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Painting a focal wall


The Essential Dos and Don'ts

Reviewed by

Deane Biermeier

Reviewed by Deane Biermeier

Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. He is a certified lead carpenter and also holds a certification from the EPA. Deane is a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board.

Learn more about The Spruce's Review Board

The Spruce / Michelle Becker 

Accent walls are alive and well in the decorating industry. These easy and stylish color accents will always be popular because of their flexibility. You have unlimited paint options for your accent wall, as well as other surfaces and materials. Even the location of your accent wall is purely personal. Your home is unique, so your accent wall should be just as special. Accent walls can be used in any room if you know the essential dos and don'ts.

What Is an Accent Wall?

An accent wall is an interior or exterior wall that can have a different color, shade, design or material from the other walls around it.

Click Play to Learn the Dos and Don'ts of Accent Walls

Do Think Beyond Solid Colors

Maite Granda

Think outside of the box when you are considering your new accent wall. You are not limited to simple wall paint covering the wall. Think about other ways to use paint color. Your accent wall may be perfect for stripes or for a specialty paint finish. Metallic wall finishes are powerful style statements for an accent wall.

Don't Forget About Texture

There is more to accent walls than just paint. Have you considered stone or tile for your accent wall? Extensive shelving can also work as an accent wall in a room that lacks an architectural feature and storage. Your accent wall can also include a gallery of photos or artwork, or even a fabric-draped wall.

A recent trend is the addition of a wall-mounted electric fireplace on an accent wall. The secret to accent walls is that they are the most flexible decorating secret weapon you can have. (The only rule for accent walls is that they accent a wall—that's it.)

Do Go for an Accent Wall in a Neutral Room

You should still consider an accent wall even if you're keeping your room neutral. Accent walls can work just as well in a neutral color, as a bright one. The initial idea of an accent wall conjures up visions of bright red or blue, but in a neutral color scheme, a dark brown wall is just as dramatic.

Don't Shy Away from Bold Colors

HouseofHarvee / Instagram

As long as you have the right accents around the room to coordinate with your new color, you can choose whatever color makes you happy.

Do Consider the Other Wall Colors

Take into account the color on your other walls. Most accent walls look best when they adjoin walls in a light to medium shade. Accent walls in an all-white room are stunning but tricky. The contrast of a bright accent wall against white walls can look very modern and even stark. Balance your strong accent wall color with neutral wall colors on the other walls. Your neutral walls can be gray, or greige, or beige — whatever works best with your accent color.

If you do choose to accent a wall in a white room, soften the contrast with mid-tone accent colors to bridge the difference.

Don't Just Think About Walls

Think about other ways to use an accent wall. Have you considered the ceiling? A chic decorating trend is to add color to the ceiling. This ceiling color can be your accent wall. Accent ceilings can be created with soft colors or even vivid colors. White crown molding helps separate the wall color from the ceiling and creates a stylish look.

Do Choose the Right Wall

Home By Polly

Be purposeful when picking your accent wall. Rooms without an architectural feature can benefit from an accent wall, especially one with texture. A wall of windows can also be your accent wall, but be mindful that a dark accent color surrounding windows can create a bright light effect and overwhelm the room.

Don't Forget About Wallpaper

Common wallpaper is a gorgeous choice for accent walls. The latest temporary wallpapers can give you a designer look without a long-term commitment. Look for wallpaper with pretty designs and colors for a chic style. For renters, temporary wallpaper is a clever way to personalize your home.

Still not sure which color to choose? Take our short personality quiz and learn which color palette is right for you!

26 Affordable Accent Wall Ideas That Look Expensive

26 Affordable Accent Wall Ideas That Look Expensive

By Diana Hathaway Timmons

and

Lacey Ramburger

Lacey Ramburger

Lacey Ramburger is a personality expert specializing in Zodiac, Myers-Briggs, and the Enneagram.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 12/23/22

The Spruce / Marty Baldwin

If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to make a big impact in any space, an accent wall is the answer. Forget the "one red wall" style of accent walls from several years ago; accent walls have gone creative. Color is the least expensive and easiest way to create an accent wall, but there are many other stylish ways to customize your space without breaking your decor budget. Check out these stylish and affordable accent wall ideas that will make your space look more expensive.

