Faux Painted Bricks

Faux painted bricks adds a touch of old world charm and livens up any decor.
Adding the faux exposed bricks makes your area even more interesting. This technique can be used on accent walls, decorating a wine cellar, Tuscany style kitchens, fireplace surround or wall, and so much more. There are countless color combinations for bricks, this is just one of them.

I think you will enjoy doing this project, I know I did. Use your imagination!

I cut a stencil of the bricks and applied a base coat of a light tan. When the base dried I stenciled in the bricks using a med golden tan and a deep Terra Cotta color. Create a variation of color with the bricks, each one should have there own personality. I added speckles of a deep brown on each brick with a sea sponge to add texture. The exposed area was drawn in with a brush using the surrounding wall color. The shadows and high lights were applied with a artist bush.

In this picture the light was coming down from the top left, add high lights to the top of the bricks and add shadows to the bottom of the bricks. The same goes for the exposed area around the bricks.

To make the shadows use a dark brown glaze watered down and apply with an artist brush.
High lites were done with white paint.

The surrounding wall was a faux sponge finish. Light tan base with # 1035 glaze.
Take a look at more faux bricks http://arrayofcolorinc.blogspot.com/2013/04/painted-faux-bricks.html

 

Warm Faux Glaze Over Textured Wall

One way to really enhance a textured wall is to faux glaze over the texture. I used multiple glazes to create this warm, earthy look. The base coat was a light golden tan, eggshell finish.
Glaze #1 -  Benjamin Moore # 1035 ( 1 part paint to 3 parts glaze )
Glaze #2 - BM # 105   ( 1 part paint to 3 parts glaze )
Highlighting - BM - Navaho White

Both glazes above were applied by brush together, sometimes overlapping each other. Use a damp cotton rag to work the glazes into the texture. Add more of each glaze as needed. The glaze should fall into the cracks and along the raised areas to get the full affect.

For the highlighted areas I used Navaho White ( no glaze ) on the edge of the brush. The brush needs to be loaded with very little paint. Move the dry brush over the texture at an angle to grab at the sides of the texture. The dry brush technique with a lighter color makes the texture jump out.
The deeper glazes fall back and enhances the islands of texture.
This faux finish can be used in many areas of your home, use your imagination.

Check out my link on how to apply this texture http://arrayofcolorinc.blogspot.com/2013/03/add-texture-to-your-walls.html

Texture your walls

Looking for adding more dimension to your walls?

Knockdown texture unpainted 

Add texture to your walls and transform them with these tips. This is a larger knock down pattern which can be applied to the walls or ceilings.
If your thinking of adding texture to a previously painted area, prime first and when fully dry apply the texture.
Photo below shows various sizes of wall compound, they were applied with the side of a 6 inch compound blade.

The compound has very little height around 3/8 of an inch, the pattern separation is about an inch. The actual size of the dollops are 1/2 in. to 2 inches.

If needed apply small areas of compound to keep the spacing some what continuous. The trick to a great finish is to keep the pattern consistent.

Texture application

 Next step, hold your 6 inch blade at an 15 to 20 degree angle at the top and glide the blade down the wall pressing the compound down.
Wipe your blade off before each pass.
Continue to the next area and repeat the same movement with the blade until all raised compound has been flattened.
Let the compound dry, take the blade and knock off any points that may be left.
Prime the wall and when dry, its time for panting.

Note: I recommend practicing this technique on a board before applying it to your walls.
Check out my link on faux glazing over texture  -http://arrayofcolorinc.blogspot.com/2013/03/warm-faux-glaze-over-textured-wall.html

Faux Painted Crown Molding

                                                        Faux Painted Crown Molding

Having very high ceilings calls for a larger profile crown molding. Here is a great trick to achieve the look of  larger crown molding and save money, two moldings were used with the trim molding applied 4 inches below the crown. The crown molding size increased from 5 1/4 in. to around 12 inches. The wall area was base coated and faux painted to give the illusion of  one large molding.

The space below the crown molding needs to have a smooth finish for the faux wood technique. The sheet rock area which is in the center of the two moldings may need to be skim coated with compound, to remove any texture which was produced by a past paint finish. Once the compound has dried and smoothed out clean all dust with a damp cloth. Apply a primer, let dry completely and apply the base coat to all pieces which make up this new extended crown.

Note: all brush strokes most go with the grain direction from start to finish. That means the primer too.

