How to Do Fast Faux Finishing Painting

For a quick pick me up to a room, do faux finishing painting. The depth and texture faux finishing provides will highlight your room's walls and make your design style apparent as soon as people enter the room.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• fast-drying acrylic paint
• paint rollers and brushes
• paint trays
• optional: wood grain tool, rags for faux finish, stencils, etc.
• rags for clean up

1. Gather the supplies as listed in the Things You'll Need section.

2. Clean the area to be painted, especially in corners at edges, to remove dust and cobwebs. Gently scrub dirty areas to remove fingerprints and places that show wear.

3. Add the first layer of paint or primer, if needed. Use a fast-drying acrylic paint as the base of the walls. Allow the paint to dry, several hours at a minimum.

4. Decide what faux finish look you want to achieve. Apply a second coat of a different paint color over the first base coat.
   
   For a wood-grain look, while still wet, run a grain tool (it is similar to a comb). Vary the pressure and angle of the tool to achieve "knot holes" and a realistic wood grain look.

5. Use rags for a rag finish after the second color paint has been applied.

6. Apply with a sponge, a thin coat or wash of acrylic paint that has been watered down to get an antiqued look.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to use fast-drying acrylic paint to do fast faux finishing painting.

[candoitall]

on 11/13/2009 I love faux finishes!