Watch Now: This Paint Roller Instantly Gives You Custom Wallpaper

Why is textured textured wall paint good?

Interior paint texture can be obtained in a variety of shades and colors to give any room an attractive look. The subtle texture applied to the walls is eye-catching.

Photo Source: iStock

Textured paint solves some problems with the surface of the walls and gives them an impressive beauty. Of particular interest is paint as a material for creating a focal wall. Wall texturing can be easily achieved using pre-textured paints or standard interior paint using unique application techniques with special tools and textured additives. nine0003

Photo Source: https://homebnc. com/best-interesting-wall-design-ideas/

Texture paint, unlike flat paint, has a slightly grungy and uneven look that adds character and rustic appeal to walls, much more better than wallpaper or any type of paint. To get a textured look to walls, you can trade simple flat paint swatches for a focal wall with great textures. Textured focal walls can give a bedroom shade, depth, and structure in a beautiful and unique way. nine0003

Photo Source: iStock

Texture patterns can be anything from subtle and artistic to unpretentious or intricate, offering results so appealing that the focal wall looks like a work of art. Here are some ways to add interest to a particular wall using wall paint texture.

Photo Source: iStock

Mosaic Texture

A bright and airy room can be given a playful touch with the skillfully placed mosaic mosaic above the focal wall. The color texture from floor to ceiling will give your bedroom a unique aesthetic look. To achieve a tiled wall texture pattern, combination texture application techniques can be used where comb tools or stencils are used to create patterns such as zigzags, checkerboards, wavy lines, or swirls in wet paint to achieve the desired effect. nine0003

Photo Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/388505905357531611/

Loft wall

Textured rustic style wall paints with a metallic sheen can give a room an industrial, raw look Industrial design has gained popularity where contrasting whimsical layers textures can help bring out the bright and rustic design of a room. The rag can also be used to create a durable look on the wall, just dip the rag into the paint, wring out the excess paint and roll it along the wall for a great uneven look. nine0003

Photo Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/384494886928423403/

Brick texture

Brick is and will always be a classic favorite texture for bedroom walls. A classic brick wall created with textured wall paints adds depth and dimension to the focal wall. Faux brick texture can be created by applying a brick-like pattern to the focal wall using a stencil roller that can be dipped in thick paint and then rolled over the wall. nine0003

Photo Source: https://www. pinterest.com/pin/389842911489499509/

Marble texture

Italian marble or stone stucco can create a stunning Victorian or Mediterranean look, giving a spacious bedroom a more peaceful and modest vibe. The result looks rich, clean and comfortable. The marble texture can be achieved through the brushing process, where a glaze is applied to the wall, on which a plastic sheet is then placed before it dries. After removing this leaf, a marble pattern can be obtained, which is sure to attract the attention of the viewer. nine0003

Photo Source: https://homebnc.com/best-interesting-wall-design-ideas/

Fabric texture

In bedrooms with lighter tones on the walls, a high-contrast fabric-shaped textured focal wall that creates a velvety touch, can create a sense of warmth and coziness in a space. The texture of the fabric can be obtained through the wiping technique, where a paint-soaked foam roller is applied or rolled onto the wall to create textured patterns. nine0003

Photo Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/188236459404364845/

Wood Texture

Classic wood texture is considered the most versatile finishing touch that can add a simple visual appeal to a bedroom. By creating a wood grain on the focal wall of the bedroom using the best textured wall paints, a wood effect can be achieved, giving the bedroom depth and style. To achieve the wood grain effect, the tool is used to texture the base layer to get the effect of faux wood. nine0003

Photo Source: https://nashaotdelka.ru/vnutrennjaja/okracka/tehnuka/1783-imitaciya-dereva-kraskami