Base coat - Benjamin Moore # 1110 eggshell finish

1st glaze - BM - Charleston Brown - 1 part paint to 3 parts glaze, this glaze will be brushed on randomly applying heavier in some areas and lighter in others. I recommend this to give the look off real wood. Your brush strokes need to go left to right lot form a grain pattern.

Note: A quart of paint goes a long way especially when glaze is added.

2nd glaze - BM - # 2107 - 10  - 1 part paint to 3 parts glaze, this glaze will be applied lighter than the first keeping in mind of a flowing grain pattern.

Step 3 - This faux wood shown above has the look of deep scratches and some of the scratched areas are moving diagonally across the grain. With a 1 to 2 in brush apply the scratched areas with a dry brush and use straight paint ( no glaze ). If the lines come to heavy wipe them off with a damp rag and try using a lighter touch.  Note: Adding worm holes with an artist brush gives more realism to your work.

Step 4 - apply glaze # 2107-10  into the areas which have groves or designs in the molding. Wipe the excess off with a clean damp lint free rag. When this is dry follow last step

Last step - I use this step to give a believable glow to the faux wood. Over time the poly will age and amber. Brush on satin polyurethane with a 2 1/2 inch china bristle brush, move with the grain. Add a small amount of poly to your brush so it does not sag or run on your hard work.

I recommend practicing on some crown moldings so you get the hang of it and work out any issues
before you tackle the real thing. 

Painted Distressed Stripes

                                                         Painted Distressed Stripes

This is a great finish if your looking to add an old world affect to your decor. Painted distressed stripes can be applied to doors, walls or accent areas. This technique resembles old wooden boards and is filled with character.
Basically anything goes to produce this look, the lines of these stripes are not perfect, there meant to be irregular. Several earth tone colors were used in an alternating pattern of lighter stripes and then darker.
 The stripe pattern seems to be normal at first and then the fun begins. Applying opposite tones of color to each stripe with a dry brush creates a wood grain with an erratic design, just perfect for a distressed look. Now, you could get carried away with this project so keep from going over board, no pun intended.  

Red Textured Ceiling

Wow! Add a red textured ceiling with gold crown molding and you get a powerful combination that equals one thing, Opulence! This ceiling is located in the dining area which co ordinates wonderfully with the surrounding furnishings. The room is warm and inviting with an old world touch.

Red a color of strength and passion also is known to enhance conversation and appetite, the dining room is just the right place for this color.

Hand painted gold crown moldings adds the sparkle of jewelery to enhance the dining experience.
The textured ceiling was lightly textured with a 6 in. blade and compound, primed and then base coated with a light tan latex eggshell finish. A sea sponge was used to apply the red glaze which was allowed to build up in the texture and also create a mottled affect.

The crown was base coated with a tan color and then coated with gold latex metallic finish. When the gold paint was dry a chocolate brown glaze was applied to enhance the design and leave an old world patina. Can't wait to see whats on the menu, bon appetit!

Faux Painted Marble

                                                              Faux Painted Marble

Faux painted marble can be used in many areas of your home. Boarders of painted faux marble in your bath room are a great way to enhance the architectural lines. Applying this finish to fireplace surrounds, table tops and accent walls will create an air of sophistication at a fraction of the cost of real marble. Follow the steps below and please practice this technique until your comfortable with your results. Examine real marble, this will be time well spent.

Latex paint was used to produce this faux marble shown above. The base coat a blackish green was applied with a muslin roller with a low nap. A dark green glaze is applied randomly with a sponge .   Blend this glaze threw out the surface without it becoming a solid color, leave breaks in the finish. Allow the base coat to come threw while sponging. Keep in mind that each application of paint or glaze needs to have its own shape and size to keep it from forming a pattern.

Before this coat dries apply a lighter green glaze randomly and sponge in to create a 45 degree flow which most marble have. Let this dry before adding the off white. I use an artist angled brush to apply the floating drifts of minerals which you would find in marble. The drifts should be applied over an area of water lightly applied to the surface. Now, you can add color to accent areas of your marble to create a more realistic piece. I use artist acrylic paint to add accent color glazes to add interest.

 Use a cotton swab to move the glaze around and or remove glaze as needed. Veining is not necessary for this project. When all is completely dry apply a couple coats of gloss urethane. Gloss urethane will produce the look of polished marble and become more believable.

