Painting Techniques For A Decorative Wall Treatment

Painting techniques could be used to add interest and depth to your walls.

Below are just a couple of the decorative painting techniques that you might want to try for your painting project.

SPONGING

Sponging On - Apply solid base color to entire wall. Allow to dry. Then use a damp natural sea sponge to apply a wash or glaze to the top of your dried base color. You can use more than one wash or glaze color, however, be sure to allow each coat to dry completely.

Sponging Off - Paint your solid base color on your entire wall. Let it dry completely. Apply the wash or glaze to the whole wall with a roller. Use the sponge to remove some of the glaze or wash to bring out some of the undercoat.

RAGGING

Ragging On - Apply solid color to entire wall and allow to dry. Dip rolled cloth into wash or glaze and blot on the wall.

Ragging Off - Apply solid color to entire wall and allow to dry. Then apply wash or glaze to whole wall with roller. Use damp, rolled cloth to roll off some of the wash or glaze to expose the undercoat. Use a lint free cloth for this painting method. Different fabrics will have different effects. Experiment on a spare piece of wood to determine what textured pattern you are looking for.

BENEFITS OF DECORATIVE PAINTING

* Inexpensive way to change a look of a room

* Existing flaws or cracks on the walls can be hidden or at least minimized

* Appeals to any decorating style with the large variety of painting techniques available, such as:

* Each of these painting techniques will produce an entirely different look for your room.

* Any type of painting can be easily changed, as opposed to wallpaper.


DECORATIVE PAINTING TIPS

* Consider a class before beginning your first project. Check with your local Home Depot, as they often offer free workshops.

* Bring samples of different finishes that you are considering to your home to see how it looks with your lighting. You don't want to be surprised when it's too late!

* Never stop in the middle of a wall - it creates a line that is very noticeable.

* Always start on a wall that is the least visible when that room is entered - it will take you awhile to establish a good technique.

* Practice with your chosen painting technique and chosen colors. (always get sample size colors before making your final decision) Use a spare piece of wallboard to see how your colors and technique will look. This is especially important if you are mixing two colors or using a specialty finish, such as a glaze or metalic look.

* Specialty paint, such as, venetian plaster is available, which helps you with your desired look. Also, you can buy a faux painting kit to make your project easier.

* After testing and making your final decision, be sure to purchase enough paint and supplies to finish your job. You want to be sure you're working with the same color and sheen of paint.

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Good luck learning and mastering your chosen painting technique!!