Smoky texture

Call it smoky or velvety, this paint texture design will bring your entire space to life. The wall texture is nothing short of a masterpiece, perfect for your bedroom or living room wall. A smoky textured wall provides a double decorative space, both in color and texture. And the good news is that you can achieve this eye-catching design yourself using a piece of sponge. Simply choose a base color of your choice, paint the wall with it, dip a sponge in a contrasting color, and make circular patterns on the wall clockwise and counterclockwise. The result will be amazing! nine0003

Photo source: https://living.iprima.cz/obyvaci-pokoj/jak-patinovat-steny-zasly-vzhled-jako-ze-zamku-vytvorite-snadno-potrebujete-jen-vodu-a

Striped texture

Stripes are forever and this wall texture design never goes out of style. Lines of your favorite colors running straight from ceiling to baseboard are perfect for rooms of all sizes and styles, especially bedrooms. Why just straight vertical stripes? You can also add a dash of style to your space with a horizontal striped or two tone chevron wall texture. Just decide how many colors you want in your room. Since this is a precision job, we recommend that you do not do it yourself and hire craftsmen instead. nine0003

Photo Source: Ralph Lauren Paint

Tribal Texture

If you love ethnic styles for everything around you, you should also experiment with this wall painting texture design. With countless stencils and stamps available on the market, you can choose which wall texture you want your special wall to be dressed up on. When your special wall is covered in phenomenal floral or ethnic patterns, you will feel delighted all the time. So start looking for stamps and stencils until you find your favorite. nine0003

Photo source: http://domkraski.ru/trend/chem-obrabotat-i-okrasit-planken-iz-listvennicy/

Dense coating

Due to its dense consistency, textured paint allows covering and filling multiple cracks and other defects in the finish walls. Due to the fact that the textured paint is applied in a dense layer, it does not require finishing or leveling the walls. Paint bases can be made from different components. The first option is water-dispersion paint, which is resistant to chemical detergents and, accordingly, easy to clean, hypoallergenic. nine0003

Photo source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/305189312228482684/

If the surface is glossy, then you should beware of using hard sponges and abrasives. Mineral textured paint, created from lime and cement, is considered the most environmentally friendly, which makes it easier to use indoors. Acrylic paint with a polymer base provides the greatest variability in relief. It is also highly breathable, making it an excellent choice for wet areas. nine0003

Photo Source: Ralph Lauren Paint

Pro Tip:

Try painting patterns on a small section of a wall or piece of wood to see what the texture pattern looks like. Do not go directly to the wall to avoid incorrect constructions and mistakes. Textured wall paints can create an atmosphere of drama and illusion in the bedroom, making the feature of the wall stand out and impress. Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are many ways that textured wall art can be used to turn a bedroom into a masterpiece without spending a fortune. All you need is a little creativity and the right texturing technique to make that particular wall stand out and grab the audience's attention. nine0085

Photo source: https://www. pinterest.com/pin/787144841105014537/

Chapter 1. Using paint in interior design. Renovation and design of a three-room apartment

There is one finish that can do more than just change the look of a room, it can change the whole atmosphere. Paint allows you to be creative and even adventurous. The range of colors is almost limitless - and even an amateur can experiment with interesting touches, like painting one wall in a room a different color than the rest. You will soon find that your confidence is gradually growing and you will use paint to transform furniture, tiles and even floors. nine0003

Take a look around the shelves in any decorating store and you'll see an intimidating variety of paint types. However, in all this diversity, some common features can be identified and briefly explained how these types of paints work.

