-patterned mats or stamps come in sizes similar to stencils. However, in some cases, stencils can cover reasonably larger areas. Choose a brick-patterned mat or stamp that works for you, and select a manageable size. 

Don’t get a size that’s too big; press these mats or stamps on the concrete to leave a desirable imprint. If using this method for vertical surfaces, ensure the mat is leveled. To achieve this, you can use a bubble-level tool or get some help while aligning the mat or stamp.

The other thing to note about brick-patterned stamps or mats is paint buildup. The mats or stamps will collect some residual paint as you proceed through the rounds. This means that you won’t need to reload as much. 

4. Stamp Concrete Floors With Brick-Patterned Mats

The three DIY techniques I’ve discussed above only work on finished and dry concrete. Consider stamping or rolling if you intend to imprint a brick pattern on freshly poured and flattened concrete.

You can use brick-patterned mats and skins to stamp concrete. These mats and skins aren’t the same as the rubber or silicone stamps you use with paint. 

One significant advantage of stamped concrete with brick-patterned mats is the long-lasting effect. You’ll essentially shape the concrete surface permanently to feature a brickwork pattern. The same method is used for various designs and textures on concrete, including cobblestone.

Additionally, you can choose one or more colors for the release agent. These release agents are available in liquid and powder forms. While the color or tonal effect of release agents or powders isn’t exactly like paint, the texture and aesthetics are exceptionally attractive.

Besides, the stamped or reshaped concrete surface will maintain the brickwork pattern for decades, probably a lifetime. However, this approach has one main disadvantage. You need to buy the specific mats and skins for your preferred pattern unless there’s some way you can rent or borrow these.

Additionally, you’ll need a few other supplies and essential tools, including the following:

• Release agent, whether powder or liquid.
• Stamp tamper, masonry brush, chisel, grinder, etc.
• A curing agent and sealant for stamped concrete.

Stamping concrete isn’t a quick or easy job. The process is labor-intensive, and you will need a few helping hands. Plus, the project is time-sensitive. You have an operating window when the freshly poured and flattened concrete isn’t dried and cured. That’s when you must stamp. 

This method also has a long and complex post-stamping process. Let the released powder and concrete sit for 48 to 72 hours before removing dusty residue. Then you should wash the concrete surface before touching the brickwork pattern if needed. 

Finally, you will need to cure and seal the stamped concrete. You may need to apply a few light coats, allow the sealant to cure completely, and then reapply the agent for better and longer-term protection. 

For all the troubles, here’s what awesome stamped concrete with brick patterns looks like:

5. Make Concrete Floors Look Like Brick With a Roller

You can also make concrete look like brick using a roller. Both stamping and rolling are commercial practices widely used in construction and landscaping. Additionally, the two processes use the same concept. The only difference is the mechanism.

Instead of stamping concrete, you get a roller with a pattern over the surface to leave an imprint. The brick pattern is permanently infused on freshly poured and flattened concrete. This process typically uses a liquid release agent, so you’ll need all the aforementioned supplies and the roller.

A significant advantage of the roller method is scalability. Using a roller is a cakewalk compared to stamp mats if working with a larger area, such as a wide and long driveway. 

Here’s how a roller typically works on concrete to make it look like brick:

Final Thoughts

If you want to make a smaller concrete area look like brick, stencils or silicone mats are best for the job.

Alternatively, you can use a sponge or small paint roller if you’re working with limited space. However, large areas and permanent and structural brick-like imprints call for stamping or rolling on concrete.