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Softening Your Walls with Color
Wash
by Pamela Cole Harris
If you like the soft look of watercolors, why not try using a color wash
on your walls? In addition to a softer color, color washing can
accentuate the texture of your plaster or stucco walls. And it’s so
simple that even I, a faux-finish-impaired decorator, can do it.
There are two techniques for color wash application: sponge or brush.
Each requires a slightly different glaze formula.
Sponge Technique:
Color Wash Glaze: Mix together 1 part latex paint and 6 parts water in a
bucket.
1. Mask off (using painter�s tape) parts of the room which will not
receive the wash. Its best to cover the floor with plastic drop cloths
(especially if you are as messy as I am).
2. Prime the wall with a low luster latex paint and allow it to dry
completely before the next step.
3. Dip the sponge into the color wash glaze and squeeze lightly.
4. Beginning in a lower corner, apply the glaze to the wall in short,
overlapping strokes. Change the direction of the strokes frequently.
Work on a small portion of the wall at a time (3 foot by 3 foot is a
good size).
5. Repeat moving upward until all the wall is covered.
6. Allow to dry completely.
Brush Technique:
Brush Color Wash Glaze: 1 part flat latex paint, 1 part latex paint
conditioner (available at your local home improvement center), and 2
parts water. Mix in a bucket.
1. Mask off (using painter�s tape) parts of the room which will not
receive the wash. Its best to cover the floor with plastic drop cloths.
2. Prime the wall with a low luster latex enamel paint and allow it to
dry completely before the next step.
3. Allow the paint to dry.
4. Dip a paintbrush in the glaze and remove the excess against the side
of the bucket.
5. Apply the paint in a criss-cross pattern.
6. Brush over the surface repeatedly to soften the look of the paint.
7. Wipe excess glaze away, if necessary. (Better get the
industrial-sized package of paper towels!)
There you have it! A soft paint look perfect for your newly decorated
room...And since you have the technique down to a science, why not come
and do my family room? Powder room? Closet?
About the author
Pamela Cole Harris has been a writer and designer for 35 years (Yikes,
has it been that long?) Enjoy her tongue-in-cheek approach to
inexpensive interior design at:http://www.homeandgardenmakeover.com
and
http://www.diy-homedecor.com
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