7 Easy Faux Painting Techniques
by: Julie Lohmeier
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 or 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 means 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 soap and water, but oil based glazes provide longer working times and generally provide a harder, more durable finish. However, for do-it-yourselfers, I recommend latex glazes and working in small areas at a time. I have also seen solutions that you can add to the glaze to lengthen the working time. For your first glazing job, you may 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 look. In addition to good looks, it’s a simple way to camouflage an uneven or 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 negative manner, but it is most commonly performed as a positive method.
Ragging/Rag rolling: Typically a negative technique, you paint a tinted glaze over the base painted walls. The glaze should be tinted darker than the base 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 glaze. You can use one or two colors over the base coat. You may also do this in a positive method like sponging for a softer look and texture.
Color Washing: In this additive technique, you apply 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.
Strie: Create a historical and aged texture to the wall, with this negative method. Roll tinted glaze over the base coat, then use a wall paper brush to make fine lines from top to bottom. The glaze should be darker than the base coat to allow the lighter base to show through the fine lines.
Striping: The only difficult part of this positive technique is getting your stripes straight. Be sure to use a level or drop a plumb line. Tape off your stripes, then paint every other one with glaze. If you use a bold color, you do not need to tint 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 wash the stripes for more interest and texture. Of course, for a more dramatic look, you can use paint in complementary or various colors.
Dry Brushing: This is a positive method in which you use a small amount of paint on a brush in herringbone patterns to create the texture. You will need tow or three colors to achieve the best results.
Frottage: Using plastic sheets for this negative method, tinted glaze is applied over the base coat and then plastic 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 texture to your rooms – and less expensively than wall paper. While you may need to block out a full day to do the work, by the end of the day, you can sit 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. From working hands on and doing much of the work herself to hiring contractors and construction managers, she has seen the entire spectrum of home improvement. She shares her remodeling tips, home decorating ideas, and other various rants at http://www.myhomeredux.com.
Copyright © 2006, Julie Lohmeier, http://www.myhomeredux.com.
Use this report in its entirety with proper acknowledgement and copyright.
Painting companies are a dime a dozen. However, just because there is a flood of companies offering professional painters does not mean that there is an abundance of quality or reliability. Service companies are notorious for not showing up on time, if at all. Many people have heard of a neighbor pre-paying a sizeable deposit or down payment for service work to be performed and then having the contractor never to show to do the work. Finding the right person for the job involves more than relying on the phone book. Word-of-mouth referrals and consumer testimonials are a sure-fire way to sift out the masses and find the top quality painting contractors.
While it is considered “old school” business practices, there are a few exceptional painting contractors that will conduct business on their word alone. Understandably, the majority may require some additional written work authorization form or contract. Selecting a painting service, whether it is for interior painting or exterior painting, can take a little time.
The first step is to get estimates from local painters and have each explain exactly what the process this estimate entails. If the estimate quoted seems too good to be true without a plausible explanation, it may be. By asking each painting contractor what steps will be performed, the homeowner will get a better idea of the process and be able to compare painters across the board.
A good price is not the only basis for choosing a painting company, however. See what payment schedules are available. The majority of every service company will require a percentage of the estimate quoted be paid before any work gets underway. Rarely is there an exception, but they are out there.
A few service companies will not require any payment until the job is completed and to the homeowner’s satisfaction. Old school practices such as this strongly emphasize that quality and attention to detail will be at the core of services being offered. Even though the price quote may not have been the absolute lowest, quality and a good work ethic justifies paying a few extra dollars in order to avoid being burned.
Often painting companies will offer other services for which the homeowner may wish to take advantage. Staining and refinishing, pressure-washing, and even wallpaper applications can supplement the paint contractor’s repertoire. A homeowner may not realize that there are other options for the interior than just paint.
Which ever job has been completed and after it has passed muster, make sure to ask for several business cards to hand out. With it being so difficult to discover exceptional service professionals and results, once a homeowner does find a quality service company, be sure to keep the phone number handy and talk them up to friends and neighbors. Repeat business is the only way to increase the chances of getting good results and many times a future discount on services.
Many websites provide additional information on the topic of painting the exterior or interior of homes and staining decks and woodwork. One such site worth visiting is http://www.c-hpainting.com.
Dan Elliott independently author’s articles for WebDrafter.com, Inc. ( http://www.webdrafter.com ) for search engine marketing. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those solely of the author, and not of any other person, company, or organization. No guarantee or warranty, express or implied, is made regarding the accuracy, fitness, or use of the content herein.
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