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Decorative Painting Techniques
Painting the interior of your home is a great way to express your personal style and creativity. However, painting a room a solid color is often boring and lifeless. Thankfully, there are a variety of easy to accomplish painting techniques that will help transform a typical wall into a work of art. All of the following painting techniques are affordable, easy to finish, and most importantly fun.
Preparation
For any painting project you attempt in your home, there are certain steps you need to take to ensure your project turns out well. For example, it is vital that you prepare the wall or area you wish to paint by removing nails, filling in holes, and generally cleaning it before you begin. It is also important to prepare by researching and studying other examples of the painting style you wish to recreate. While you may not be able to paint the Sistine Chapel on your first attempt, you will be able to learn from the mistakes of others. It is also wise to pay close attention to the style, color, and texture of each example you view to help you formulate a strong idea of what you want your project to look like when it is finished.
Materials
Each painting technique requires different materials. However, they all require common supplies such as quality paint, paintbrushes, rollers, drop cloths, painters tape, paint trays, paint sticks, gloves, and goggles. You may also want to purchase a mask if you are sensitive to paint fumes. Below are a few popular decorative painting techniques:
Techniques
- Color blocking: Add bold color blocks to any surface by first outlining the blocks using a ruler and either a pencil or chalk. Then, mask the blocks using a reliable painters tape. Paint in between the lines using varying color shades for each block. Allow ample time for the paint to dry and then remove the tape to reveal even, stylish blocks of different color.
- Distressing: Add an antique look to furniture by first painting it with a solid base coat. Wait for it to dry then paint over it using a complimentary colored tinted glaze. When that top coat dries, use a medium grade sandpaper to remove parts of the top coat to allow the base coat to appear. Finish by applying a clear coat of lacquer for extra protection.
- Marbling: First, apply a solid base coat and wait for it to dry. Then sparingly apply a coat of tinted glaze. Use a cloth to wipe away parts of the glaze before it dries to create areas of light and dark on the surface. Allow ample time for the glaze to dry, and then use an artists brush or sturdy feather to create the marble veins by applying the tinted glaze in various size lines over the surface.
- Painting clouds: Apply a sky blue base coat to either the wall or ceiling then wait for it to dry. Next, use a rolled up rag or natural sponge to apply dabs of white tinted glaze to create the clouds. After the glaze dries, add touches of color around the clouds to give them more depth and perspective.
- Sheen striping: First, paint an area with an interior flat paint or eggshell. Wait for it to dry. Next, apply even strips on the surface using painters tape and a level. Next, paint over alternate sections using a semi-gloss paint of the same color as the base coat. Wait for it to dry, and then remove the tape to reveal a subtle, yet elegant effect.
- Sponging: Start with a solid base coat, wait for it to dry and then apply a tinted glaze over the surface using a natural sponge to create a unique and interesting texture.
Of course, these are only a few of the most popular painting techniques. There are also easy ways to recreate the look of stone, suede, and a Harlequin pattern. Whichever method you choose to add style to your home, take your time, practice, and do not be afraid to experiment with color and texture.
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