Any paint consists of a pigment (which gives it color), binders (which make it adhere to the surface) and a solution of water or alcohol, depending on whether the paint is oil or latex. It will also contain chemicals that speed up the drying process and possibly fillers that will extend its life. nine0003

For interior painting, you need to understand the difference between oil based paint and latex paints (water based). Basically, oil paint has a high resin content, and after drying, it is very durable and shiny. This makes it ideal for surfaces such as wood and metal that need extra protection from impact and water. Matte latex paint dries to a more matte finish, is less expensive than oil paint, and is therefore more suitable for walls and ceilings. Buying good painting tools will allow you to achieve professional quality work. nine0003

Primers and sealants

Some surfaces may need to be primed or sealed prior to painting to achieve a better finish and paint a larger area. Primers create a more uneven surface, which allows the paint to set better. Then it is easier to cover materials such as fiberboard and wood. Sealants add an impervious layer to a surface (such as plaster or wood) that prevents "leaks" on your painted surface. There are different types of primers and sealers, so it's best to get the advice of a sales assistant at a home improvement store and then follow the manufacturer's recommendations. nine0003

Tips for the perfect finish

• Buy good brushes. They won't leave stubble on the surface and will last longer if you take good care of them.

• If you are painting a large area, use a roller to cover more quickly. A medium pile sleeve is optimal for water-based paints, and a short pile sleeve is optimal for oil-based paints. The rollers for radiators have a smaller diameter in order to be able to push them into the narrow places of the radiator. nine0003

• Try to paint in natural light whenever possible. Sometimes artificial lighting doesn't give you a good opportunity to see if you've painted a wall evenly.

• If you need to stop painting until the next day, wrap the rollers and brushes in a cloth or bag and put them in the refrigerator.

Maintenance of painted surfaces: Surfaces painted with matt latex paints must be cleaned carefully as the paint may be rubbed off. It is usually possible to remove marks from small areas, such as around doorknobs and light switches, with mild cleaners. Specialty paints for bathrooms and kitchens are somewhat more durable, while oil paints such as gloss and satin wood can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth and a little mild detergent. nine0003

Oil paints

Oil paints with a huge variety of colors and compositions can be used to finish a wide variety of materials, so now they are more popular than ever before. Usually due to their high resin content and durable glossy finish, they are still widely used for painting joinery - baseboards, window frames and doors, but they can also be used on tiles and melamine. However, the age of ubiquitous dazzling white baseboards and doors has passed. Instead of being in the shadow of the walls, modern woodwork has its own energy and virtues. The new colors allow you to create lively contrasts with surrounding painted surfaces or choose a more subtle version of a given tone. nine0003

There are several different types of oil paint, each designed for a specific application or finish. All of these paints are alcohol-based, so they are insoluble in water. This means that instead of water, you will have to clean your brushes with turpentine.

Variety of oil paints

• Liquid Gloss: is most commonly used on wood and metal and requires an undercoat. Hiding power - approx. 17 m 2 /litre.

• Satin . Being less shiny, this more delicate finish than glossy is good for carpentry and does not require an undercoat. Coverage approx. 17 m 2 /litre.

• Sealed glossy paint. It has a sticky jelly-like texture so it doesn't drip (useful for painting doors). It does not require an undercoat, but you must still prime the white wood before using it. Hiding power - approx. 12–15 m 2 /litre.

• Paint and primer in one. It covers most surfaces in one coat, but is creamier than sealer paint. Hiding power: approx. 10 m 2 /litre.

• Semi-gloss oil paint. Offers a smooth but less shiny finish than satin, but is less durable and harder to maintain. Usually you will need to apply two coats, but no undercoat is needed. Coverage approx. 16 m 2 /litre.

Latex paints

From shades of white or cool blue to bright orange or deep chocolate, latex paint (water-based paint) can transform any room in minutes. Of all the finishing materials, it is the most simple and exciting to experiment with. The major paint manufacturers are now releasing more colors than ever before, but if you want to be sure to paint the walls in your bedroom the exact same shade as your lipstick, you can do it. Simply take a sample to a large interior decorating store to use the computer to match the paint shade you want, and then look at a sample of that paint. Always buy a little more paint than you think you'll need and dilute it right away to avoid the slightest variation in the final finish color. nine0003

Your choice of finishes comes down to aesthetics and practicality. If you're not too concerned about whether this surface will be easy for you to clean, you can freely choose a matte or satin finish. A smooth matte finish is perfect for antique furniture when you need to show its age. Many companies now produce a special range of traditional colors for this purpose. Higher glossy surfaces are more suitable for modern rooms and are more practical when it comes to cleaning. nine0003

Variety of latex paints

• Vinyl matte latex. It requires no undercoat and is the most popular choice for walls and ceilings, creating a smooth matte finish that will hide many wall imperfections. Coverage: 14-15 m 2 /litre.

