What do you think is the best technique for wall painting?

Question

I'm planning to paint the walls of my room using the sponge and smooshing technique.. But i wanna ask if there are other techniques for a newbie like me ;) thanks

Answer 1

Faux finishing is one of my specialties, but after applying thousands of gallons of paint, and offering help here, I have to say there may be NO right or wrong answers, just personal opinions.

I have no clue what you mean by "smooshing" but have to say, that sponging should begin gently, perhaps even nearly dry, as a technique. The beauty of it is that more can be added, or the base coat can be sponged in to tone down areas of the over color that you have applied to generously. That said,,,you should have the base color at hand to do as I just stated.

I've been in the trades for many years, and theater for longer. I enjoy all the various methods to "excite" a wall, or room, in the effects. Certainly Sponging, and rag rolling are 2 of the easier methods. The rag roll can be done by applying wet, or removing.

Feathering, stipple, dry brush rough strokes, marbelizing, etc. etc. are all enjoyable.

Rev. Steven

Answer 2

Great question! You have so many optioins and I think you are about to have some real fun!

For a newbie like yourself, I recommend that you explore the Ralph Lauren "Finishes" and "Technique Finishes" collections. They have some very cool products that have amazing finished results; Candlelight, Suede, River Rock, Regent Metallic, Indigo Denim, Bright Canvas, Natural Linen, Antiqued Leather, and a product that assists in four different Faux Finish techniques... Ragging, Sponging, Aging, and Colorwashing. All of these different techniques can be done in a very broad spectrum of colors, too.

All of these techniques are shown on their website with detailed instructions that are very thorough. Follow the link below.

The only thing I haven't seen on their site are good preperation tips and instructions. Preperation is the key to an excellent paint job whether it's a finished technique as you would like to do or a simple one color job. I cannot stress enough that your preperations will make all the difference in the world.

Before you even begin painting be sure and take all the time necessary to properly prepare the walls that you will be painting. Repair any sections of the wall that are damaged; fill any holes and cracks (anywhere that you see a black color behind your current paint, such as places where the trim has been attached to the wall. These cracks (and nail holes) should be filled with a 'painters caulk'), and thoroughly scrape and sand any areas that have chipping paint or previous repairs that still show.

By taking extra time and thoroughly preparing your walls to be painted, your technique finish will come out as if done by a high-dollar pro! Your friends will literally freak, I promise you.

Anyway, check out these finishes here: http://rlhome.polo.com/rlhome/products/paint/items.asp?haid=116

Look at both Finishes and Techniques. They also have a link that will assist you in 'where to buy'.

Good luck, I'm sure you're gonna have a lot of fun!

Answer 3

Just as a sponge makes a definite pattern/texture so do other textiles, even paper doilies. Hessian bags can imprint amazingingly if used in hand size pieces. Take a little time and experiment with different media. Colors that work together are a combination of dark, medium and light for contrast. Have fun, dare to make it yours. Good Luck

Answer 4

Low es hardware sells a paint roller that is split in two you add one color to one side and the other color to the other side, it works great for a very fast faux finish, the actual design on the wall depends on how you roll it on. people who come into my house think i had it professionally done and DiY. Go check it out