Ask A Decorator: FAUX PAINTING

Dear Decorator:

I have been watching all of those decorating shows on television where they faux paint everything from walls to furniture. I would love a crash course on the different types of techniques that can be used. Thanks.
-Debbie H.
 Seattle, WA

Dear Debbie,

I'd love to give you a quick overview of some of the various techniques.

Sponging On: requires applying two or more coats of color. The first coat is a base coat that can be rolled on. After it dries, a glaze coat is applied, typically with a sponge. This technique allows the base coat color to show through the holes that the sponge leaves. Using a sea sponge will deliver great results.

Sponging Off: This technique is considered a 'subtractive' technique in which a base coat is applied and allowed to dry. Then a glaze mix is rolled on and blotted off with a sponge. Blot the color off until the desired effect is achieved. You can usually achieve a great delicate pattern with this technique.

Ragging Off: Yet another subtractive technique. This technique requires the base coat of paint to be applied and dry completely. After the first paint coat is dry, a glaze is rolled on. While the glaze is wet, a damp rag is rolled along the wall, creating a pattern. Typically, the rag is held in the shape of a cylinder.

Stippling: Another subtractive technique which involves applying glaze then taking some of it off while it is still wet, using a stippling brush. This technique creates a more finely textured surface that the other subtractive techniques.

Combing: Combing tools mimic wood grain. By running a combing tool over the wall in a single pass, a simple ribbon effect is achieved. A moire effect can be achieved by curving the passes. There is a good variety of specialized tools that have different sized notches and spacing, each that will achieve a slightly different outcome.

Dragging: This technique involves pulling a paintbrush through a wet glaze and creating very fine lines. The lines reveal the background color, typically a contrasting color or lighter color.

Color Washing: This techique offers one of the most subtlest special painting effects. Glaze is washed over the base coat to achieve a variation in color. A sponge is used to apply the glaze. After the glaze is applied, a feathering brush or cotton fabric is used to soften the effect.