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Do-It-Yourself

Painting Techniques


Fresco Colorwashing

For and old world look. An uneven surface is the goal.

Primer:National primer (W.B)
Base Coat:National Eggshell
Glaze:National Special Effect , Water

Steps:
  1. If your walls have never been painted, prime them and allow the primer to dry 2days.
  2. Using the spackling knife, transfer some of the joint compound to the plasterer's trough. Dip the spackling knife into the compound and scoop up about 2/3 cup. Starting at an upper corner, hold the knife with the compound-filled side flat against the wall and drag it lightly either downward or sideways, off-loading the compound. Spread the compound about 3/8" thick and lave the surface rough.
  3. Reload the spackling knife and repeat, starting adjacent to the section you just completed, laying on the compound in a random, sweeping motion to create cervices.


  4. Let the compound dry. Sand any harsh peaks. Vacuum gently to remove plaster dust. Apply one coat of primer using the high-nap roller. Let it dry 1 - 2 days, depending on the weather.
  5. Apply the base coat using a clean high-nap roller. Let it dry for 2 days.
  6. Mask the ceiling, baseboard, and walls adjacent to where you will begin. Mix one or more colors glaze and pour some of it into the paint try.
  7. Beginning near one top corner and using a paintbrush. Brush some of one color glaze onto the wall in random, crisscross strokes. Using a second paintbrush, loosely brush some of the base coat exposed.
  8. To blend glazes, stroke repeatedly with brush or rotate the brush against the wall to rub the glaze in. Add more of each color to the wall below the area you just covered. Be sure to blend your strokes into previously covered area.


  9. The pale colors impart a light and airy look even to rustic plaster; another palette might evoke an era of antiquity. Note how some of the glazes has been caught in the plaster cervices.


Tips:
  • Keep the compound surface fairly thin. A large buildup of compound could result in later cracking.
  • The compound begins to harden quite quickly, so immediately manipulate each knife to the desired texture.
  • To minimize demarcation lines between the areas of application, work with a partner, each of you working along different edges.
  • Later on, you can always apply a pattern. You can use a stencil or dot the surface with rubber stamp motifs. The image will be soft because of the irregular surface.