Last months contest for the DecoArt Texture paint was such a huge success… that I thought I should share an idea for you to actually “use” the texture paints in your own decorating scheme.
Tuscan theme and “Old World Style” decorating is still a huge hit with faux painters… and it’s so easy to get this unique look on your walls. Really!
Or… maybe you want to try your hand using these stencils and decorative texture medium on your kitchen cabinets or just a utensil holder for all those misplaced kitchen tools.
Anyway… these grape and vine stencils are easy to use and the texturing medium (paste) makes them stand out just enough to add a bit of “lift” to the design. But… because the entire wall is painted with a faux finish after the stenciling, they are subtle and “not in your face”… which I love.
This “tile” style stencil works very well on the kitchen back splash area. Again… it’s subtle, but effective.
These stencils are “special” because they are 3 times thicker than regular stencils… giving a thicker “relief” pattern on the wall. This is important. Not any old stencil will give these great results. I wouldn’t lie to you.
The paste is soft and easy to work with… but the stencils need to be anchored to the wall before you start “messing” with the paste. Trust me… they slide if they aren’t taped down well or you could use some of that “fancy pants’ stencil adhesive… but I’m not a huge fan.
When the paste is dry… Very Dry… that’s when you can start with the faux painting. The glaze will “collect a bit heavier around the raised pattern… giving it a shadow effect. I also like to go back and gently wipe at the raised stencil areas just to make sure the “top” of the pattern is lighter than the surrounding areas.
Just a bit lighter… you don’t want it to look like spotlights. This can be done with a small dry brush kept on hand just for this purpose. Dry wipe the brush on a rag as you go.
You apply the texture paste onto the stencil just like this video (but don’t use the DecoArt Texture Fierro Paint – instead use the DecoArt Texture Stucco)
I am trying to get a venetian plaster look in my house. I wanted to try to use drywall mud to create the texture with deeper / thicker results and I am not sure now how to paint it. Does one have to use the plaster in a can to achieve this look or can I paint over the drywall finish with a product that leaves the darker colors behind and the lighter tones to the surface? ~Rob Paulin
The above picture is of the Old World Plaster Finish that I did a few years ago. www.surfaceswithpaint.com
This is my favorite and most popular finish as a professional. I believe this is what you are trying to achieve with the lighter tones on the surface and the darker tone in the recessed areas.
I prefer NOT to use drywall mud for this finish because you will need to prime it before painting. You also run the risk of moisture getting into it when you start painting, and glazing.
Behr actually makes a texture paint that comes in 2 gallon buckets in both smooth and sand finishes. This can be applied to the wall with either a roller or a trowel. Here are the steps that you will need to follow in order to achieve this finish.
1. Apply Plaster – apply to the wall with a 6″ putty knife, pat the wet plaster with a trowel, and knock down with your 6″ putty knife. This is what gives the plaster pattern & texture.
2. Sand - this step is optional depending on how smooth you want your plaster. I like to spot sand areas where you can see lines left from the trowel. Be sure to wipe away the dust that is left from sanding, with a rag.
3. Paint – you can use any color (light to medium tone). I use 2 coats of latex paint. There is no need to prime with this plaster. Let it dry overnight.
4. Mix Glaze & Paint – This is the fun part. You will need a dark color. Don’t be afraid to pick a dark color, because you will be mixing it – 1 part paint to 3 parts glaze. You will also be washing it off with water, so the glaze will lighten up a lot.
5. Apply Glaze – Use a chip brush and apply in random strokes in a 2 -3 ft section.
6. Wash Glaze In – Have a bucket of water ready, dip a big kitchen sponge into the water, ring out until damp and then wash the glaze into the wall.
7. Wash Glaze Off – Wash out your sponge, ring out the water, and then gently wash off the surface of the wall. The light base color will show through leaving the darker glaze color in the recessed areas of the plaster finish.
I hope this helps. Please keep us posted on how it goes. ~ Dawn
This can be done with a small dry brush kept on hand just for this purpose. Dry wipe the brush on a rag as you go.
