An unique paint treatment actually embeds or uses decoupage to place a print on a wall that looks like the paint is peeling and chipping away from the picture.
Usually the print is hidden behind a faux painting technique and is only partially visible. It's like a surprise in a entire wall of faux painting that is viewable only on close inspection.
The paint treatment over the top looks old, worn and chipped. Very old world or Tuscan in style. But don't limit yourself to traditional style paintings or posters… It could be used for old labels or old vintage photographs as well.
The how to technique is a mystery… all faux painters have their favorite applications. I answer the question with my own decorative technique below, but you can experiment… It's only paint!
This technique really only works with Tuscan or old vintage style theme rooms. Kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms would be the best. Larger rooms, such as family rooms would have much to large a wall space for this to look realistic. Unless…. your print is life size. 
Debra,
Thank you so much for sharing all the information that you have.
I am hoping you can afford me one question. I have seen a technique and I have no idea what they call it but its where what appears to be an classical styled painting is partially covered with…plaster or paint or ??? I'm not sure what. Have you seen this or ever done it and can you offer any additional information? Again Thank you So much for sharing all the information you have. Mark
Hi Mark,
The easiest way to create an overlay effect like this would be with joint compound. I would scoop up a few cups of compound into a paint tray. Then mix in color using a universal tint. (because you get a lot of pigment without adding a lot of water) I would use burnt umber to create tan color.
Then when you have all that mixed in… add a few drops of burnt umber,
raw umber and yellow ocher and maybe some raw sienna. Mix this in like
you are marbling cake frosting. Just drag a paint brush handle through
the mix until it is marbled not mixed in.
Then… pick up the compound with the bits of extra pigment with a
spatula. Like one used to spread on joint compound. Using a light touch
apply to the wall over the base painting. If you don't like an area
wash it off. Just be aware that it will take some careful washing with
all that pigment. Could be messy or could be cool.
I would seal this wall very carefully to seal in the pigment and joint
compound as they will be delicate.
Debra
Very cool way to address this and it totally makes sense… Thank you again so much for your input it really helps. Mark
Technorati Tags: decoupage, print, embed, paint, technique, faux, kitchen
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Where do you find or purchase exact directions on how to decoupage a painting on walls?