Dress Up Your Home With Faux Painting

Whether you're looking for a unique way to dress up your walls, or need to disguise a slightly damaged wall surface, you can use a faux paint technique to improve the look of your home. Faux painting adds depth and texture to any wall surface, and can be used to replicate the look of another material, such as suede, marble, canvas, and more. We've included techniques that can be used to dress up your home. Even if you've never tried faux finishing before, there's a project here that you can do yourself!

Sponge Painting

If you're new to the art of faux painting, sponge painting is a great technique to start with. This is virtually a goof-proof way to add color and definition to the walls in your home. The finished look is light, feathery, and can be used to conceal slightly damaged or irregular wall surfaces. Sponge painting requires a two-step application process, which is very simple to complete. Simply paint the walls as you normally would, and allow them to dry. Then, follow the steps listed in the article 'A Simple Guide to Sponge Painting'.

Dragging

When complete, this faux paint technique looks like soft fabric on the walls. It can be completed with the use of any color paint and applied to a well prepped wall surface. Dragging should not be used to disguise damaged walls, as the "drag" will emphasize any imperfections beneath the paint. It should also not be used over heavily textured walls. This technique is a bit more involved than some of the others we've covered in this article, so it's best performed by those that have experience in faux finishing.

This faux paint technique looks particularly nice in a bedroom setting as the fabric, or canvas, finish blends nicely with the cozy softness of bedroom bedding. Follow the steps listed below to drag walls:

STEP 1 - To begin, apply the base coat of paint in the color of your choice. Allow to dry overnight.

STEP 2 - Apply glaze to one section (start at the corner) of the wall and working quickly, cut into the paint with a dragging brush.

STEP 3 - Drag the brush downward through the wet glaze, applying pressure while working at an angle. Be sure to wipe the brush off, removing excess glaze after each swipe.

STEP 4 - Now, working over the same area, drag the brush in a sideways motion. You'll begin to see the look of fabric taking shape.

Repeat these same steps for each wall section, making sure to overlap as you work for an smooth, even look.

Suede Paint

This faux paint technique is a great choice if you're looking to disguise slightly damaged walls, or simply want to add texture and definition to your walls. This is a project that will take a minimum of two days to complete, but it will add a light, feathery, suede-like finish that is absolutely stunning. My recommendation is to purchase Ralph Lauren Suede Paint, which is already pre-mixed and ready to use. It requires a two-step application process, which I have explained in this 'Suede Paint Technique' how-to article. Thisfaux paint technique can be applied all over the room, or on a single accent wall.

Lime Wash

Lime washing in another very simple, almost goof-proof, faux paint technique that is difficult to mess up. It's a great technique for beginners to attempt because no one will be able to tell if you make a mistake! When finished, lime washed walls have a soft, almost chalky appearance, which add depth and definition. This technique can be used on textured or smooth walls, and will help disguise slightly damaged wall surfaces too. You can use any paint color of your choice for the base coat, but keep in mind that light colors may not showcase the lime washing very well. As the lime wash dries, it takes on the chalky finish, which lightens the paint color beneath. Get step-by-step instructions, and a material supplies list by reading, 'How to Lime Wash Walls'.

Keep in mind that faux finish painting can be used on more than just walls. These techniques can be used to dress up wood furniture, table lamps, fireplace mantels, flooring, picture frames, and more.

More from Jennifer Wagner:

Easy Ideas for a Kitchen Backsplash

Fireplace Decorating Ideas for the Mantel and Beyond

Where to Use Metallic Paint in the Home

SOURCE:

Jennifer Wagner - Yahoo! Contributor Network