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All Just about Interior DesignSoftening Your Walls with Color Wash
by:
Pamela Cole Harris
If you like the soft look of watercolors, why not try exploitation a color wash on your walls? In addition to a softer color, color washing can accentuate the texture of your plaster or stucco walls. And it�s so simple that even as I, a faux-finish-impaired decorator, can do it
There are two techniques for color wash application: sponge or brush. Each requires a slightly some glaze formula.
Sponge Technique:
Color Wash Glaze: Mix together 1 part latex paint and 6 parts water in a bucket.
1. Mask off (using painter�s tape) parts of the room which wish not obtain the wash. Its better to cover the floor with plastic drop cloths (especially if you are as mussy as I am).
2. Prime the wall with a low luster latex paint and allow it to dry wholly before the next step.
3. Dip the sponge into the color wash glaze and squeeze lightly.
4. Beginning in a lower corner, apply the glaze to the wall in short, overlapping strokes. Change the direction of the strokes frequently. Activity on a small portion of the wall at a time (3 foot by 3 foot is a nice size).
5. Repeat moving upward until all the wall is covered.
6. Allow to dry completely.
Brush Technique:
Brush Color Wash Glaze: 1 part flat latex paint, 1 part latex paint conditioner (available at your local house improvement center), and 2 parts water. Mix in a bucket.
1. Mask off (using painter�s tape) parts of the room which wish not obtain the wash. Its better to cover the floor with plastic drop cloths.
2. Prime the wall with a low luster latex enamel paint and allow it to dry wholly before the next step.
3. Allow the paint to dry.
4. Dip a brush in the glaze and move out the excess against the side of the bucket.
5. Apply the paint in a criss-cross pattern.
6. Brush over the surface repeatedly to soften the look of the paint.
7. Wipe excess glaze away, if necessary. (Better get the industrial-sized package of paper towels!)
There you have it! A soft paint look perfect for your recently adorned room�And since you have the technique down to a science, why not move and do my family room? Powder room? Closet?
Just about the author:
Pamela Cole Harris has been a writer and designer for 35 years (Yikes, has it been that long?) Enjoy her tongue-in-cheek approach to cheap interior design at: http://www.homeandgardenmakeover.comand http://www.diy-homedecor.com
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