See more marble ideas at  http://arrayofcolorinc.blogspot.com/2012/02/marble-faux-boarder.html

Sponging with metallic paint

Are you searching for a paint finish that has a shimmering glow and amazing depth that you can get lost in? Metallic paint can achieve this. Sponging with metallic paint is one of my favorite painting techniques, the possibilities are endless. As you move around the room reflections of light seem to move with you. Either an accent wall or an entire room can be painted with metallic's, in each case it will deliver a wow factor to your decor. Here is a sample of sponging with silver and gold metallic paint.

I used a dark gray base and applied silver first with a glaze and then straight silver paint, this creates depth. To achieve this sponging technique it is applied heavier with a tight pattern.  Adding straight gold metallic paint over the silver added more depth which gives the impression of water splashing about.

Practice this technique on a board before applying to the walls. This will give you a chance to work out any issues that may arise. Use a sea sponge which is slightly damp and dip the sponge into the paint, blot the excess from the sponge on a side board and then apply to the wall.

There are many other types of metallic paint to choose from, copper, bronze to name a few. Use the right color base for any of the metallic paints and your on your way to creating a beautiful addition to your home.

Note: Sea sponges have different patterns, choose the side of the sponge which creates a pattern which pleases you. Change the direction of the sponge each time it hits the wall, think of a clock and change your hand position with each tap. Try not to cover all of the base color.
 Adding to much glaze to the metallic paint will thin it's consistency.

Check out this link for painting with gold metallic on crown moldings
http://arrayofcolorinc.blogspot.com/2013/03/painted-gold-metallic-crown-molding.html

Sponge painting

Sponge painting techniques allows endless variety for you to create amazing surfaces.  The sample shown above was done using a "Positive" technique where the paint is added directly to the surface by a sea sponge. No glaze was used for this sample. The sea sponge needs to have many spiked areas to produce this dotted look. I chose analogous colors so there was harmony and color blending would produce beautiful overlays. Each layer of color was allowed to dry before applying the next color.
I call this technique Fantasy Granite. Explore all the amazing things you can do with paint!

Painted gold metallic crown molding

Painted gold metallic crown molding is such an elegant and rich compliment for any ceiling that needs a touch of sophistication. Gold metallic paint comes in many hues and emulates gold leaf.

These molding are made of foam with a sturdy shell which can be painted. There are countless designs and sizes. Try to paint the moldings before they are applied to the ceilings, its much easier.

 I start off applying a golden tan tinted latex primer and then apply a golden tan latex base coat. Once the base has dried fully I apply two coats of metallic gold latex with a brush. Then I apply a chocolate glaze with a brush and wipe off the excess with a cotton rag.  The glaze dries and it leaves a beautiful aged patina. Looking up has never been better!

Faux Wood Finish Kitchen Cabinets

Yes! You can have wood kitchen cabinets, at least faux wood finish kitchen cabinets that look like beautiful wood. 

Here are before and after photos of the same kitchen. The old cabinets below have a white washed finish that needs to be updated, they seem to blend into the walls and floor.



                                                                      Above photo, now the faux painted cabinets pop! They are warm and inviting. The pantry door was also faux painted to match. Moldings were added to the center island and then faux painted.

A satin polyurethane finish was applied to give more warmth to the finish and durability.

When the cost for new cabinets is not in your budget this may be the way to go, paint them.
This opens more options like, countless wood designs and colors. Add new door pulls to further enhance your kitchen. If you would like to see more painted kitchen cabinets check out this link
http://arrayofcolorinc.blogspot.com/2013/02/paint-kitchen-cabinets_17.html

Faux Painted Pine Wood Ceiling

 A faux painted pine wood ceiling adds warmth and charm to this patio area. We duplicated the look of clear pine with a soft clear satin finish all with exterior paint and glaze.

 The knots which you would find in pine produce a more rustic look, we wanted to keep it subtle with cleaner lines and smoother transitions in the wood.

The base for this project was first primed with a quality latex exterior primer tinted to a wood tone the same color as the base.

For the wood base color we used Benjamen Moores # 1110 in a satin finish. This was applied with a brush and roller 1/2 in. nap lint free.

The glaze color - Ben Moore # 1036
Mix 1 part paint to 4 parts glaze.

Each wood plank was fauxed separately. After applying the glaze  2 to 3 feet of surface quickly drag your brush threw the glaze to produce the wood grain. Leave a few inches of one end untouched, you will begin another pass with more glaze on the next step. The process continues for each pine plank.  Wipe your brush clean for each pass so the graining doesn't smear. Keep changing the grain pattern to keep it realistic.

This faux technique requires a practice board prior to tackling this demanding project. Take a look at clear pine which has been clear coated to get an idea of  the various tones which give this wood such character. I have to admit my neck was really sore after this job, but it was worth it.

