Decorative Painting Techniques: Washing

The “washing” technique is most often used to create an old world feel, a cozy country look, or a rustic cabin effect.

Washing technique is a simple, subtle way to bring texture to your room. Although it works best with warm, natural, earthy colors, you can make any colors work with a little know how and a little practice. Careful layering of different colors will achieve the best results. Using two colors will create a soft, subtle effect, but the more layers you apply the more you will enhance the depth and texture of the room. Prepping the surface is the first step. Make sure walls have been patched or repaired as necessary and make sure they are clean and ready to accept paint. Any interior paint is suitable, but latex is the easiest to work with.

Prime the walls if necessary, using a primer that has the same base as your paint. For instance, if you have chosen a latex paint use a latex primer. Following the manufacturer’s guidelines, allow the primer to dry completely then apply the base coat. You must also allow the base coat to dry sufficiently, preferably overnight. When dry prepare to wash on your second color.

You will need to thin your paint with water. If you are using semi gloss, try one part water to three parts paint, and if you choose flat paint try one part water to one part paint. You may need to make slight adjustments until you reach the desired consistency. There are two basic methods for washing. You can either wash or wipe the color on in a swirling motion with a clean, soft rag that does not produce a lot of lint, or you can apply it with a brush using a cross hatch pattern and moving in all directions.

Be careful not to coat the area too heavily, as you want the base coat to show through. When this layer is dry, apply the next one in the same manner. Some people choose to apply the third color while the second coat is still wet, creating a blended effect. This can be done if using a monochromatic color scheme, but is not recommended when using colors with high contrast. The colors will mix together and may create shades that you will not find appealing.

A monochromatic scheme is one that consists of various shades of the same color, like a beige base coat with taupe and caramel layers. Or, you may want to use different shades of reds. Make sure each shade is different enough to provide at least some contrast, by choosing a light, a medium, and a dark shade of the color so there will be enough of an impact, but at the same time the colors will blend well.

It is always best to try out the technique on a practice board before attempting it on your walls. This is an especially good idea if you intend to apply another coat while one coat is still wet. This way you can see how well the colors will blend and what effect it will create.

Once you finish the final layer, take some time to decide if you are happy with the results. If not, you can go back and add a few swipes here and there until you attain the look you want. When you have achieved the desired result and the final layer is thoroughly dry, you may want to add a clear top coat to protect the finish.

(Featured article from: Home and Interior Improvement Textbook)