After my wife started getting really into DIY projects, I realized that I wanted to help too. Instead of letting her do her own thing, I started helping her to build, paint, and decorate different household items. It seemed difficult at first, but after awhile I was able to get into the swing of things and really hone my crafting skills. Now, I actually enjoy crafting, and I frequently recommend it to my family members and other guy friends as a creative outlet. Check out this blog for more ideas about craft projects for men and women alike.
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If you're looking to add some interest to the walls of your home, you might be thinking of choosing a bold paint color or a wallpaper. However, wallpapers can be hard to remove and bold paint colors can often date your home after just a short period of wear. Instead of choosing a crazy color, why not add interest by using different painting techniques. When you add texture, you can still choose a tasteful, neutral palate but also add uniqueness at the same time. Here are some texture ideas you can try.
1. Colored Plaster
Instead of choosing ordinary paint, you can create an old-world feel by applying colored paint plaster (also known as Venetian plaster) to your walls. The plaster can be tinted nearly any color and is applied with a flat putty knife. Then, the plaster is sanded to help with the sheen and finish. The end look is almost like stone. Venetian plaster is extremely durable, but it is also more permanent, so be sure you use a color and paint in an area that you won't want to change often, like a dining room or entry way.
2. Colorwashing
Colorwashing provides depth to a wall and adds a subtle, aged feel. You begin by painting your wall in a base coat -- usually a color one or two shades lighter than the top coat. Then, you mix the darker, finishing paint color with one part paint glaze and another part water. The mixture should be gentle, not thoroughly integrating the paint.
Before applying, use a damp cloth to gently wet the dry base coat. Then, apply the top coat with a brush or sponge, using gentle squiggly lines from top to bottom. While the paint is still wet, use a piece of sheepskin to soften the lines, spreading the darker paint around more evenly. Finally, use a brush to blend areas that are obviously darker than others.
You can add more depth by repeating this technique with another color, if you want.
3. Dry-Brushing
Dry brushing brings the looks of a soft textile to your walls. First, paint your walls the base color, usually a color a few shades lighter or darker than the top coat. Allow this coat to dry thoroughly. Then, apply the second shade using a firm-bristled paint brush. You will apply the paint in a crosshatch pattern, criss-crossing long strokes on a section of the wall. If you want the lines to be straight and even, consider making a guide line with the same paint color halfway through the wall for each direction. Then begin painting from the straight guidelines out toward the corners of the room. After the first cross-hatch coat dries, you will mimic the same technique with softer strokes, filling in spaces that you might have missed and softening the lines of the first coat.
4. Smooshing
Smooshing is an actual paint technique meant to help mimic the lines of stone of your walls -- much like lines found in natural marble. You create this look by painting the wall the base color, which is, as usual, a few shades lighter or darker (depending on your design choice) than the finished color. Then, take the color you choose for a top coat and mix it in equal parts with latex glaze. Apply the glaze to the wall in sections, so that you can still manipulate it while it is wet. Then, use a plastic drop cloth to smoosh the wet glaze coat, intentionally putting wrinkles or pulls in the plastic. After you have have applied the plastic to the wall, carefully peel it away so the manipulated paint can dry. If you are doing more than one wall, use a new drop sheet for each application.
For more information and ideas, talk with local paint supply companies, such as Koontz Hardware.
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