 Note: Tape off the wall area and any item on the ceiling first.

When applying glaze where the ceiling meets the wall, keep several inches away so the glaze does not pool into the corner. Work the glaze into the corner carefully and then drag your brush away to produce the grain.
 
Practice, practice! Enjoy!

Distressed faux block wall

   Here is an example of a distressed faux block wall where the outer wall area looks broken away exposing  the concrete blocks. A rag technique was used over a light texture of dried compound to achieve this look. The glaze was built up around the cracked perimeter randomly to give depth to the blocks.
  We used several glazes from the same color family with the base coat being the lightest.
Eggshell sheen latex was used for the base coats and glazes. Textured surfaces are great to work with while glazing, the glaze falls into the texture and produces great affects.

  To see how to create the faux concrete blocks visit the attached link
http://arrayofcolorinc.blogspot.com/2013/03/faux-finish-concrete-block.html

Wavy Diagonal Stripes

    Wavy diagonal stripes add a little whimsey to a room and adds character. This is a hand painted design that's easy and fun. We chose the two walls by the day beds as a focal point. Three colors were used for this rag technique. First apply the base coat in an eggshell finish, I suggest two coats for the base, which is a med tone color.

   Once the base is dry apply the first glaze which is lightest color. The next glaze is the darker color. Choose colors which are in the same family and are a few shades darker from one another, so you have some contrast.

   The glaze formula for both colors are 1 part paint to 1 part glaze. Once the base coat has dried the first glaze is applied with a soft rag. The rag is painted with glaze and transferred to the walls using a 45 degree angle. TIP: Put a small amount of glaze into a paint tray and brush the glaze onto both sides of the rag. 

    Rap the painted rag around your fingers and draw the design on the wall producing a wavy pattern. Wear gloves so your hands stay clean from any paint. Apply the second glaze the same way but run the glaze in and out of the last glaze pattern. While the glaze is wet on the wall removing excess glaze is easy. Try to keep the pattern random. The diagonal stripes look best when there are various shades of a color popping up randomly. TIP: Try not to have a solid stripe, remove glaze in some spots and leave straight glaze in others. This will produce an interesting pattern.

   Remember to cover the floor with painters tarps and tape off the wood work. This is a free style
form of painting that can be a lot of fun. This technique will find the artist in you, enjoy!

Coffered Ceiling Faux Painted

Coffered ceilings add a unique and elegant look to any room. Here is an example of how this type of ceiling can be decorated with paint. The ceiling panels were sponge painted with a subtle warm glaze and the crown moldings were fauxed to a warm mahogany with a satin finish.  The soft off white painted beams have a great contrast with its neighboring colors making this ceiling pop.

Faux concrete block

 Faux concrete block

This faux technique is very versatile, it can be used in many decors, colors and dimensions.
The faux blocks were designed to be distressed for this project, but can be made to fit your imagination.

Be prepared to do a lot of work to complete this project, but the rewards are gratifying. Up to two people to complete this project and various skills are required.

Start with several colors which are in the same family, in this case we used earth tones. The base will be a light color and the blocks will be glazed with the darker colors. The blocks in this photo were 6 x 12 in. The wall was mapped out using a 4 ft level. Each block was taped off with 1 in. blue tape, then the entire wall was skim coated with compound. A slight texture was given to the wall using a compound blade and more compound. Once the compound dried the tape was removed and the wall was primed. The wall was then painted with a coat of eggshell finish with the lighter color.

 Note: When removing the tape the block edges will be chipped. This is good if your looking for a distressed look. If you would like a smooth edge to the blocks the tape will have to be removed before the compound dies.

After the base coat is fully dried the first glaze ( med. color ) is applied with a sea sponge. Use the sea sponge as if your washing the wall. The second glaze ( darker color ) will be used randomly and also applied with a sea sponge. The glaze mixture is 1 part glaze to 1 part paint.  Let the glaze fall into the texture to create character for each block.  Keep the blocks from becoming the same color, mix them up.  If you find that a few blocks are to much the same repaint the base coat in that area and re-glaze.

We added a warmer glaze randomly to keep it interesting. Finally, the grout lines were re-painted with the base color using a small brush. I recommend using a practice board to apply the compound to create a texture that your satisfied with before applying it to your walls. Enjoy!

See more you can do with this project at this link
http://arrayofcolorinc.blogspot.com/2013/03/distressed-faux-block-wall.html