Faux Like a Pro

by Jessica Groach
Face Your Kitchen Columnist

New paint color is a refreshing change. But faux paint finishes add visual interest with texture and depth. Here are some of the most common techniques. First, choose two complementary colors: a base paint color, and a glaze color that's a few shades darker.

Sponging:

Go for interesting textures. A kitchen sponge works, but so does a big sea sponge.

• Paint walls with your background color, and let dry (preferably 24 hours).
• Wet the sponge, and dip it into the glaze color, blotting off excess.
• Dab the sponge onto the wall, continuously reapplying paint. Occasionally rotate the sponge for a varied effect. Less is more, so go for subtle, not showy.

Ragging:

This effect is softly mottled. Choose lint-free cloths like diapers, sheets, towels or potato sacks. Practice this technique before hitting the walls.

• Paint walls with the desired background color and let dry completely.
• Dip a loosely bunched cloth in the tray of glaze paint. Roll cloth or blot evenly across and down the wall. Try re-bunching the cloth to vary the look.

Combing

By dragging a tool through your glaze color, you add geometric texture and depth to a space. Choose a specialty comb from a hardware store, or a window squeegee notched like a comb.

• Paint walls with the desired background color and let dry.
• With a roller soaked in your glaze paint color, roll paint onto the wall.
• Drag your comb or squeegee through the paint, in the exact same direction as the roller. Never stop your comb in mid-stroke.

As with all effects, never stop mid-wall, but step back occasionally to make sure you're getting the look you want. Faux paint finishes will make you look like an artist, and your home, a showpiece.

About the Author
Jessica Groach, a new homeowner herself, is a freelance writer and writing instructor at the University of Nevada, Reno. Her work has appeared in various lifestyle and business publications, including a Warner Business Book, and she has seven years? experience in advertising and television production.