How to Faux Paint a Wall

Faux painting simulates a textured wall surface with regular latex paint. Homeowners and professional use this painting technique to add interesting elements to your home décor. The simplest faux painting techniques include sponging and rag rolling walls. These techniques add texture to the wall using two colors of paint. Creating a unique look for your walls is fun and simple. Let's look at how to faux paint a wall.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Blue painters tape
• Wall putty
• Sandpaper
• Dropcloths
• Paintbrushes
• Sea sponge
• Rags
• Paint tray
• Paint roller
• Paint (2 or 3 colors)
• Spare piece of drywall or wood
• Scissors

1. Prepare your work area by removing any furniture and rugs. Remove light switches and outlet covers. If you're not planning to paint your woodwork, tape the wall edges of the woodwork to protect it during faux finish application. Patch and sand any nail holes or wall imperfections.

2. Cut in with the paintbrush in corners and along the woodwork. Roll your base coat onto the wall and allow to dry for 1 hour. Roll a coat of paint onto your spare piece of board or drywall as well. Since you'll be adding another layer of paint with your faux finish, it's usually not necessary to paint a second coat unless covering up a very dark color.

3. Use a clean paint tray and pour a small amount of your complimentary color into the tray. Cut your sea sponge in half so there is a flat surface to the sponge. Crumple up your rags tightly to create more creases in the fabric for interesting detail on the wall.

4. Lightly dip the sponge or crumpled rag into the paint. Dab the excess off. Press the sponge or rag to your spare drywall or board beginning in one corner. Work horizontally, dabbing and turning the sponge or rag in varying patterns. Replenish the paint on the rag or sponge as necessary.

5. Step back and look at the faux painting effect on the sample board. You can allow more or less base wall color to show through depending on the tightness of your dabbing with the sponge or rag. Remember that irregularities are part of the desired look for your wall, so vary your pressure and position of your hand.

6. Add faux finish to your walls in small sections. Add contrast in 3-by 3-foot sections to allow for application continuity across the wall. Step back and check out the overall look as you work. Carefully overlap sections with just a small amount of paint to blend the faux finish.

7. Allow the first layer of faux finish to dry completely (3 to 4 hours). If you choose, add your second faux finish color after completely rinsing your sponge or rag. Allow this layer to dry completely before removing tape.

Resources

• Choosing faux finish colors
• Faux painting for furniture and home accessories