- This technique produces a finished result often referred to as elephant skin, because of the wrinkles and texture formed by the tissue paper. Tear all straight edges from each sheet of tissue paper. Wad up the sheets then flatten them out. Holding the paper to the wall, roll a clear polyurethane over the tissue. The paper will adhere to the wall. Add tissue paper to cover the entire wall. An elephant skin wall can be painted colors such as brown or red. Once the paint dries, hand-rub a stain over the finish to give additional dimension.
- Glaze adds a watercolor effect to a wall. Painting a wall or ceiling in browns using this technique creates the effect of aged leather. First base coat the wall in a light tan. The paint must have a sheen level of satin or glossier. Flat paint will absorb the glaze mixture and not allow the color to be washed on the wall. Mix glaze and latex paint in a dark umber---use a ratio of 1 part paint to 4 parts glaze. Apply the mixture to the wall using sponges or plastic bags. The walls will take up to 24 hours to dry completely.
- Tear large, organic shapes from a roll of craft or rosin paper. The shapes should be similar to the shapes of continents and have no straight edges. Using a variety of latex paint colors in browns, add paint to the shapes in random patterns. You can use a variety of tools, including brushes, sponges and plastic bags. Allow all pieces to dry. Apply pieces to the wall using polyurethane.
- This technique gives plaster a smooth, highly reflective finish. Using two different shades of brown, trowel on plaster approximately 1cm to 3cm thick. Cover 75 percent of the wall, leaving random spots unplastered. This should create a light, organic texture. Allow to dry 24 hours. Skim coat the plaster, filling in all open, bare areas. This final coat should be extremely thin. Once you finish, thinly trowel a coat of venetian plaster wax on the finish for added gloss.
- Metallic paint in deep browns can have a shimmery, reflective look similar to leather. Apply a base coat of black or dark brown paint. Once it dries, use a small foam roller to apply metallic paint. Roll the paint in random, organic sections. If metallic paint is rolled in vertically, section lines will appear in the finish. Several coats may be required because the paint is very translucent. Add black or dark brown glaze to give a metallic finish, using the color wash technique.
