Faux
Painting
In
the last 10 years, faux painting techniques have
gone from obscure to popular, from the realm of
professionals to do-it-yourself projects. These
techniques are not difficult although they can
be time consuming (what decorating or remodeling
project isn't though) and require quick hands.
Why “Faux”
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.
Faux Glazes
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.
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
Ask Your Faux Finish Painting and Techniques
Question Here!
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For more faux painting techniques and ideas please
visit
http://www.cleveland-ohio-painting-contractor.com/faux-painting-process.htm
Things you’ll need for fuax finish painting
Acrylic and or oil paints
Drop cloths
Glazing liquid
Paint
Paint brushes
Paint roller (texture roller)
Tape, paper, tape machine
Quick Guide
Faux Painting and Finishing
• Determine what type of faux finish you'd
like for the task at hand, and decide the color
scheme.
• Prime the wall 75% of the color you have
choosen as the base coat.
• Paint the wall with a satin paint for
the first coat paint until full coverage is achieved.
This will be your background color.
• Mix the glazing liquid with your faux
color ( faux color should be semi gloss)
• Practice the particular faux painting
technique you've chosen on a painted piece of
cardboard or wood until you are ready to go.
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