You can apply the technique of “decorative painting,” (also known as color washing) in order to accent walls, furniture, and entire rooms (you can also go for a linen look, as shown in my previous blog post, “How to Paint a Flag” )...
My first blog post was a lot about glazing, and I thought maybe I should talk more about this basic technique that has so many applications. You can glaze anything from walls to furniture, and it's great for adding depth, softness, and texture.
I mixed three different glaze colors by using one part latex paint to five parts glaze. You can adjust the ratio depending on how translucent you want your glaze to be (more glaze=lighter color). The colors I used here are Labrador Blue, Amethyst Shadow, and North Sea.
First, I painted the walls in Blue Haze with in an eggshell finish
With your paint brush spread out paint color in an even pattern across the wall. It's quicker and easier to have a separate brush for each different color and glaze that you’re using.
Here, you can see all the different glaze colors spread across the wall. Pro Tip: I like to tape off the borders of each wall (you can see green painter’s tape on the adjacent wall). This makes for a cleaner look and ensures no overlapping.
Next, take a clean cotton rag and sponge at the glaze, breaking up the brush marks and leaving behind an interesting texture. You can also use a sea sponge.
With a clean, dry, soft, natural bristle brush, start brushing at your glaze to soften and blend the rag marks.
You can also soften your glaze in certain spots by "pouncing" at it with the tip of your fluffy brush (that’s artsy-speak for blending with repeated, bouncy dabs). Keep working the area until you’re satisfied.
Wait at least 12 hours for your wall to dry, and then apply a clear coat. I like to use a matte finish. Pro Tip: it's important to seal your glaze, as they are NOT durable and can come off your wall with little effort.
Now step back, and enjoy what you’ve decorative painted walls!
Have a project for your home in the Charleston, South Carolina area?
Call me for free estimate! We can discuss different options today!
MeganSo beautiful! I’m going to paint my bathroom today with this technique. Greetings from Canada!
JessicaThanks! Hope your bathroom turns out beautiful and feel free to reach out with questions!
Melda SchoenfelderThanks for your content. I have bookmarked. download free ui kits