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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.
Strié:
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. |
