Interior Decorative Painting Tips
Add visual texture with Color Washing technique. Add Textured Lime Wash with a color washing brush for more texture. Create an Old World Fresco to soften the areas. For longer open working time and higher sheen, use Valspar Interior Semi-Gloss Enamel as a base coat.
Here's everything you'll need for this painting technique.
| Valspar® Satin Interior Base Coat in desired color | Valspar® Signature Colors® Faux Glaze OR | |
| Valspar® Faux Lime Wash (for Lime Washing) | Valspar® Signature Colors® Faux Tintable Glaze | |
| Paint Roller with 3/8" nap and Paint Tray | Color Washing Brush | |
| Softening Brush (if desired) | Cheesecloth | |
| Painter's Tape and Drop Cloth | Practice Board (optional) |
Step 1. Tape off all areas where you do not want the finish applied. Apply Valspar base coat with a roller to entire surface. Remove tape. Allow to dry overnight.
Step 2. Reapply tape. Use a Color Washing Brush to apply glaze in a 1 ft. x 1 ft. X pattern. Continue brushing in a series of smaller overlapping X's until glaze is completely removed from the brush.
Step 3. Continue applying overlapping X's across the entire wall, working from ceiling to floor. Overlap strokes while glaze is still wet. When you reach a taped-off area, apply glaze to the brush and run a line of glaze right up to the taped edge. Next, using a small X pattern, blend the newly applied glaze into completed sections of the wall. Remove tape within an hour and allow to dry.
Step 1. Tape off all areas where you do not want the finish applied. Apply Valspar base coat with a roller to entire surface. Remove tape. Allow to dry overnight.
Step 2. Use a Color Washing Brush to lightly apply Textured Lime Wash over the base coat. Brush in overlapping X's until the brush needs reloading. Lime Wash dries quickly. Work in a small area and remove any unwanted buildup of Lime Wash immediately with a dry brush. You may also use cheesecloth to blot and soften, eliminating brush marks.
Step 3. Repeat this process across the wall. Occasionally check that you are applying the glaze in a random yet consistent manner. Apply more or less Lime Wash to achieve the look you desire.
Step 1. Repeat step 1 from Lime Washing.
Step 2. Apply the Lime Wash in an X pattern, leaving some space between the Xs for the glaze. When you have brushed most of the Lime Wash from the brush, lightly dip it in the glaze and apply in the same X pattern in the spaces you left open. Continue until you have brushed most of the glaze from the brush. Use the brush to lightly blend the glaze into the Lime Wash while wet.
Step 3. Soften any heavy areas of color or texture with cheesecloth. Continue across the wall. Add more or less Lime Wash or glaze as desired.
Color Wash shown in Base Coat: 3004-8C Lyndhurst Estate Cream, Glaze: 4005-1C Metropolis
Lime Wash shown in Base Coat: 4007-7C Breezy, Glaze: Lime Wash, 4007-8A Blue Eyes
Color Wash shown in Base Coat: 3008-6C Linen Napkin, Glaze: 3008-6A Carolina Inn Crossroads Gold
Lime Wash shown in Base Coat: 6002-3B Paris Mint, Glaze: Lime Wash
Lime Wash shown in Base Coat: 3006-6A Lazy Sun, Glaze: Lime Wash
Color Wash shown in Base Coat: 5005-6B Hanging Vine, Glaze: Taupe
Color accuracy will vary based on monitor and printer calibrations. Please visit your local retailer to view actual color samples before making final painting decisions.
Choose from our pre-mixed colors or have your glaze color custom-tinted at the paint counter.
Try your technique on a practice board before you try it on the walls.
For a simple transformation or quick update, this technique is easy to paint over. No sanding or stripping of the underlying faux finish is needed. Just apply a topcoat of paint and you're done!
For a longer open working time and higher sheen use Valspar Interior Semi-Gloss Enamel as a base coat.
Valspar Faux Clear Mixing Glaze is ideal for rewetting a partly dry edge.
For added color and depth, you can also create an old world fresco finish using Lime Wash and Valspar Translucent Color, Iridescent or Metal and Patina Glazes.
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