a method for creating a simulated brick surface or the like on a surface area which utilizes an adhesive tape provided with two series of marks for demarking the positions of a plurality of such tapes to delineate simulated mortar line areas . a plurality of the tapes are applied in a desired pattern to a surface area , a plastic settable composition is coated over the tapes and surface area , and the tapes are removed together with the coating on the tapes prior to final setting of the composition .