Combining faux techniques

By combining the right faux techniques beautiful effects can be achieved. Two faux techniques were used to accomplish this paint finish above. I chose color washing and a rag technique, I found that they work well together.
 Color wash using a sea sponge has a wider pattern and the rag technique has a more complex pattern. The color wash was applied with a deeper glaze, over a lighter base coat. Then apply a lighter glaze with a ragging technique. Leave areas of the base to show to make the finish more interesting, allowing the tones of color too come threw.
 Create your own faux finish by experimenting with the different faux tools and colors. Keep a log of all your colors and techniques used so they can be reproduced at a later time. Learn and understand the basics before attempting more complicated finishes. In time you may develop your own personal signature that will be admired by many.

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.

Metallic painted accent wall

The inspiration to add this metallic painted accent wall came from the small blue grey pillow and bluish color on the bed cover pattern. Originally the walls were a coral color but it was time for a change. The metallic paint, Benjamin Moore # PT-300 Pearlescent tint was applied over Benjamin Moore # HC-148 flat latex using a three inch brush and short random strokes. If you haven't used metallic paint before, it is very transparent and works great if it is applied over a similar tone. Another tip to make this user friendly is to apply it with a sea sponge, crosshatch brush strokes or rag technique. If you decide to roll the metallic paint, roll in short random directions. Using various faux techniques will create an interesting and beautiful pattern filled with texture that plays with the light.

Check out, sponge painting with metallic paint http://arrayofcolorinc.blogspot.com/2013/03/sponging-with-metalic-paint.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!

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.

Dress up your ceilings!

     Here's a couple of paint ideas to dress up your ceilings. The ceiling is sometimes called the forgotten wall due to all the attention usually goes to the walls.
    If you would like to wake up your ceiling add moldings, color or faux and get instant WOW factor in your interior.
     Keep it simple, choose a color scheme using a few shades of the same color. You can't go wrong!
     The faux rag technique on the wall to the right  is used again on the ceiling surrounded by a beautiful bright white frame. This once timid ceiling is now proud to be dressed up. This is a very simple project that ties in the surrounding area.                                                                                                                 
     On the left this tone on tone faux ceiling has a framed in boarder that adds just the right touch to this kitchen dining area. It's a nice compliment to the crown molding and adds more interest to the room.

     This ceiling has a texture which adds more depth to the rag technique. The total width of the framed boarder is 12 inches and was applied 8 inches from the crown molding. An eggshell finish was used to break up the larger area of the flat white ceiling.
 
     Just by adding some color can change your ceilings from subtle to dramatic with or without moldings.

      Looking up has never been better, use your imagination, plan out your ideas and go for it! Remember it's paint and it can always go back to white. So, Dress up your ceilings!

How to - Rag technique

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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.