| |
Stippling Painting Techniques
Do not settle for ordinary walls, when you can add texture, style, and luxury to home by following simple stippling painting techniques. Stippling adds a subtle texture to any surface and gives off the appearance of brushed suede. While an actual suede wall covering costs a fortune to purchase and install, the faux painting technique of stippling only requires an investment of a few supplies and a little hard work.
Adding texture to a wall is a great way to add style to any room. While some choose to add bold texture by sponge painting or rag rolling, others prefer the more subtle texture achieved through stippling. Stippling, also called pouncing, essentially removes areas of paint to give the appearance of suede or sand. While home improvement and painting retailers sell brushes specifically designed for this project, it is possible to achieve the effect using a traditional paintbrush.
Before you begin, make sure you do your homework. This includes studying other stippling projects. Note what you like and dislike about each example; specifically color, amount of texture, and overall style. Once you have a clear idea of what you want your stippled wall to look like, you are ready to begin.
Materials
- Paint/Glaze: You will need base coat paint as well as a smaller amount of a top coat color to mix in with a glaze for this project. You will need around a gallon of glaze. If you choose latex paint for your base coat, you need to purchase a latex glaze.
- Brushes: You need a brush or roller to paint the base coat and either a stippling brush or a sturdy paintbrush to create the stippling effect.
- Additional materials: You will also need typical painting supplies to finish this project including painters tape, gloves, goggles, a paint tray, and a paint stick.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the area you want to create the stippling effect over by removing nails, filling in holes, and taping off areas you want to avoid. Next, apply an even layer of the base coat. Allow ample time for it to dry.
Step 2: After the base coat dries, mix the glaze mixture in the painters tray. It is typical to mix three parts glaze to one part color. It is also important to note that you will want to stir this mixture periodically, as it will want to naturally separate. Once you have the right glaze color, practice on a spare piece of cardboard to ensure you have the right consistency and color.
Step 3: If everything is satisfactory, you are ready to begin applying the top coat. However, it is important that you only paint one section at a time and that you divide these sections into irregular sizes to add depth and style to the finished look. Start in an upper corner, paint one section, and then apply the stippling technique. Stippling involves taking either the stippling brush or a sturdy paintbrush and stabbing the paint to remove small bits of the glaze. It is important that you consistently wipe the brush clean to avoid smudging the glaze. It is also best to make one light and complete pass over the freshly painted area and then return to make a more thorough pass.
Step 4: After you finish one area, move on to the next. Do not paint over the edges of the area you just stippled, but rather paint about an inch to the edge and use either the stipple brush or paintbrush to blend the two sections together. Work quickly and efficiently as the glaze dries quickly.
Step 5: After the glaze dries, you may want to add additional color accents to the wall. Rather than removing glaze, simply add tinted glaze to your paintbrush or stippling brush and then gently apply it. Once the wall is finished, you may want to add a layer of varnish for extra protection.
|
