Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup: Fake Brick

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Fake Brick

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup
Forum Discription: For how-to's and where-can-I-find
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1755
Printed Date: 4/30/24 at 6:52am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Fake Brick

Posted By: krhaydon
Subject: Fake Brick
Date Posted: 3/17/06 at 2:36pm

Any experts out there can help me understand the basics of making fake brick? I just need a few gray stone blocks to suggest a crumbling structure. They will be picked up and used so they need to be light and durable. I feel like I should already know how to do this, but fake brick studies seem to have passed by in my theatrical education.

Any suggestions would be helpful. I'm glad the board is back!

- Kelly

Replies:

Posted By: Aimee
Date Posted: 3/19/06 at 11:58am

You could try and use the pink foam insolation (sold at Home Depot) I use this for alot of those really odd props I need to make. You can get it to look how ever you want with a foam cutter and a good paint job. Good luck!

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Aimee

Posted By: Joan54
Date Posted: 3/20/06 at 8:20am

Go to the local home supply store and take a look. There is a big variety of fake stone and brick on the market. Some of it is reasonably priced. Some is a concrete composite material and is quite heavy but here are plastic and foam types that are sturdy and very realistic.

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"behind a thin wall of logic panic is waiting to stampede"

Posted By: Kurt Muller
Date Posted: 3/23/06 at 5:35pm

Polystyrene foam. Cut it into brick shapes with a fine-tooth saw or blade. Smoothe the sides and round off the edges with sandpaper. Allow some dents and hollows to remain. Then break away some corners by hand. It'll crumble.

Paint with acrylic house paint, stippling it with a sponge.

I've made a totally realistic block of concrete this way. You can't tell it from the real thing!

Posted By: Joan54
Date Posted: 3/24/06 at 7:52am

When you are cutting polystyrene remember to wear a respirator mask ( not one of those cheap paper masks). That stuff is not good in the lungs or any other parts of the body.....oh and watch out...it is very flammable.

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"behind a thin wall of logic panic is waiting to stampede"

Posted By: Topper
Date Posted: 3/27/06 at 1:28pm

I've discovered using an everyday, serrated-edge, steak knife from my kitchen drawer works well when cutting polystryene. Just be sure to use the inexpensive kind and not the ones given to you as wedding gifts. You'll need more than just a safety mask if your wife finds out.

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"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone

Posted By: Shatcher
Date Posted: 3/27/06 at 4:34pm

you know that electric knife that was in every kitchen in the 70's? thats what i use. never let me down, would'nt cut meat with it though...