How to Effectively Use a Paint Comb for Various Decorating Effects

If you would like to create a design, 3-D effect, or interesting pattern on your wall, using a paint comb is an easy technique that can help you achieve any of the above. It is easy to do, inexpensive and the possibilities are endless for the types of looks you can achieve.

Gather your supplies. You will need the following:

Paint drop cloth

Painters tape

Latex paint

Wallpaper paste

Rubber paint comb

Paint brush (large enough to comfortably paint the area you will be combing)

The surface you are working on will need to be smooth and free of cracks or debris (such as paint globs from previous paint work). If it is not, you need to ensure that you make it so. Then the wall will need to be cleaned and dried thoroughly.

You want to paint small sections, such as squares or half of a wall because the comb needs to be pulled with an even and straight motion from top of design to bottom, to look flawless. Pulling it from ceiling to floor cannot generally be done without a break. You can use this design for floors, walls, furnishings, or knick knacks (such as picture and photo frames).

Now it is time to get started. Place your painters tape anywhere that is close to where you are painting that you do not want to get paint on it (such as ceilings, baseboards, etc.). Put your drop cloth in place. Open as many doors and windows as you can for good ventilation while painting.

Make a solution of paint that is three-quarters latex paint and one quarter wallpaper paste. Use your paint brush to paint the surface you will be coming. It is best to work in small sections and to paint in an up and down motion. Take your comb and pull it down from top to bottom in one even stroke until the section is complete. If you are designing instead of making straight vertical lines, follow directions as noted but when it comes time to comb, make even strokes in the direction you wish the combing effect to go. You can make diamonds, horizontal and vertical alternating squares, S-shapes, circles, letters, etc. While you are working, if you err on a section, repaint it immediately and try again. Remember to work in small sections so it is easy to correct errors as necessary. This type of paint job works very well in a room that is designated for fun, such as a play room. It can, of course, be adapted to fit into any room chosen, depending on the design and color schemes chosen. Note too, that if you would like to have two colors that integrate into one you can apply one color of latex paint for your base and allow it to dry completely. Then paint a second coat of a different color over the top of it, using your paint comb to make the design, and again, being careful to work in small sections.