Paint Techniques

Article from homedepot.com

Decorative Faux Painting can add depth and beauty to any room in your home. Whether you're looking for a dramatic, obvious effect or a series of subtle highlights, there is a Decorative Finish to match your style.

Decorative painting can be easy and fun if you follow the steps below:

1. Select a color scheme
2. Decide upon a style
3. Apply a new base coat or use a previously painted and properly prepared surface
4. Apply glaze(s) using appropriate tools and technique

Selecting a Color Scheme

The Home Depot offers a vast selection of paint colors for your Decorative Paint project. Keep in mind that different styles, techniques, base coats and glaze mixtures will yield various looks. Often the color or colors you select will appear different when painted on a wall versus what is printed on a color chip. The amount of paint and glaze you apply or remove from the surface, the technique used, and how similar or different the colors are to each other will also affect the final look. Always practice on a 2'x2' sample board to view color selections and style before starting an interior decorative painting project.

Note: Paint companies, such as Behr Paint and Ralph Lauren, offer pre-determined color combinations that are recommended for Decorative Painting.

Deciding Upon a Style
It would literally be impossible to discuss every style of decorative painting that exists today. So, to narrow your choices down, an outline of six of the most popular and commonly used styles is listed below:

	Sponging On Additive style Creates a defined pattern great for large rooms
	Sponging Off Subtractive style Creates a parchment look
	Dragging Subtractive style Creates an antique, distressed look Great for doors, trim, and furnitur
	Colorwashing Subtractive style Produces a rustic, time-worn look
	Ragging On Additive style Creates a dramatic pattern
	Ragging Off Subtractive style Creates a subtle pattern

Note: The styles described above all represent "techniques" of decorative painting. Some paint manufacturers such as Ralph Lauren offer their own signature techniques. For more information, see the Ralph Lauren link below.

Applying a Base Coat/Preparing the Surface
To achieve a professional-quality look, be sure to start with either a clean, dry surface or a newly painted wall that has had adequate time to dry. A satin-finish paint is recommended, although eggshell or semi-gloss enamel paints may be used. These sheens will keep the Faux glaze from penetrating into the surface and allow additional working time to stylize.

Applying Glaze Using Appropriate Tools and Techniques
Decorative Finishing tools and supplies are often manufacturer-specific. Pick up a Ralph Lauren or Behr Decorative Painting brochure in your local Home Depot store to learn more.