Four Decorative Painting Techniques

Tired of plain, boring walls? Faux finishes are a great way to jazz up your space with little cost or effort. Here are a few of the most popular finishes.

Sponging: Of all faux finish techniques, sponging is the easiest, even children can do a somewhat messy reproduction of this technique. In order to sponge, you must first paint the entire area one base color. After this coat dries, then you can take a sponge or even a plastic bag, dip it in paint, and apply the paint randomly to the walls. Although this is a random process, you want to be careful not to get any one area of the wall extremely dark or leave it extremely light or your eye will be drawn to that spot immediately. Sponging is very easy, and for all supplies usually costs between $50-$100, which may also include classes if you want to learn from the professionals.

Combing: Combing is a little more difficult. When combing, you use a squeegee with teeth to comb through the top layer of paint. As with sponging, you want to have a bottom layer so that when you comb there will be a matching layer beneath it. Using a combing technique is also very inexpensive, and you can use the squeegee to make wavy, zigzags, and other designs on the wall.

Glazing: Glazing is actually the product that you put over your first coat of paint. In order to glaze your walls correctly, you should take a class. You may be able to find a home improvement store that offers glazing classes or you may need to talk to a local interior decorator about classes, although these will likely be very expensive. Glazing places a transparent coat over the base coat of paint, making the wall look a bit shiny and transparent. You can use as many coats of glaze as you want to get the desired look.

Trompe-L'oeil: Trompe-L'oeil is French for "fool the eye." This finish fools the eye into thinking that the wall has a marble or granite finish. This is probably the most difficult finish to accomplish on your own. For creating the marble finish, you use a technique very much like sponging, but this one takes a bit more talent. Visit local stores to see if they have classes or tips on achieving this style.

These are the four primary types of faux finishes. The first two are fairly easy, while the latter two are significantly harder. Before attempting any of these, plan well so that you can estimate the cost, and visit your local hardware or design store for classes or helpful hints. Having a buddy to take classes with you or practice with you will make the experience more fun. You can even do one room in your house and then decorate a room in your buddy's house; the fun never ends!

© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. This article is provided courtesy of The Do It Yourself Home Decorating Network - http://www.diyhomedecorating.com - a large and growing decorating and decor website featuring articles, tips, advice, and popular decor shopping. This article may be freely published on any website, as long as the author, copyright, website address and link, and this notice are left intact.

---

The Allure of Exotic Hardwood Floors

Exotic hardwood floors are made up of solid exotic wood... Read More

The Functions and Benefits Water Softener Salt

Hard water causes an array of problems in home and... Read More

A Look at Woven Wood Blinds

Woven wood shades, also known as bamboo shades, are a... Read More

An Informative Review of Popular Adjustable Beds

This article provides a detailed review of popular adjustable beds... Read More

The Benefits of Hookless Shower Curtains

Anyone who has ever hung traditional shower curtains will agree... Read More

Decorating with Brains

Did I get your attention? Sorry, I just couldn't resist!... Read More

Granite Tile Countertops

The beauty and warmth of granite makes it an ideal... Read More

Plantation Shutters Bring Antebellum Elegance To Modern Homes

Choosing plantation shutters for form or function? Plantation shutters offer... Read More

Home Décor Tips To Impress Your Friends

Step 1: Pick a motif and go with it! Don't... Read More

Newest Craze in Decorating is Silk Flowers in Acrylic Water

They look so lifelike, that time and time again people... Read More

Which Air Purifier is Best For You?

Perhaps the best air purifiers are those from the IQAir... Read More

Five Quick and Cheap Ways to Decorate for Fall

1. Utilize the "use what you have" theory! Go through... Read More

Tasteful Home Decorating Changes Your House Into a Home

There is this undocumented story about Andrew Carnegie who kept... Read More

Mini Blinds: An Introduction

Mini-blinds have replaced the old-fashioned Venetian blinds as more convenient... Read More

A Look at Wooden Bunk Beds

Wooden bunk beds are a very popular type of bunk... Read More

Your Heritage and Personal Decorating Style

Ethnic traditions, customs, and attitudes carry forward our family values.... Read More

A Guide to Vinyl Shutters

Most people would agree that wood shutters are beautiful. They... Read More

A Look at Wine Glass Racks

Any wine collection is not complete without a collection of... Read More

A Guide to Wood Stove Inserts

A wood stove insert serves several purposes. First of all,... Read More

Do You Really Want The Ceiling Fan Above The Bed?

I love the decorative look of a ceiling fan as... Read More

The Cost of Granite Countertops

The beauty, hardness and utility of granite makes it a... Read More

Ceiling Fans: Past and Present

Philip Diehl first invented the ceiling fan in 1882, around... Read More

An In-Depth Look at Air Filter Manufacturers

Because there are several air filter manufacturers on the market,... Read More

A Look at Picnic Gift Baskets

Picnic gift baskets are a great gift for just about... Read More

The Demand for Massage Therapy Chairs

Massage therapists are in high demand. Consumers recognize the physical... Read More

The Advantages of Wooden Wine Racks

Wood wine racks provide the best storage system for a... Read More

A Guide to Kids Shower Curtains

Decorating a kid's bathroom can be fun. There are so... Read More

Have You Considered These Space-Saving Bed Designs To Maximize Your Interior Decorating Space?

Vertical and functional space planning are two of the most... Read More

How to Select an Interior Designer

Selecting an interior designer is the most important decision that... Read More

Roman Shades Made From Fabric

Roman shades are a simple and classic way to adorn... Read More

Easy And Inexpensive Kitchen Decorating Tips

Small changes can have a big effect on how your... Read More

The Arts & Crafts Movement for Beginners

If you like clean, simple, oak furnishings, you're likely an... Read More

Replacement Sofa Slipcovers Can Instantly Give Your Home A Fresh New Image

Giving you home an instant makeover can be as simple... Read More