• Vinyl satin latex. This is a satin finish, ideal for walls that have to be cleaned (eg children's rooms).

• Thick latex paint. Available in matte or glossy finish. This paint is produced in a tray, ready to be applied by roller. It is useful for painting ceilings, as the thicker texture reduces dripping. Coverage: 12 m 2 /litre.

SPECIAL PAINTS

Thanks to the many television programs on interior design, we have all experimented more with paint. This, in turn, gave impetus to the creation of special-purpose paints that facilitate the process of updating an apartment. From melamine kitchen furniture to avocado-colored bathroom tiles, as well as those surfaces that themselves carry a certain fashion message, paint can hide a lot of defects. nine0003

Glamor has come to the world of interior design. Looking back at the 1980s, few people dreamed of adding shine to their walls, but at the beginning of the 21st century, there is a huge interest in shiny and spacious interiors, and latex-painted shelves in stores are proof of this. Those who are not as glamorous have opted for neutral terracotta hues and textures in the paints, which makes for quite a pretty finish. Now with the help of paint and a brush, you can achieve a suede or denim effect. The choice is almost unlimited. nine0003

Variety of special colors

• Anti-condensation paint. Suitable for rooms where there is steam, due to its moisture resistance.

• Tile paint. Use two coats of tile primer to coat old bathroom and kitchen wall tiles.

• Melamine paint. Ideal for transforming old built-in wardrobes in bedrooms and kitchens. Use with primer.

• Floor paint . It can be used on wood flooring, concrete, stone or brick to create a durable high gloss finish. Dries within 16 hours.

• Finishes and glazes. They help you achieve everything from suede effect to textured walls and woodwork - you just paint them with a brush.

WARM COLORS

Picking a paint color can become even more enjoyable and exciting if you understand that the world of color can be divided into two halves - warm and cold. Refer to the color wheel and you will immediately see how it can be divided: one half - warm colors - red / yellow side, the other - cool colors - blue / green side. All this, of course, is based on the human perception of color and the psychological effect that color has on people. Color affects mood, and people have been exploiting this property for a long time. Consider that dining rooms (kitchens) are traditionally painted a warm rich red. Why? Because it looks amazing by candlelight, and the warm feeling it creates also lifts the spirits of guests and keeps them at the table. In addition, it is believed that the red color stimulates appetite. nine0003

So if your room is, for example, on the shady side of the house and receives cool lighting, paint it in sunny shades of orange, red and gold. You will feel how much more comfortable it will become. Warm colors can create a friendlier entryway.

You can also use warm paint colors to balance out imperfections in a room, making it look more visually correct. Warm colors create the visual effect of space, so if the room is long and narrow, try painting its end walls a warm color to "make it shorter." If the ceiling appears too high, painting the ceiling a warmer color than the walls will make it look lower. Choose a wall color that will complement the color of the furniture in the room. nine0003

COOL COLORS

The cool side of the color wheel consists of blues, greens and purples, although purple can be warm or cool depending on the ratio of red and blue used to create it (blue-violet looks cold, red-violet looks warm).

As a rule, people are more inclined to add a warmer tone to a room than vice versa, but do not neglect the blue and green sides of the color wheel, as these colors can create subtly sophisticated and calm interiors. The association with the color of the sea, sky, and nature helps endow shades of blue and green with a calming ability, which may explain why they are often used in hospitals. nine0003

Recently, a fresh palette of mint - even lime - green and purple has come back into fashion, and these combinations have appeared in every room of the modern home - from the bathroom to the kitchen and living room. Cool colors work well in most interiors - as long as the lighting the room receives is warm enough to balance them out.

