Give your walls character with unique textures that will turn them into works of art. From the subtle wash of color in a colour wash to the fabric-like effect of ragging, there are many ways to add texture and depth to your walls.
Sponging
Nothing refreshes a room quite like a new coat of paint, and one of the most popular painting techniques is sponge painting. This simple application technique offers a range of design options and is ideal for adding texture, depth, and complexity to a wall.
To begin, apply a base layer of paint with a roller or brush, then allow it to dry completely. Make sure the paint is a color that will complement your additional layers; if it mixes with them, it can ruin the patterned effect.
When applying the sponge, choose a natural sponge that has a unique texture. Pouncing (dabbing with gentle pressure) creates a mottled effect, while blending (applying two or more colors to the sponge then gently dabbing them on the canvas) can produce smooth transitions and ethereal effects.
Stippling
Stippling is a painting technique that uses dots to create an image. Different amounts of pressure can be used on the paintbrush or pen to vary the size of the dots, creating a range of textures and shades from dense to sparse.
This is a great option for achieving a natural, organic, and rustic look to your walls. You can apply this texture to any type of paint and it works well with various design styles, from coastal to bohemian or even rustic.
To perform this texture, you will need a sponge roller or a natural sea sponge and your desired paint colour. Wet the sponge and dab it lightly over your wall, avoiding excessive force. The resulting effect mimics the mottled appearance of many natural materials, including stone and coral.
Ragging
The ragging technique is another easy faux painting technique that can be used with a wide range of paints and colours. This technique involves dabbing a bunched up rag or sponge, dipped in glaze onto your wall in a random pattern. This creates a soft mottled effect that can be quite dramatic, particularly when using dark colour over a light base coat.
Other textured painting techniques include stippling and stenciling. Stenciling is a great way to add a geometric design or pattern, while stippling creates a more finely-grained look with alternating small dots and large brush strokes. Another option is to use a textured roller that has raised patterns on its surface to create different textures. These are available in a variety of designs from brick to florals, and can be applied over a basic coloured coat.
Combing
Using combing painting techniques can give your walls an eye-catching texture that will make them stand out. To do this, you will use a wide-toothed comb or other tool to comb through wet paint. This creates a textured pattern that is a perfect accent for any room.
Other creative painting techniques include color washing, stippling, and ragging. These painting styles will help you add unique textures to your walls and transform any space into a one-of-a-kind work of art.
To start, lay down a base coat of paint. Once it is dry, dip a sponge into a different color and dab it over the wall. Repeat this process with several colors until you get the desired look. You can also try combining different techniques for a more complex design!
Textured Rags Swirls
If you want to take your home’s walls beyond a simple color change, try one of the many texture painting techniques. With a little practice, you can transform your rooms with textures that are eye-catching and distinctively your own.
You can purchase textured paints that are ready to use, or you can mix your own using standard latex or acrylic paint. The additives, which are available at most hardware stores, are designed to create different textures and mimic stone, sand or faux finishes.
To achieve a rag rolling texture, first apply a base coat in a neutral or dark color. Then, dampen a clean twisted or bunched-up cloth and roll it over the wall in downward strokes. Keep extra rags handy so you can replace the old ones when they become saturated with paint.