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Effects > Colour
Washing
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Colour washing
is a versatile technique worth mastering because it
can be painted onto bare wood, furniture and walls.
The effect is achieved by brushing on the glaze and
once the glaze is slightly dry, using a cloth gently
moving in a criss-cross motion to produce an even
paint effect.
The technique can change dramatically with the choice
of colour. For a subtle effect choose pastel shades
of acrylic emulsion to paint the wall and use a mixed
glaze one or two shades darker to colour wash the
walls to achieve a soft diffused appearance. If you
are more adventurous, use contrasting colours. For
example, paint a warm yellow on the wall and colour-wash
with a burnt orange glaze to give texture and depth.
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RECIPE: refer to how to mix classic
colour glaze |
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INGREDIENTS: Acrylic emulsion paint for basecoat – classic colour glaze – bowl to mix paint – wooden spoon – emulsion paint for glaze – large soft paint brush – decorator tape – sheet to protect floor – cheese cloth – 4-5 inch paint brush – ladder – two people |
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LEVEL OF EXPERTISE: 2 stars
1 star = extremely simple, 5 stars = not so straightforward |
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TIME REQUIRED: For a beginner 5 minutes to master the effect. For a wall of 2.5m x 3m approximately 1.5 hours. |
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SUITABLE AREAS: Most large wall. Looks wonderful when combined with flat painted walls because it really accentuates the textures effect. |
TECHNIQUE
Step 1: Using low tack decorator tape mask around the skirting, sidewalls and ceiling. This is necessary because working time needs to be fast to work with the glaze before it dries.
Step 2: Paint the basecoat with acrylic emulsion and leave to dry overnight.
Step 3: Prepare the glaze by mixing one part coloured emulsion with two part classic colour glaze in a pot.
Step 4: Always test your colour glaze by painting a small part of the wall. Practice the technique. Have a cloth and some warm water ready to wash off the glaze if you’re not satisfied. Leave to dry before starting to colour wash.
Step 5: Starting from the top left corner, paint the glaze in 1m wide sections working your way down the wall towards the skirting before working your way across and up towards the ceiling. Keeping the edge of the glaze wet prevents a tide line. Ideally this technique requires two people, one person to paint on the glaze, the other to work the effect.
Step 6: Wipe the wall with the cheese cloth using strokes of different lengths and directions enough to expose the basecoat without removing all of the glaze.
Step 7: The cheese cloth may become saturated with glaze - simply refold and begin to wipe again.
Step 8: Remove the decorator’s tape and leave to dry overnight before replacing furniture.
TIP: Try colour washing on decorative cornice or mouldings in contrasting shades which makes new look like old. You can also use a brush to achieve the same look, the only difference is that the brush strokes are visible.
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