Understanding Proper Painting

Different Techniques For A More Elegant Paint Job

Are you thinking about repainting your interior walls? Are you looking for a way to make your paint job look a little more dynamic? Some people want to create a finish that is more stylish and unique than just a flat paint color. There are many great ways to create a two-tone finish on interior walls. This article explains the best tools and techniques for these unique paint jobs.

Crackle Finish

Crackle finish is most popular on wooden surfaces, but it can also be applied to drywall and plaster surfaces. This creates a dramatic antique finish that is unique and fun. It basically looks like the top layer of paint is peeling (or cracking) away, exposing the base color underneath. So, when applying a crackle finish, you need to choose two colors. Of course, your base color can be white. It often looks best when the base color is neutral so it doesn't overpower or take away from the main color you are going to apply in the end.

First, you paint the base color onto the wall, just like you would with a normal paint job. You must wait for it to dry completely before moving forward. Next, you need to apply the crackle agent. This is a clear liquid that you paint onto the surface just before you apply the final paint coat. The most crackle agent you paint on, the more dramatic the crackling effect will be. To preserve the finish, the paint can be finished with a clear top coat. This makes it easier to clean the crackle without damaging the effect.

Venetian Plaster

A Venetian plaster finish actually doesn't require any paint. Instead, you use the special plaster to create a two-tone finish out of one color. Venetian plaster, when spread onto your walls with different thicknesses and in random patterns, dries to create a two-tone look even though the actual plaster is just one color. This process involves spreading the plaster onto your walls with trowels-- no paintbrushes are needed. The plaster application requires spreading it on in multiple coats, and allowing ample drying time between each. The randomly spread plaster dries darker in the thicker sections and lighter in the thin sections. Then, you finish the job by sanding the entire surface with 400 grit paper.

Bot crackle finishes and Venetian plaster require multiple steps and take much longer than a traditional paint job. But, they both create much more stylish and unique results. Contact a local painter for more information and assistance. 


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