How to Smear Paint on the Wall for a Faux Finish

Decorative faux painting is one of the easiest ways to change the look of a room and dress up plain walls. One of the simplest faux painting techniques can be done by smearing paint on a wall. The result will be a charming old world finish, ideal for homes with a Tuscan or French Provincial look. This faux technique is good for hiding imperfections in old plaster and uneven walls.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Paint for base coat
• Paint for top coat
• Top coat color, thinned with water
• Painters masking tape

1. Select a base coat and a top coat. For the best results, the base and top coats should coordinate with one another. Look for colors that appear in nature, such as olive greens, beige browns or pale yellows.

2. Tape off all the woodwork in the room before beginning.

3. Apply two coats of the base coat and let it dry completely.

4. Thin the paint for the top coat with water, for a weathered, wash-like finish. Mix three parts of paint with one part water.

5. Work in 6-by-6 foot sections, and apply the top coat with a paintbrush in random strokes.

6. Smear the paint with a dry paint brush. Press hard to remove the top coat in places, letting the base coat show.

7. Blend in hard edges with the dry paintbrush. Let dry completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Semi-gloss or gloss paint works best for faux painting techniques. They don't dry as quickly as flat paint and give you more time to work.