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

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!

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!

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!