An overhead projector can be used to transfer a small design onto a large piece of material. ScenicArtNT

Pouncing is an ancient technique, which enables a design to be transferred on to a surface and repeated numerous times. ScenicArtNT

A stencil and spray-gun can be used to make period wallpapers. ScenicArtNT

A woodgrain effect can be created by putting paint on a surface and skilfully running a plastic woodgraining tool over it. ScenicArtNT

Trompe d'oeil uses techniques of light, shadow and texture to fool the eye into thinking a painting is three dimensional. ScenicArtNT

A marble effect can be created by puddling very thin paint over a base-coat and then sponging and mopping it in places. The scenic artists are often called on to replicate the cast-concrete effect of the National Theatre's architecture. ScenicArtNT

The Scenic Art Department is normally referred to within the building as 'the Paintframe'. It gets its name from the large frame which can be used to paint huge areas, such as the gauze shown in this film. A special lift can move to any point in front of the frame to enable the scenic artists to work on the material. ScenicArtNT

Plastic, mass-produced vac-formed bricks can produce a brick wall much more cheaply than stencilling or carving, but careful painting is required to hide the fact that all the sheets of bricks are identical. Sheets of plastic 'bricks' must be primed and painted to make them look real. Because the sheets are flatter than other means of producing fake bricks, the scenic artists must be even cleverer than normal in how they apply the paint. ScenicArtNT

Bricks solid enough to walk on can be created with a stencil and a plaster/idendun mix. Plaster 'bricks' can be painted very easily to give them a realistic look. The painting is most easily done with the 'bricks' lying flat, as the paint can be more easily blended. Several layers are required, and a grey or yellow mortar can be added in the gaps between bricks. ScenicArtNT