How to Disguise a Not so Smooth Wall

Do you have one of those walls, with nicks and bumps and just all round tired looking wall? Maybe you removed very old wallpaper and its left a wall that either needs to be replaced with new drywall or plastered.

Well, if this project was not in your budget this year, then why not try working with it, instead of covering it up! Have you ever done a faux finish? painted a mural? well both of these methods are great ways to extend the life of a "not so nice wall".

First of all, make sure you wall is clean and dry, and any loose bits have been removed, then decide on your color theme. A mottled look is a great quick way to give the wall some life and a old world plaster look, and you can achieve this by painting the lightest color first. Your color theme should be of similar colors or just different shades of the same one for a mottled effect.

While that is drying, get your next colors ready in small trays and add some glaze, (this extends the drying period to give you time to work with it) or if you can't get any glaze, thin the paint with a tiny bit of water, but you will have to work fast. Once your base coat is dry, start dabbing on your next color and find the effect you like, or take a cloth and basically "wash" the wall lightly with it, and keep adding other colors that are part of your theme.

You should end up with a mottled look, that can appear like old plaster, and with your walls lumps and bumps this will actually help give it the look! You can experiment with different techniques, you can drag a dry paint brush through the wet paint to give a linen look.. just try different ideas, you have nothing to lose, this wall will look way better no matter what you do at this point! So don't worry if you are not a great artist, this makes for a nice bit of artwork when done and extends the life of the wall.

Another great way is to paint a mural pick something simple to begin with, and then make sure you have the colors needed a quick hint, you don't want to be spending hundreds on all different colors of paints, just pick a simple scene that can use different shades of about 3 colors or whatever you have around your house if using latex, you can mix them to get your shades such as for trees, or sky or water make your mural simple and not too busy, and have fun! Depending on where this wall is, you could also let older kids become artists!.. especially since they love to paint on walls anyways, and this would definitely become a conversation piece!

About Author:
Diane Palmer http://www.make-crafts-for-cash.com/donnadewberry.html is a website by Diane Palmer, with more than 15 years in the crafts business. Learn creative ways to make and sell crafts, online, craft shows, fairs and more Turn your craft hobby into a business!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com

WallDreams Paint Ideas! Sponge painting and colorwashing in a low sheen medium tone are good ways to camouflage minor imperfections as well as using a tissue paper or paper bag effect. But it's always a good idea to correct as many of the flaws beforehand with scraping, spackle, and sanding (aka - old fashioned elbow grease), unless a plaster (not a Venetian plaster) is being applied for an "old world" look.

Part of the "camouflage" effect of a faux finish or painted wall decoration (garland, vining, scrolls, a mural, etc.) is that it pulls the eye to the focal point and away from the wall surface. As always, the higher the sheen of the paint, those bumps, holes, ridges or a bad paint job basically glow in the dark. As a final disquise, a well-placed piece of furniture or picture hung on a wall over a boo-boo always works too.

Keep those brushes clean!
Donna of WallDreams

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?

About Author:
Hanit - For More Free Resources visit www.thedesignbuild.com
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com

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

Faux Painting Techniques

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.

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.

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.

Here are the various type of 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.

About Author:
Julie Lohmeier is the veteran of numerous home remodeling and building projects and has seen the entire spectrum of home improvement. She shares her remodeling tips, home decorating ideas, and other various rants at http://www.myhomeredux.com?FAUX_GO. @copyright 2005, Julie Lohmeier, www.myhomeredux.com
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com