When you’re painting your walls, you don’t have to settle for a simple coat of flat color. If you’re looking for visual interest, there are all sorts of techniques that can bring personality to your space. Your walls can be a unique feature rather than just a backdrop. Here’s a look at five creative paint methods that can add texture and interest to your walls.

1. Sponging

What Is Sponging?  Sponging is a versatile technique that creates a subtle textured effect on your walls. You can use a sponge (of any type, natural or synthetic!) to dab paint onto the wall for a layered, dimensional look.

How To:

• Materials Needed: base coat paint, top coat paint, sponge, paint tray, painters tape, brush or roller
• Steps:
  • Apply an even base coat (using a brush or roller) and let it dry completely.
  • Dip a damp sponge into the top coat paint and dab off any excess on a paper towel.
  • Lightly dab the sponge onto the wall, rotating your wrist to vary the pattern. Continue until you find the texture you like and cover the desired area.

Tips:  Practice on a piece of cardboard first to get a feel for the technique, and use complementary colors for a subtle effect or contrasting colors for a bolder look.

2. Stenciling

What Is Stenciling?  Stenciling allows you to add detailed patterns and designs when painting your walls, no artistic talent necessary. This technique gives you endless options, from simple shapes to intricate patterns.

How To:

• Materials Needed: stencil, stencil brush or roller, painter’s tape or adhesive, and paint
• Steps:
  • Position the stencil where you want the design, and secure it to the wall with painter’s tape or stencil adhesive.
  • Use a stencil brush or roller to apply paint. Use a dabbing motion rather than brushing to keep paint from seeping under the stencil.
  • Carefully remove the stencil while the paint is still wet to avoid peeling.

Tips:  Clean the stencil between uses to prevent smudging, and use painter’s tape to align the stencil between sections if you’re using a repeating pattern.

3. Rag Rolling

What Is Rag Rolling?  Rag rolling creates a soft, marbled texture on your walls by rolling a paint-soaked rag over a freshly-painted surface.

How To:

• Materials Needed: stencil, stencil brush or roller, painter’s tape or adhesive, and paint
• Steps:
  • Apply a base coat, then let it dry completely.
  • Dip a rag into glaze or top coat paint and then wring out any extra.
  • Roll or twist the rag over the wall in different directions to create a textured effect.

Tips:  Experiment with different types of fabric/rags to vary textures, and keep the rag damp but not dripping to avoid large blotches.

4. Color Washing

What Is Color Washing?  Color washing gives walls a more rustic look by applying a translucent glaze over a base coat. This technique mimics the appearance of aged, weathered walls.

How To:

• Materials Needed: base coat paint, glaze, brush, rag, and paint tray.
• Steps:
  • Apply a base coat to your wall and let it dry.
  • Mix the glaze with a bit of paint to create a translucent color wash.
  • Brush the glaze onto the wall in small sections, then immediately wipe it with a rag to spread and blend the color.

Tips:  Work in small sections to prevent the glaze from drying before you can wipe it up, and wipe in different directions for a more natural look.

5. Strié

What is Strié?  Strié, or dragging, is a technique that creates fine lines and a linen-like texture on your walls. This sophisticated look is achieved by dragging a brush or comb through a fresh coat of wet glaze.

How To:

• Materials Needed: base coat paint, glaze, brush or comb, and paint tray.
• Steps:
  • Paint the wall with a base coat, then let it dry completely.
  • Brush the glaze over a small section of the wall.
  • Right away, pull a dry brush or comb through the wet glaze in straight lines, either vertical or horizontal.

Tips:  Use a level to make sure you lines are straight and even, and practice on a piece of cardboard before you paint to perfect your technique.

Using innovative techniques like these can add unique textures and visual interest when painting your walls. By experimenting with one or a mix of these methods, you can create a custom finish that reflects your style.

Want an interesting paint job but not sure if you’re up to the task? It’s okay to call the professionals for help…in fact, we would prefer that you do! Visit https://paintersincorporated.com/ to learn more about how we can help with painting your walls.