Faux Techniques

This faux painted wall was created from two faux techniques, when combined they form a soft smokey, wispy affect. The faux technique gives an illusion of the mirrors floating on the steam from the shower. The base coat was painted with Benjamin Moore # 1068 eggshell finish. The glaze BM 1070 was color washed with a sea sponge, then an off white glaze using BM 1068 and white was applied over the surface to achieve more depth and soft highlights using a rag technique. Choose three colors in the same family that are a few shades apart, this will produce the depth. This technique can also be used for creating a faux marble finish, add the veining, gloss protective coat and you'll fool everyone.

Emerald Green Glaze

Try this ragging technique using an emerald green glaze if your looking for a soft sophisticated finish with a lot of depth. Did you know that emerald green was named 2013 color of the year by Pantone. Add this award winning color to your walls. This faux finish is great if your walls have imperfection, it will help disguise them. The paint finish is achieved by using a positive and negative ragging technique on an eggshell sheen base coat.

The positive application of a glaze is achieved by applying glaze directly to a surface using a sponge, rag, brush or other tool. Each item used to apply glaze makes its own mark.

A negative application is removing glaze from a surface. In this case we used a damp cotton rag to move the glaze on the wall from one area to another. This technique is called "walking the glaze" as the rag is being moved around it is lifting off glaze leaving a negative mark and then reapplying the glaze in another area.

The glaze is first applied by a brush onto the wall leaving a small amount which will be manipulated with a damp rag. The rag will be placed in your hand by dropping the cloth into your palm producing a pattern in the cloth. This pattern will produce the marks which will be left on the wall.

The cotton rag must be turned in many different directions to create a random pattern.Working the glaze in small sections at a time resembling puzzle pieces will produce a smooth flow threw out the area. Blend each section into the previous area.

Work the glaze into the corners by rapping the rag around your pointer finger and walking the glaze towards the edges. This works well by keeping the glaze from being over applied into the corners.

Note: I recommend a practice board before tackling your walls so you can work out any issues which may arise. Use a glaze mixture of 1 part paint to 3 parts glaze.
When your cotton rag is saturated with glaze rinse lightly in water and ring out till damp.
Wear rubber cloves

Crosshatch Faux Technique

A crosshatch faux technique was used to create this subtle aged look. This technique can be used on the interior and exterior. To accomplish this look, paint is applied wet on wet. I applied a deep warm green and a mid warm green on a lighter cooler green base. The base and top coats were a eggshell finish . No glaze was added to the paint. A 4in. roller was used to distribute the darker green first, then a 3 in. brush was used to apply  the mid tone green using the crosshatch technique. I applied the the mid tone green in a random pattern with the same brush. The cross hatch was softened and the edges of the faux were kept in a irregular pattern. The end result will have a soft mottled appearance.

Note - With the Crosshatch technique you are basically painting X's on the wall and blending the two colors together.
 I moved right along, cutting in top and bottom,
rolling in the opened areas. Try not to let the outer edges of the paint dry. Work a couple of feet at a time and dont add too much paint into your corner. This would create a pie crust look. To avoid this, I make a point of adding paint or glaze several inches from any corner and slowly bringing the paint or glaze to the corner.

 

 The greatest thing about this technique is, it is easily repaired. Go back into the area and follow the above, blend in the area and your finished. If this is your first attempt, choose colors which are various tones of the same color. This will keep you from adding other colors which may make an  unwanted color. For the more experienced colorist, use your imagination.  Enjoy!

Painting Accent Walls

Painting accents walls does not have to be so complicated, once your focal area wall has been chosen add a splash of color and your on your way to liven up a room.
Choose a color from fabric in the room or use your favorite color and add it to your accent wall. Just by introducing a new color to the area produces a whole new feeling.
The photo to the left shows an accent wall where the color was taken from the bed cover. To bring it up a notch a faux finish was added to give more interest.

The photo on the right shows an accent wall useing the same base color as the surrounding walls, a faux finish was used to accentuate this wall.

Both photos show accent walls which were faux painted using a smooshing paint technique.

The smooshing technique is done by applying a satin finish to the wall, dried fully and then apply a glaze over the satin finish. A large plastic sheet is applied over the glazed area, move your hands over the plastic and then remove the plastic from the wall. By removing the plastic sheet you will
notice many different lines in the glaze producing an instant design pattern to a once solid color wall.

Having another person to help with this project will make things go a lot smoother. Have enough plastic to cover the whole wall. You will need to work fast when applying the glaze. The color glaze should be a few shades darker than the base color. The glaze mixture should be 1 part paint to 3 parts glaze. Use a brush and roller to apply the glaze. Cut in and roll the wall from one end to the other before the glaze sets up. If its a large area the wall can be broken up in sections but leave a wet edge untouched for the following section.

Note: This project could get messy so tape off your base boards and any other moldings, have drop cloths in your work area. When rolling the glaze onto the wall use a 1/2 in nap and keep from overloading the roller.

