If Walls Could Talk

By Grace Marquez

What would yours say? Whether you're looking to buy a new home or you've just bought and are looking for decorating ideas, paint finishes are one of the most impactful ways to add individuality to your home. Here's a primer on how to add character to your home with some popular decorative paint techniques.

Location, Location, Location

First, identify the location you want to highlight with a paint finish. Is it a single wall that you'd like to act as a focal point in an otherwise nondescript room? Is it an architectural detail like a recessed art niche, an unusually angled or framed wall? If so, then applying an eye catching paint finish will definitely add impact, and it won't be necessary to treat all of the walls in the room.

If it's the whole room you want to treat then choose a paint finish in colours that won't overwhelm you when you enter. A decorative paint finish applied to all the walls in the room will add texture and will automatically make the walls appear closer than they actually are, and can create a cozier atmosphere if that is your goal.

Define the Mood you want to Create

Once you've decided the extent to which you will be applying a paint finish - single wall, architectural detail or entire room - you have to define the mood you want to create. Is it drama you're looking for? Is it a dreamy and airy effect? Is it a bold and contemporary statement you want to make? Or is it something casual with a laissez-faire attitude? The type of paint finish, combined with the colours you choose, can help create the mood you're seeking.

Choose colours that contrast boldly for a dramatic effect. A palette consisting of dark colours works especially well if you want to add weight and elegance to a room. Bright and vivid colours can energize a room that doesn't receive much natural light. Soft pastels can create a sense of calm or airiness. Neutrals in earth tones can promote a comfortable cozy atmosphere.

Keep in Mind

With all paint finishes give yourself uninterrupted time to work on each wall so that there is consistency in your application. If you're a beginner, work with latex rather than oil paints. Most builders use latex on walls and you can paint directly over them without having to prime. If you're not sure, just ask. If there is an oil paint on the wall then you'll have to prime the wall with a quality primer. Before beginning practice your technique on a discreet area of the wall, or on practice boards available at your local paint retailer. If you're applying a glazed paint effect allow two to three weeks for the glaze to fully cure.

With proper planning, practice and a little imagination, you can make your walls say something special about your own unique design sensibilities!

Choose a Paint Finish

You may choose to hire a professional or do the work yourself. If you choose the latter, there are many techniques, ranging from easy to moderate. Following are three of the most popular paint finishes, along with tips to make for a successful wall treatment.

Sponging: This is an easy effect to create. It involves "sponging on" colour(s) with a natural sea sponge over a base coat. This is a child-friendly effect that can easily be touched up by dabbing a bit of paint over any scuff marks that may occur. It is also very forgiving on uneven or imperfect walls. Try to use colours that are similar in tone and brightness/darkness levels. Otherwise, the undesirable -swirling vortex of colour - effect occurs because the colours are too dissimilar.

Colour Washing: With this paint technique you apply paint with glaze over a base colour for a spontaneous "washed" effect. It looks great with uneven colour densities. You can use rags or large brushes to apply the layers of glaze, dampening the wall area with a sponge before applying the paint so that the effect is more fluid. To soften the effect go over the colour while still wet, with a large dry brush in a random pattern. Use umber and sienna tones to create a warm, aged appearance.

Dragging: This involves applying a coat of glaze and paint over a base coat, then "dragging" a paintbrush through it while wet for a subtle, striped effect. Ralph Lauren creates a line of dragging brushes to create subtle textures like linen or denim. Tip: this effect is not recommended for very high walls, as you need to drag your brush in one continuou motion. Even the best of us can find it challenging to drag a brush smoothly from the top of an eight foot ceiling down to the floor.