Techniques and Tools for Proper Decorative Painting

Decorative painting can add a sense of style and personality to a room that lifts it to a higher level even when peopled who make the sight of grass growing look fascinating. The techniques at your disposal range across a broad spectrum that can transform the feeling an entire room or fool the eye into seeing something that isn't really there and never could be. All the advantages of decorative painting will be lost or diminished if you don't use the proper technique to apply the paint. The techniques that are utilized vary from one effect to another and include differences in tools, paints and choice of colors.

Application of glaze is a required element for achieving some types of decorative painting. These techniques include colorwashing, ragging, sponging and leather simulation. The ratio of glaze to paint will determine the result. The finish becomes more transparent when you add more glaze. Adding less glaze diminishes the translucence.

Decorative techniques often call for a top coat of paint and adequate results can be achieved only by applying the right type of paint. Some decorative painting techniques such as creating stripes, plaid or distressing can be achieved with any type of paint finish. Other techniques such as dragging, ragging, wood graining or creating a denim effect are limited to either satin or semi gloss paint. Specialized decorative painting that uses letters like calligraphy or hand painted lettering need a top coat of acrylic paint or the use of a paint pen. The base coats generally call for the same specific type of paint as the top coat.

The choice of colors is wide open for many decorative painting techniques, including geometric shapes, decoupage and torn paper. Other techniques are more strict when it comes to coloring options. Marbling requires paints colored in earth tones in order to authentically simulate stone. Sponging, ragging and frottage work best when you use two or more shades similar or high contrast colors.

The central application element for achieving decorative techniques is often the specific type of tools you need. Some tools are fairly obvious, such as a sponge for sponging, stencils for stenciling and rags for ragging. A special wood graining tool can achieve a variety of wood grain effects. Specialized brushes are used for dragging and simulating the look of linen. The most essential tools for painting stripes, blocks, checks and other geometric shapes are measuring equipment and paint.

Successful application of paint to achieve the desired result often depends to a large degree upon the way in which you hold the paintbrush. When adding fine details you should grasp a brush designed for touching up tightly as if holding a pen. A firm grasp of the handle with your thumb braced against the metal part between brush and handle will give you more control over dragging techniques. The brush should be held in a flexible grasp between your thumb toward you on one side and the other four fingers away from you on the other side when you are softening the look.

Now get to work giving your home a decorative paint job and remember that only you can prevent forest fires.