How to Paint a Suede Finish

Suede paint is a decorative paint application.

There are many painting techniques to choose from when contemplating repainting a room. One that is a refined yet soft and delicate wall finish is the suede finish. Suede paint matches any color of furniture or art in the home and looks particularly well in a den or office. Skip the expensive painters since the technique is easily applied with a few basic materials and paints. A brush is used in a crosshatch pattern to create the suede appearance.

Things You'll Need

• Drywall patch compound
• Painter's tape
• Disposable gloves
• Soft-bristled brush
• Gray primer paint
• Roller cover
• Paint tray
• Mixing bucket
• Flat paint tint -- dark and light
• Glazing medium
• 3-inch paintbrush

Instructions

1. Prep the walls by patching any holes with drywall patch compound. Sand the wall surface smooth.

2. Tape any areas where paint is not desirable, such as trim around doors and windows and baseboards.

3. Cut gray base coat paint into the wall, using angle brush. Finish the remainder of wall with the paint roller and paint tray. Use two coats if necessary to create a smooth finish.

4. Allow it to dry for 24 hours.

5. Create the glaze mixture by mixing the light and dark paint tints into the glazing medium. The normal ratio is three parts medium to one part of tint.

6. Apply glaze mixture to wall with roller over the entire wall. Allow it to dry.

7. Apply a second coat in a 4-foot-by-4-foot area using a 3-inch or 4-inch brush. Paint in a crosshatch X pattern or short, overlapping arcs in the 4-foot section, keeping a wet edge.

8. Work in random 4-foot-by-4-foot sections, thoroughly blending borders.

9. Remove painter's tape.

Tips & Warnings

• A smooth surface creates a softer suede effect. Step back to examine your work occasionally. More paint than normal is needed since suede paint is thinner than normal paint.

References

• Painting and Decorating Concourse: Suede Faux Finish
• How to Faux Finish: Suede Paint