If your room doesn't get enough natural light, opt for warmer tones. But if she's basking in the sun most of the day, you can experiment with cool pastels and still create a welcoming and cozy room. nine0003

Use the fact that cold shades visually remove space to make a small narrow space look bigger. You can make a low ceiling look taller by painting it a cooler color than the walls. There are many options - of course, you can get more creative than just choosing a neutral white.

COLOR COMBINATIONS

Colors located on opposite sides of the color wheel are considered contrasting. Those that lie on the same side are called harmonious. nine0003

If you choose paint as your finish, you need to use it with taste and confidence, and this is where the color wheel comes in handy. It is a useful tool for successfully matching paint colors in any interior, as it can also be divided into warm and cool colors. The color wheel can be used to suggest a variety of color combinations.

Contrast patterns

Colors that lie on opposite sides of the circle are called contrasting. Using a color scheme of two contrasting colors, such as blue and orange, is never a loser: it creates a lively vibrating effect, but be careful not to use both colors in equal proportions. Instead, let one dominate this scheme. nine0003

Harmonious circuits

Colors that lie on the same side of the color wheel are called harmonious colors. Blue and green or yellow and red are popular harmonious combinations. Using harmonious cool colors will make a small room feel more spacious, while a large room will feel more peaceful when decorated with harmonious warm colors such as gold and red.

Single color schemes

If you're still worried about mixing and matching your paint colors, why not consider a single color scheme? This means not using the same color throughout the room, but using different tones of the same color on walls, floors, fixtures and furniture.

Accent colors

All schemes will benefit from a third accent color used rationally in the room. It can be a harmonious or contrasting color - the choice is yours. Experiment with swatches of each color to see how a splash of a third color affects the character of a room, often bringing it to life. nine0003

Color samples can help you choose shades.

combination

The beauty of paint lies in its versatility and the fact that it is the perfect backdrop for any finish. Choose the right color and paint type to complement other surfaces and the style or mood of the room.

Paint and wallpaper

As wall decor, paint and wallpaper is a practical combination that allows you to add a pattern and perhaps a different color without being limited to a floor-to-ceiling wallpapered room. nine0003

In a traditional style, think of the effect of wallpapering up to the batten protecting the walls from being damaged by chair backs, and then painting the bottom of the walls. Not only will this add interest to the walls, but it will also be a more practical choice, as you can refresh your paint whenever it gets scratched and still keep your more expensive wallpaper in order.

A more modern approach to paint and wallpaper combinations is to wallpaper or paint the entire wall to create a different yet contrasting backdrop for one area of ​​the room. This was done mainly as a reaction to making the living space planning more open, allowing you to define one area of ​​a large space (like a dining room, say) and create different moods. nine0003

Paint and natural materials

Wood, slate and stone work well in any interior. They can be combined with almost any color, although you need to take into account the shade of the natural material when choosing a paint.

Pine tones work well with golds, but a patch of contrasting color may be needed to prevent the yellow from becoming too dominant.

Dark woods, such as red, work well with rich reds and yellows, but be careful not to make the color scheme too dark. As a rule, matte paint finishes are more successful when combined with wood and stone, rather than sparkling glass. nine0003

Metal and glass paint

A room dominated by glass and metal is likely to have a modern look. Or maybe it's a kitchen with steel appliances and glass shelving. In any interior, paint will work well, offering exactly the color or texture you need.

For a fresh, minimalist look, choose a variation of white or, for something more interesting, a rich decorative shade for the walls. nine0003

Variety of colors and their application

Liquid glossy

Applications. Most commonly used on wood and metal to create a lustrous, durable finish that is water resistant and cleans well with mild cleaners. Requires an undercoat.

