Softening Your Walls with Color Wash

If you like the soft look of watercolors, why not try using a color wash on your walls? In addition to a softer color, color washing can accentuate the texture of your plaster or stucco walls. And it's so simple that even I, a faux-finish-impaired decorator, can do it.

There are two techniques for color wash application: sponge or brush. Each requires a slightly different glaze formula.

Sponge Technique:

Color Wash Glaze: Mix together 1 part latex paint and 6 parts water in a bucket.

1. Mask off (using painter's tape) parts of the room which will not receive the wash. Its best to cover the floor with plastic drop cloths (especially if you are as messy as I am).

2. Prime the wall with a low luster latex paint and allow it to dry completely before the next step.

3. Dip the sponge into the color wash glaze and squeeze lightly.

4. Beginning in a lower corner, apply the glaze to the wall in short, overlapping strokes. Change the direction of the strokes frequently. Work on a small portion of the wall at a time (3 foot by 3 foot is a good size).

5. Repeat moving upward until the entire wall is covered.

6. Allow to dry completely.

Brush Technique:

Brush Color Wash Glaze: 1 part flat latex paint, 1 part latex paint conditioner (available at your local home improvement center), and 2 parts water. Mix in a bucket.

1. Mask off (using painter's tape) parts of the room which will not receive the wash. Its best to cover the floor with plastic drop cloths.

2. Prime the wall with low luster latex enamel paint and allow it to dry completely before the next step.

3. Allow the paint to dry.

4. Dip a paintbrush in the glaze and remove the excess against the side of the bucket.

5. Apply the paint in a crises-cross pattern.

6. Brush over the surface repeatedly to soften the look of the paint.

7. Wipe excess glaze away, if necessary. (Better get the industrial-sized package of paper towels!)
There you have it! A soft paint look perfect for your newly decorated roomï. And since you have the technique down to a science, why not come and do my family room? Powder room? Closet?

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Hanit - For More Free Resources visit www.thedesignbuild.com
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Featured Video:
Faux Like a Pro Faux finish Color Wash



Learn how to color wash you walls in a few easy steps. Let Sandra Kiss London of Faux Like a Pro show you how to apply this alternative paint finish to make your walls come alive. Go to www.Fauxlikeapro.com for more ideas.


WallDreams Paint Ideas!
Colorwashing is such an elegant finish when applied properly, the colors blending so softly into each other lend such nice texture and character background to living rooms, family rooms, foyers or bedrooms. Colorwashing can create sophisticated spaces, give an "old world" feel, or add country charm.

Keep in mind:

• Similar tones do work best, as it is the softness of the effect that is the goal.
• Remember to have a good color basecoat underneath, as it is the third color (or one of) the final colors showing with the semi-transparent glazes.
• A variety of tools can be used to create the effect - soft brushes, cheesecloth, plastic bags, old socks or sponges.
• Combine colorwashing with other effects for even more character. Try stripes, stenciling, stamps, embedded negative shapes.
• It is easier to work with a glaze on this technique, as a wet edge makes for quality results.

One of the VERY best paint secrets that I can pass along to you is a cleaning up tip. Mix 1/2 cup of fabric softener to one gallon of cold water to clean paint brushes, rollers, etc. You will be amazed at how easy and fast clean up becomes. Don't rinse your brushes out after swirling your paint brush, as it does help condition the hairs of the brush.

Til next time,

Donna of WallDreams.com