Faux Painted Metal Garage Door

A faux painted metal garage door is a great way to achieve the look of beautiful stained wood. There are so many colors to choose from and many combinations of design. Most metal doors have a grain pattern embossed into the metal which runs horizontally across each panel. By having the grain running in one direction makes the job a lot easier, there is no taping off each piece of wood going in opposite directions for this project shown above.

The metal garage door was previously painted so I pressure washed it prior to painting.  I applied   the base coat, Benjamin Moore # 1110 exterior latex paint in satin finish with a brush and roller.
When the base coat has fully dried apply the glaze mixture of 1 part  BM - Charleston Brown exterior latex satin finish with 3 parts of glaze.  A 3 inch brush was used in the direction of the grain.

Start at the top most panel and work from one side to the other. This glaze application gives the door the different variations of undertones in wood. Let the base show threw in some areas and apply the glaze heavier in others. Once the first top panel is completed move onto the next panel and continue.
As your glazing the door glance at the other panels so you don't repeat the same variations.

The final glaze which is a darker brown is applied starting again at the top and working from one side to the other. This application will add deeper wood grain. Again, let each section have its own personality to add interest to the door. The darker glaze will also be applied lighter in areas and darker in others.

Take a look at a piece of real wood and try to duplicate the grain pattern.

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

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. 

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

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

Warm Faux Glaze Technique

      Here is a beautiful warm faux glaze technique where only a sea sponge was used. The sea sponge can be highly affective,  producing many designs and patterns which can be applied to the walls or many other surfaces.

     The walls had a very heavy orange peel texture which made the technique  more dramatic. There were three colors used to produce this look.

     The base coat was painted with an latex eggshell finish by
Benjamin Moore #193
The first glaze color # 105 eggshell finish
Second glaze color # 1035 eggshell finish
One quart of quality latex glaze

      Using  a practice board before you start is recommended.

     I purchased quarts of the paint which were used in the glaze. One gallon of paint for this project was more than enough for the wall.

    Prep your walls, tape off the moldings if needed and apply plastic or tarps to the area. Apply the base coat #193 latex eggshell finish to the walls.

   Once the wall is completely dry it is time to apply the first glaze #105. I used a tbl. spoon of color to 4 ounces of latex glaze. Glaze can go a long way especially with this technique.

   Apply the the glaze to a small area with a brush using a small amount of product. Take the dampened sea sponge and put onto the paint on the wall, move the glaze around on the wall spreading it out from the original area.  This thin glaze when dry will become darker. Each application of glaze should be applied to the next bare area blending into the previous.

   When applying the glaze think of a puzzle and how all the pieces are different, move the glaze around to form various shapes and sizes. This will keep the fuax looking random.

   Keep your sponge damp. Poncing your sponge on the surface will remove glaze and re-apply in others. Control the glaze by adding more or less. Note: going over dried glaze will produce a darker effect.

   Remember not to apply glaze into the corners with your brush, this will become very heavy looking when it dries and will look like pie crust. Apply the glaze lightly several inches away and work into the corners with your sponge. Rinse out your sponge when its over loaded with glaze.

  The second glaze #1035 will be mixed the same as the first but applied much less. Randomly apply the glaze lightly and spread out. This glaze will change the color of the first and make it deeper in tone. Have fun painting!





    

Faux Glaze Technigue

       Here is an easy faux glaze technique which has a lot of character and sophistication. In the photos shown the colors used gave this interior a soft distressed look with
out overwhelming the area.
     
       The pattern was achieved with a roller 1/2 in. nap shed resistant. The glaze mixture was very thin.

    Base Color used - Ben Moore # OC-59 Flat, 1 qt.
    Paint for glaze - Ben Moore # 1035 flat, 1 qt.
    Glaze - 1qt. good quality 

        After applying the base coats as needed let dry. At this point start to mix your glaze. I mixed three ounces of paint with six ounces of glaze and then added twelve ounces of water.

      Cutting in is done by taking a twelve inch compound blade and placing it into the corners, then run a mini roller up and into the blade. This-technique could be very messy so to insure a neater application do not over load your rollers.  

      Start your cutting in at the top and then use your larger roller vertically from left to right.
Do not add too much pressure to the roller which may release a lot of glaze. Your passes with the roller should be random and at times running diagonal.

     There is no need for a paint brush to cut in close to the corners, it will look more distressed
using a roller. Leave some of the base color to show threw.

     I recommend practicing the technigue first on a board and not your walls. Once comfortable with the technique your ready, enjoy!

Painted Faux Wood Finish On Metal Doors

       A Painted faux wood finish on metal doors can add that amazing touch needed to enhance the front entry of your home. Follow these easy steps I have provided and you will be the talk of your neighborhood.

Before

After

     
 This is a great project to do over the week end, it could take four to eight hours to complete depending on your level of expertise. Check out the supply list below to complete this project.