Oil based gloss paint

Applications. Less shiny, more delicate finish than glossy. Satin paint is good for woodwork, such as mantels, interior baseboards, and window sills. Does not require an undercoat. nine0003

Semi-matte. Medium Gloss Oil Based

Applications. Good for antique furniture where high gloss paint would look too "new". Semi-matte paint creates a less shiny finish than satin paint, but is less durable and harder to clean. Usually you will need to apply two coats, but no undercoat is needed.

Matte Vinyl Latex Paint (Water Based)

Applications. nine0101 The most popular choice for walls and ceilings, giving a smooth matte finish that hides many of the imperfections that walls have. The choice of colors is almost unlimited. You can choose from ready-made colors (usually trendy and “more traditional” colors), or you can take advantage of the fact that some manufacturers make paint mixing machines installed in decor stores that offer a wider selection of shades and colors.

Water Based Vinyl Silk Latex Paint

Applications. The silky finish makes it suitable for walls that need regular cleaning, such as walls in kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and children's rooms. It reflects light better than a matte surface, but this means that it also showcases any imperfections in the wall surface to a greater extent.

Tile paint

Applications. To change the color of kitchen and bathroom tiles, use paint over two coats of primer to sand down old kitchen and bathroom wall tiles. It's a good, economical way to transform a room, but the surface won't last long in areas where the tile is subject to heavy wear, such as in a shower stall. If the tiles have an embossed pattern, it will be visible under the new paint. nine0003

Floor paint

Applications. Wear resistant oil based paint. It can be used on plank flooring, concrete, stone or brick to give a durable sheen that looks great in modern and stylized rural interiors. At the moment, the color range is quite limited, but the clear favorites are the classic white and black paints. It takes 16 hours to dry.

Primer

Applications. Pre-coat for paint. A primer is applied to a surface such as bare wood, metal or plaster to reduce its absorbency. This means that when you then paint the surface with your chosen finishing paint, you need to apply less paint, saving you money and time. You can make your own primer by diluting your chosen topcoat with water or thinner (depending on whether the topcoat is water-based or alcohol-based). But it is often cheaper to buy a ready-made primer. nine0003

Varnish

To protect the colorful finish, you need to coat it with two coats of lacquer. Three types of varnish are available: matte, satin and glossy. Any of them are suitable. Only you choose how shiny you want the finished surface to be. After applying the first layer, let it dry. Then gently rub it with wet and dry sandpaper, soaking it in water. If you remove some paint, simply reapply it before applying a second coat of varnish. nine0003

Paintable finishes

If the idea of ​​mixing oil paints and glazes intimidates you, don't worry. Manufacturers have recognized the need to provide an easier and faster option. These are, for example, water-based translucent diluted paints that can be used from a can for application with a sponge, rag or water emulsion. Paints create the effect of wood waste, the effect of metal on walls, wood or metal and even spray paints that create a stone effect finish. nine0003

TRADITIONAL PAINT EFFECTS

Ever since people first used paint to decorate a wall, they have been experimenting with different effects.

The key here is choosing the right paint color for your base coat, glaze or stencil - avoid anything too bright. You want to give the impression that the paint has faded and softened over time. This doesn't mean you should limit yourself to the typical Victorian color palette of bright reds and greens. The Georgian palette, for example, was pastel and calm. Look for subtle colors, even with a matte finish. nine0003

Watercolor effect

This technique creates a calm finish that looks functional, no matter how vigorous or delicate your coloring style is. You can use this effect in all but the most formal rooms.

On a stuccoed wall, delicate pinks and terracotta hues create an informal rural feel, perfect for a country kitchen. On a smooth surface, the watercolor paint effect adds texture and depth of color that you can't achieve with paint alone. Choose golden yellows for a welcoming living room and soft reds, pinks or browns for a warm, relaxing dining room. nine0003

Drawing

This effect is ideal for period furniture, creating a traditional look with a softer finish than plain paint can give. However, this is not a suitable finish for uneven walls, as the bristle lines will be distorted. It works especially well as a finish below the slat to protect walls from chairs and on doors and can be varnished for added protection.

