Painting

Interior Decorative Painting Tips

Granite

Add the character of rough, earth-hewn stone glistening in the sunlight to your walls with this naturally textured finish. Granite Paint features distinctive color depth and intriguing highlights that convey the rugged beauty of the outdoors. This well-worn finish will work well in a living room, den, bedroom...anywhere!

Materials and Tools Needed

Here's everything you'll need for this painting technique.

Valspar® Signature Colors® Granite in desired color Valspar® Signature Colors® Granite Crystals (optional)
Paint Roller with 1 1/4" nap and Paint Tray Painter's Tape and Drop Cloth
Practice Board (optional) Brush  

Paint Technique

Step 1. Granite Crystals are optional. Stir Granite Crystals into Granite Paint for a sparkling effect if desired.

Step 2. Brush a 3 inch border ("cut-in") around the ceiling, floor, trim edges and corners. Note: Do not cut-in around the entire room at once as this can cause a banded appearance. Rather, brush out the edges in sections. This ensures a wet edge during rolling for an even appearance.

Valspar Signature Colors Granite Paint

Step 3. Roll on first coat using a premium quality 1 1/4" nap roller. Work in 3 ft. square sections. Roll a large W. Then, fill in the square. Finish an entire vertical column of 3 ft. sections. When done, roll the full length from floor to ceiling. This will alleviate uneven sections and lap marks. Do not stretch this product. Allow to dry completely, at least 4 hours.

Valspar Signature Colors Granite Paint

Step 4. To apply the second coat, use a premium quality 3" or 4" polyester brush. Basically, you will be applying Granite in a series of overlapping X's. Work in sections, but avoid a "squared off" pattern. Start with larger X's (roughly a foot in length). Then, overlap with smaller X's (about 4-6 inches). Continue to work until the entire wall is covered. Use both the broad width and narrow width (side bristles) of the brush. This will ensure both varying widths and lengths of stroke. Do not be afraid to use multiple strokes on top of each other.

Valspar Signature Colors Granite Paint

Shown in Upperwall: 2118 Sea Agate, Lowerwall: 2121 Mica Stone, Chair Rail: 4007-9B Perfectly Blue

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.

Tips for Success

Try your technique on a practice board before you try it on the walls.

Random, irregular brush strokes are essential to achieve a successful Granite look. Do not follow a set pattern.

Valspar Painting DIY

You've prepped with care. Now we'll show you how to paint with confidence.