Supply list - Good weather, Latex paint brush 2 1/2 in. flat sash, China bristle brush 2 1/2 in. flat sash, 1 1/2 in. latex angled sash brush, Cut buckets ( 2 ) Cotton rags, 1 1/2 in. Frog tape, 1 in. One roll of KleenEdge tape, Drop cloth, Philips head screw driver, Sand paper 150 grit, One quart Sherwin Williams # 6334 Resilience exterior satin latex for the base coat, One quart of Sherwin Williams # 6090 Resilience exterior satin for the glaze, One quart of Black exterior latex satin. One quart latex glaze, One quart of exterior Spar Varnish. One quart of mineral spirits. Blow drier.

 First, remove door knobs and locks and keep in safe place.

     Next apply the Frog tape around the molding framing the glass, tape the area around the molding of the door frame, top and sides. The bottom ( threshold ) can be covered with the tarp or paper.
      Sand the doors with the 150 grit and wipe clean. Sand in the direction of the panels, side pieces sand up and down and top and bottom pieces sand side to side.
Note: Homes built prior to 1978 may contain lead based paint. The dust or fumes created by cleaning, sanding or disturbing these surfaces can lead to adverse health effects in children and pregnant women. For more information please call National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424 LEAD.






  Start applying the base coat listed above in the direction of the door panels. Apply two coats and let each coat dry before re-applying.









  Apply glaze mixture of 4 oz. SW# 6090 to 1 oz. Black latex and 2 oz. latex glaze. to the top panel of the door using your 2 1/2 flat sash brush.

    Use the KleenEdge tape to separate the side panels from the top and bottom. This will give you very sharp edges which looks like the wood was cut to fit. The tape should be applied on the outside of the window frame.

   Apply a small amount of glaze between the tape, wipe your brush on a rag and then run the brush threw the glaze in one movement from side to side. Don't stop, this will give you the look of a grain pattern. There will be a few minutes before the glaze dries so there is some time to alter your work.

   Once the top and bottom sections are completed it's time to apply the KleenEdge tape to the insides of the frame over the dried faux you applied earlier. I use a blow drier to make sure the glaze is fully dry before applying the tape. This will get you ready to do the sides of the door.

   Now, apply the glaze to the bottom of the side of your choice with your brush and run the brush up the side panel to the top of the door.
   Wipe your brush on a rag and with one move drag your brush from the top to the bottom threw the glaze. Remember there is only a little time to correct anything your not happy with.

   The window frame can be fauxed at this point and finally the door frame. Use the 1 1/2 in. angled sash for these areas. If you prefer, the window frame could be fauxed first and then follow all the above. Wipe off any glaze which gets on the bare panels while fauxing the window frames.

   When all is completed and dry apply the Spar Varnish with the China bristle brush first with a 50/ 50 mix of mineral spirits. Let this application dry and apply full strength Spar varnish. Apply the varnish in the direction of the faux wood. Apply your hardware when fully dry, remove all the tape carefully,  step back and admire your work.

Marble faux border

     OK! You're master bathroom has been faux painted but something is missing. There are great architectural lines in the room and they need to show. A great way to bring these beautiful lines out is to add a marble faux border. In this picture the marble matches the counter top and brings out the beautiful arch overhead. The glaze on the walls and the faux marble finish are from the same color.

     The rag technique was applied over a light beige eggshell finish with a diluted mixture of a deep chocolate latex paint in glaze. The marble boarder base coat was a full strength deep chocolate latex semi - gloss paint. To achieve a more realistic appearance use several lighter glazes over the base coat. Add veining with the lightest colors and run some darker veining randomly for depth. Apply water base urethane with a gloss finish to give that polished look  and to bring out all the color.

    Boarders can be applied in many areas of a room. Traditionally they were applied along the ceiling or across the room about chair rail height. Design your own boarder and add interesting lines to create some magic. Boarders will make a room look longer, wider or higher depending on were there applied and will also add that special touch you're looking for.

Orange Glazed Walls

How to - Rag technique

click to enlarge

   

How to - Rag technique

     This is one of many ways to use a rag for faux techniques and one that is easy and looks great! For this project you will need a quart of glaze ( water base ) and a quart of Sherwin Williams #6773 latex eggshell finish. The faux walls were base coated with a Sherwin Williams HGTV # 6478 eggshell finish and ragged with SW 6773 also eggshell finish. Tape off all areas not to be painted. If you have a steady hand there is no need for taping the ceiling.

       Mix one part glaze with one part paint. Apply mixture to a damp rag just enough to lightly coat. Apply mixed glaze onto the wall with a brush in a triangular pattern and move the glaze around with your rag. Leave some areas open.
     
       A clean damp rag was used to remove some of the glaze to create open areas and a random pattern.The folds in the rag will leave interesting marks by moving your hand at various levels of a clock. 

     Work the glaze as if you were building a puzzle. No straight lines. When your close to the corners move your glazed rag into the corners sparingly ( Don't fill the corners with excess glaze) Skip spots in corners to keep a random look.

     Note: Apply glaze to your rag at the beginning. Rinse the rag slightly when it gets loaded with glaze. The second rag should be damp and kept clean so you can remove excess glaze and apply pattern. Turn your hand randomly to keep from applying the same pattern.
      
     If this is your first attempt with this technique it would be best if you practiced on a piece of construction board. Enjoy your finished faux walls.