First paint the wall with vinyl silk latex paint - white is fine. Then apply the colored glaze using a 15 cm drawing brush, moving from the top of the wall to the bottom as smoothly as possible. Use a 15 cm dry scribble brush to apply the glaze, again working in long even strokes from top to bottom. Do one strip at a time until you have painted the entire wall. nine0003

Marble finish

One of the oldest decorative techniques, marbled finish is considered to be an imitation finish, as it gives the impression that the surface is made of different materials, in this case marble. To achieve a convincing effect, you need to study the properties and color of the real material, or at least some good photographs of it. You don't need to be a slave to reality, just a little artistic skill when working with color, but make the base coat, glaze and veining similar enough in terms of color and intensity to make the final effect more harmonious. Apply a base coat of white oil paint. Mix colored glaze and paint to create veins. Soften the edges with a sponge and swipe with a dry brush to blend everything. Make the frosting a little darker by adding more color and repeat the process. Finish by going over the surface with a dry brush. nine0003

When doing this finish, remember the golden rule: only do it on surfaces that are actually made from this material. If you're going to marble an entire wall, consider subdividing it into panels, then defining the edges with an art brush, and then a deeper tone of glaze.

Antique finish

Sometimes the updated original paint doesn't look quite right. When you want to create a house that looks like it has been lived in for centuries by generations of your family, your furniture and woodwork need to be given that same aura. This is where antique finishes work well, which look like the wood has been worn down over the years by generations of people. nine0003

First paint a semi-gloss base coat, then cover it with colored glaze. Before it dries, use steel wool to scrape off some of the glaze in areas that tend to get the most wear, then finish it off with a coat of matt acrylic lacquer. A similar look can be achieved by using base and top coats of different colors of latex paint, then finishing the surface immediately after drying with antique steel wool or even an old set of wrenches for a more worn look. nine0003

Decorative squares

A light painted wall is the perfect base for additional decor, especially at a focal point such as the wall above a sofa. Draw one large square, or perhaps four smaller ones, with a ruler and seal the edges with low-tack tape. You may need to make a border around each square for extra emphasis, in which case you will need to draw another line around each square and tape the edges as well. nine0003

Simple painted squares look very expressive, but if the rest of the room is plain you might also consider decorating each square with a simple stamp or stencil. Try not to make the drawing too busy.

Become a designer

Why spend a fortune on expensive canvases when you can create your own art right on the walls? You don't have to be a great artist to get amazing results. Choose a few matte latex colors that work well together, perhaps three or four colors from the same paint swatch. Draw your "canvas" on the wall and paint it with one of your chosen colors. Next, paint a stripe of the second color near the top of the painting and soften the edges with a brush dipped in water. Add one or two more stripes of different colors, again softening and blurring the edges with water. nine0003

Stencils and dies

Sometimes a simple wooden surface just needs some extra decoration. Stencils and stamps are ideal in these situations. They allow you to add a pattern and bring out the theme of a room, while maintaining control over the colors, design, and amount of pattern you use in a way that finished pattern finishes, such as wallpaper, could not.

Stencils and stamps are two of the oldest decorative techniques - and at the same time the simplest. Make your own stencil designs by copying or drawing designs and cutting them out of stencil paper or acetate, or if you don't have the time or special desire, you can buy ready-made stencils from arts and crafts centers, as well as special stencil paint and brushes, to make your job easier. You can also buy ready-made stencils, but why not remember your school days and try making simple potato shapes? Simply cut the potato in half, then cut out the embossed stamp, trimming the edges to form the shape. It's much nicer! nine0003

The stencil finishes that have often been used in recent years have been quite limited and costly - a garland of flowers running along the frame of a picture, or endless clusters of grapes that have been repeated at the level of a chair batten throughout the room. The stencils and dies of the 21st century are designed to be simpler and used more boldly, though in some respects with greater limitations.

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