How to Faux Paint Interior White Columns

Just a touch of color adds drama to white columns.

Striking architectural details-- from ironwork to glossy white columns – add drama and old world detail to modern homes. Builders use columns to direct eyes to soaring ceilings and divide living spaces without closing in rooms. If a builder has left the blank canvas of a glossy white column, a new finish can ramp up the drama or deepen the mood of the room.

Things You'll Need

• Interior Architectural Columns
• Variety of Paint Products
• Paint Tools and Supplies

Instructions

1. Choose a new color for your bright white columns so your columns will not stand out as much. Change the sheen level of the column to make a visual difference as well. Paint with an eggshell or satin finish paint to lower the sheen. For continuity, blend the capital of the column -- the top part -- as well as the base with existing trim and molding.

2. Apply texture materials such as stucco or plaster to add depth to your column. Because soft plasters or joint compounds nick and chip over time, consider a professional faux finisher. A different finish can also be applied to the base and capital of the column to accent the texture or color. Professional artists have textures available that mimic natural stone.

3. Add a marble look to columns. For a do-it-yourself marbleizing project, sponge on a fantasy marble finish. A fantasy marble does not mimic a specific marble found in nature. Yet, many times a fantasy marble may look extremely realistic. If you are going for an authentic look, relay this to the faux finish studios you interview. Be specific with what look you are going for, such as Carrera or Sienna marble.

4. Rub a color wash or glaze on a white column to add depth and visual interest. A light glaze or stain is rubbed over the column to give variation in color. The technique can add an aged and historic look to both interior and exterior columns.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, these changes can be applied to both interior and exterior columns. No longer will your glossy white columns be an eyesore. From changing the sheen of paint, to the color, or adding a faux finish technique to your columns, the change will be welcomed in any room.

References

• Danny Lipford; Faux Marbelizing Technique for Columns; Allen Lyle