Fresh paint is an easy fix for interior walls that have grown drab and boring over time. But if you are the kind of person who finds plain painted walls a little monotonous and you prefer pattern, faux finishes and creative painting techniques may be what you’re longing for. Easier to replace and undo than wall paper, faux finishes give you pattern that can be simply painted over if you get tired of the look, and they are perfect for disguising slight imperfections and blemishes without resorting to extensive wall repair, spackling or plastering.

Here are a few techniques that you can use to transform your walls from run-of-the-mill to over-the-top when it comes to style and wow factor. But before you jump in and apply one of these techniques, try them out first on poster board. This will give you a chance to perfect the technique and also get an idea as to whether this style is for you. Keep in mind that you don’t need to strive for perfection; part of the charm of faux painting is its artisan hand wrought quality. Great looking results are easier to achieve than you think and there is no previous artistic experience required!

The Techniques

There are two categories of faux painting: negative and positive. Negative is about applying paint then removing it while it’s still wet to create a pattern. Positive techniques are about applying color with rags, sponges or any item that will create a pattern.

1. Negative Faux Painting with Glaze

‘Combing’ is a negative painting technique used to create pattern on a wall by removing wet paint with a comb or squeegee. Wet paint is applied and the combing agent is pulled along the wall to create a faux pattern or textured finish that is specific or random. In addition to combs and squeegees, patterns can be created with stippling brushes, fans or wads of paper, hair brushes, wire brushes or any item that will leave a pattern when pulled through wet paint.

The hardest aspect of this type of faux painting is creating your pattern before the paint dries, so you have to work quickly. Latex paint dries faster than oil paint, so you may want to consider using oils for negative faux painting. Since it dries slower than latex paint, you will have more time to manipulate the paint and create the pattern you desire. Oil paint will also leave a more durable finish, however oil-based glaze doesn’t clean up as easily as latex, and in the future, if you want to paint over the oil-based finish with a latex paint, you will need to use primer first in order get latex paint to adhere.

1. Positive Faux Painting with Rags and Sponges

Sponges, rags, crumpled paper, plastic wrap and bags are just few of the items that you can use when using a positive faux painting technique. Using positive faux painting techniques in similar or identical hues will give you a tone-on-tone textured finish. Using more than one color will add depth, detail and contrast. The effect you wish to achieve is created by your choice of applicators: Natural sea sponges result in a soft and subtle textural effect, while crinkled paper or wads of plastic create bold, distinct patterns. You can create a marbleized effect by applying paint with rags; use glaze rather than paint to create the illusion of veining that is found in real marble.

When considering techniques and patterns for the wall, think about the style you wish to portray. Old World techniques that lend a stucco or marbleized effect will provide a spectacular background for traditional canvas wall art sets used as a focal point. Simple striated patterns may be more appropriate for a modern look where anything from abstract art to modern art wall clocks may be featured.

All text copyright Shanel. Photo from Flikr - "The faux-real life" courtesy of danielleblue.