In the last 10 years, faux painting techniques have

gone from obscure to popular, from the realm of

professionals to do-it-yourself projects. These

techniques are not difficult although they can be time

consuming (what decorating or remodeling project isn’t

though) and require quick hands.

Called “faux” painting because these techniques mimic

or create a false look of stone, texture, leather, and

more, you will find that the styles fall into one of

two types: additive or subtractive. Additive (also

called positive) techniques simply mean that you add

color onto the wall. Sponging is the most common of

this type. Conversely, subtractive (also referred to

as negative) techniques means you take paint off after

it has been applied. Ragging is a common subtractive

technique. Most negative techniques use glazes and

require that you move quickly before the glaze dries.

When it comes to glazes, there are two types: latex

(water based) or oil based. Latex is by far easier

since it cleans up with soap and water, but oil based

glazes provide longer working times and generally

provide a harder, more durable finish. However, for

do-it-yourselfers, I recommend latex glazes and

working in small areas at a time. I have also seen

solutions that you can add to the glaze to lengthen

the working time. For your first glazing job, you may

well want to consider using this additive available at

finer paint supply stores.

Here are the various type of faux painting techniques:

Sponging: Probably the easiest method, you apply

paint to a wall with a natural sea sponge. It

provides a richly textured look. In addition to good

looks, it’s a simple way to camouflage an uneven or

repaired crack wall. Use a couple of colors over the

base paint to add greater depth. Be bold or subtle;

it’s up to you. You can use glaze or paint just as

easily with this technique. I’ve seen this done in a

negative manner, but it is most commonly performed as

a positive method.

Ragging/Rag rolling: Typically a negative technique,

you paint a tinted glaze over the base painted walls.

The glaze should be tinted darker than the base coat,

keeping in the same color family as the glaze allows

some color through it as well. Either use a wadded up

dry rag or twist a rag into a cylinder. Then dab or

roll the rags to remove the glaze. You can use one or

two colors over the base coat. You may also do this

in a positive method like sponging for a softer look

and texture.

Color Washing: In this additive technique, you apply

the tinted glaze mixture over the base coat using a

circular motion as if you were washing the wall. Use

rags for a very soft look or a natural sea sponge for

a more textured appearance.

Strié: Create a historical and aged texture to the

wall, with this negative method. Roll tinted glaze

over the base coat, then use a wall paper brush to

make fine lines from top to bottom. The glaze should

be darker than the base coat to allow the lighter base

to show through the fine lines.

Striping: The only difficult part of this positive

technique is getting your stripes straight. Be sure to

use a level or drop a plumb line. Tape off your

stripes, then paint every other one with glaze. If you

use a bold color, you do not need to tint the glaze to

get a delightful two-tone effect. For softer colors,

you may wish to slightly darken the glaze

although it is not necessary. This technique may also

be combined with color washing as you color wash the

stripes for more interest and texture. Of course, for

a more dramatic look, you can use paint in

complementary or various colors.

Dry Brushing: This is a positive method in which you

use a small amount of paint on a brush in herringbone

patterns to create the texture. You will need tow or

three colors to achieve the best results.

Frottage: Using plastic sheets for this negative

method, tinted glaze is applied over the base coat and

then plastic sheets are applied and smoothed over the

glaze. Once the wall is done, the plastic sheets are

removed for a marbling effect.

Faux finishes can provide interest and texture to your

rooms – and less expensively than wall paper. While

you may need to block out a full day to do the work,

by the end of the day, you can sit back and admire the

rich, luxurious look of your new room.