Before you unpack your portable storage containers, repaint the walls of your new home. Decorative painting creates a warmth and ambiance to any room. “Simplify Your Home” has referred to our expert on decorative painting, Susan Greene with Paint Imagery, for this do it yourself technique on decorative painting.
Decorative Painting Technique
Decorative painting is a better alternative to wallpaper as it has no seams, no pealing and creates more warmth, depth and variation with color. Susan does not recommend having it in every room but for rooms such as the dining room, master bedroom, powder room it is a great alternative.
Here is a simple glazing technique that if done correctly looks like an actual suede finish.
Step 1: The base coat needs to be lighter than the topcoat and an eggshell sheen. Paint the walls with the base coat and then make sure it is completely dry.
Step 2: Tap the ceiling and baseboard after the topcoat is completely dry.
Step 3: Topcoat needs to be at least two shades darker than the bottom coat. Mix one part paint to one part water. Mix it well so it is diluted.
Step 4: Have the topcoat diluted in water in one bucket and another bucket of clean water in another bucket.
Step 5: Take two plain white t-shirt that is comfortable in your hand (10 – 12 square inches) and place one in the water bucket and one in the diluted paint bucket. Wring until almost dry.
Step 6: Rub paint rag approximately 18 inches around. Take the plain water rag and rub and soften the paint. Then repeat.
Presto . . .a beautiful suede finish!
Some decorative painting techniques can be more complicated and you may want to hire an expert to do this for you. Whether it is venetian, plaster finishes, wall sculpting, simple glazing, wall murals, trompe l’oeile, hand painted furniture or gold and silver leaving, Susan Greene can help you. Visit her website at paintimagery.com.
