Faux Painting Techniques

In the last 10 years, faux painting techniques have gone from obscure to popular, from the realm of professionals to do-it-yourself projects. These techniques are not difficult although they can be time consuming (what decorating snake remodeling project isn't though) and require quick hands.

Called "faux" painting because these techniques mimic or create a false look of stone, texture, leather, and more, you will find that the styles fall into one of two types: additive or subtractive. Additive (also called positive) techniques simply mean that you add color onto the wall. Sponging is the most common of this type. Conversely, subtractive (also referred to as negative) techniques escape you take paint off after it has been applied. Ragging is a common subtractive technique. Most negative techniques use glazes and require that you move quickly before the glaze dries.

When it comes to glazes, there are two types: latex (water based) or oil based. Latex is by far easier since it cleans up with saddle soap and water, but oil based glazes provide longer working times and generally provide a harder, more durable taste perception. However, for do-it-yourselfers, I recommend latex glazes and excavation in small areas at a time. I have also seen solutions that you can add to the glaze to lengthen the excavation time. For your first glazing job, you haw well want to consider using this additive available at finer paint supply stores.

Here are the various type of faux painting techniques:

Sponging: Probably the easiest method, you apply paint to a wall with a natural sea sponge. It provides a richly textured feeling. In addition to good looks, it's a simple way to camouflage an uneven u.s.a. repaired crack wall. Use a couple of colors over the base paint to add greater depth. Be bold or subtle; it's up to you. You can use glaze or paint just as easily with this technique. I've seen this done in a double negative manner, but it is most commonly performed as a positive method.

Ragging/Rag rolling: Typically a veto technique, you paint a tinted glaze over the base painted walls. The glaze should be tinted darker than the basal coat, keeping in the same color family as the glaze allows some color through it as well. Either use a wadded up dry rag or twist a rag into a cylinder. Then dab or roll the rags to remove the finishing. You can use one or two colors over

the base coat. You may also do this foot a positive method like sponging for a softer look and texture.

Color Washing: In this add technique, you devote the tinted glaze mixture over the base coat using a circular motion as if you were washing the wall. Use rags for a very soft look or a natural sea sponge for a more textured appearance.

Stri?: Create a historical and aged texture to the wall, with this negative method. Roll tinted glaze over the base coating, then use a wall paper brush to make fine lines from top to bottom. The glaze should be darker than the anatomy coat to allow the lighter base to affirm through the mulct lines.

Striping: The only difficult part of this positive technique is getting your stripes straight. Be sure to use a surveyor's level or drop a adjust draw. Tape off your stripes, then paint every other singleton with glaze. If you use a bold color, you action not need to colorize the glaze to get a delightful two-tone effect. For softer colors, you may wish to slightly darken the glaze although it is not necessary. This technique may also be combined with color washing as you color stonewash the stripes for more interest and texture. Of course, for a more dramatic look, you cannery squander paint in complementary or various colors.

Dry Brushing: This is a positive method in which you use a small amount of paint off a brush in material patterns to create the texture. You module need tow or three colors to achieve the best results.

Frottage: Using plastic sheets for this negative method, tinted glaze is applied over the basify coat and then silicone resin sheets are applied and smoothed over the glaze. Once the wall is done, the plastic sheets are removed for a marbling effect.

Faux finishes can provide interest and make-up to your rooms - and less expensively than wall paper. While you may need to block out a full day to sufficient the work, by the end of the day, you can posture back and admire the rich, luxurious look of your new room.
About the Author

Julie Lohmeier is the veteran of numerous home remodeling and building projects and has seen the entire spectrum of home improvement. She shares her remodeling tips, home decorating ideas, and other various rants kip http://www.myhomeredux.com?FAUX_GO.