Hello Debra,

I am interested in creating a new finish in some rooms of our house.  

Currently we have a traditional knockdown texture with a very conservative color scheme.  It is nice, but I am looking for something more modern and interesting.

I have here some pictures I took of a house we saw in a parade of homes event.  

I have seen these types of finishes for a while now and I really like them. I was wondering if it is possible that we can achieve this same finish ourself even over existing textured and painted drywalls. 

I have searched books for information regarding this type of finish but haven't really found much.  It seems that almost all the faux finishes are based on painting techniques and assume a smooth drywall on which to start.

 Even the drywall books talk about the knockdown and brush finishes with joint compound. Thanks for any help or advice you can give. Dave

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Hi Dave…

What a great looking faux finish!

This knockdown texture is different than the knock down textures in older (over 10 years) homes in our area. The knock down is more of a mission finish with larger high and low areas. Much more textured areas to catch the glaze.

First… you must notice exactly what kind of finish you already have. If your texture isn't similar to this… the results won't be the same as these pictures.

That said… This is an easy finish to accomplish.  

The pictures show a golden finish and a more beige finish. Probably these are actually both the same colors… just a photograph difference.

The base coat on the walls must be a slick… not flat painted base coat. A base coat is just regular painting on walls. The finish does not have to be gloss, it can be a satin paint finish… but anything like flat will just absorb the glaze and not allow for manipulation.

 

This finish is created with a color wash glaze. One coat application. It's a wipe on - wipe off application.

The glaze is applied to the wall with a brush and then wiped of with a clean damp Woolie Faux Painting Tool.

The walls original color is either a taupe/beige or a pale golden color.

 The glaze in this pictures is an burnt umber glaze.

For some great tips about using a burnt umber glaze follow this link:

Aging Walls With Paint 

This is really one of the easiest faux painting techniques. You let the texture do the work. 

When the glaze is wiped off you need to remember to keep watching the wall as you go. Glaze can dry before you get it removed… so work in small areas and make sure you soften any blotchy areas with a dry chip paint brush;

It really is a wipe on wipe off technique when faux painting a knockdown textured wall. 

I'm sure you have all read about my love for the Woolie applicator. This is a perfect situation for using this tool.