How to Faux Paint a Wall

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Decide whether you want a smoother or a more worn look.

   Ragging generally gives the smoothest texture.
   
   Color wash gives the most worn look, while sponging gives a very textured appearance.
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   Step 2: Decide how many coats of paint you want.

   The more paint you add to your surface, the more textured the surface will appear.
   
   A single coat leaves brush or rag marks on the wall, while a second coat will mostly cover these and provide a more even appearance. , Look at paint samples in a store to see how paint will appear when applied.
   
   You can tweak the brightness of the paint by adding a light or darker base coat, and you can also mix two colors to create different tones. , Buy the paint, base coat, and other materials--a brush, rag, or sponge, as well spackling paste for filling irregularities in the wall--at a paint or home supply store.
   
   Consult sales staff to make sure you are buying the right colors for your faux paint and base coat. ,,,, The base coat is necessary to protect the wall and for the faux paint gloss to appear how it should.
   
   Dip the roller in the base coat and apply it to the wall with long, even strokes from ceiling to floor. ,,,,, Your strokes should crisscross one another and look informal.
   
   Painting a series of X's is one good way to get the desired look.
   
   Allow sections of base coat to appear through the glaze; do not cover the entire wall. ,,,,,, Let the base coat show through in sections.
   
   To create the proper effect, rotate the sponge before each application and do not apply glaze in a pattern.
   
   Press the sponge against the wall gently; squeezing or pushing hard will create odd spots of darker color. ,,,,,,, Let the base coat show through in sections. ,,,,,
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   Step 3: Pick a color for your faux paint.

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   Step 4: Purchase your faux paint and painting materials.

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   Step 5: Apply painter's tape to all windows

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   Step 6: the ceiling

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   Step 7: and the floor.

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   Step 8: Wash the wall with a wet rag and soapy water.

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   Step 9: Fill any holes or cracks with spackling paste.

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    Step 10: Apply a semi-gloss base coat to the wall using a roller.

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    Step 11: Let the base coat dry for 3 to 6 hours.

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    Step 12: Apply a second base coat on top of the first.

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    Step 13: Wait 24 hours.

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    Step 14: Dip a paint brush into the faux glaze so that the tips of the bristles are wet.

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    Step 15: Brush the glaze onto the wall in fast

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    Step 16: diagonal strokes.

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    Step 17: Rub the brush strokes gently with a dry rag to soften the appearance of bristle marks.

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    Step 18: Let the glaze dry for approximately 4 hours.

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    Step 19: Apply a second glaze coat

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    Step 20: if desired.

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    Step 21: Dip a sponge into water and ring it out thoroughly.

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    Step 22: Brush glaze onto the sponge using a paint brush.

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    Step 23: Apply glaze to the wall by pressing the sponge gently onto the wall in random patterns.

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    Step 24: Continue until the wall is covered.

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    Step 25: Let the glaze dry for approximately 4 hours.

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    Step 26: Apply a second glaze coat

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    Step 27: if desired.

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    Step 28: Dip a rag in water and ring it out thoroughly.

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    Step 29: Dip the rag into glaze and blot it until no glaze is dripping off.

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    Step 30: Ball the rag in your fist.

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    Step 31: Apply glaze to the wall by gently pressing the rag against it in random patterns.

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    Step 32: Refold the rag after each application to produce random patterns.

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    Step 33: Roll the rag across the wall occasionally to produce a dimpled effect.

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    Step 34: Continue until the wall is covered.

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    Step 35: Let the glaze dry for approximately 4 hours.

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    Step 36: Apply a second glaze coat

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    Step 37: if desired.

Detailed Guide

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