Decorating
Simple Faux Painting Techniques Add a Relaxing Feel to Bed and Bath
By
Sep 15, 2005, 01:19

(ARA) - With the hectic lives we all lead, many of us are looking to add some relaxation time to our schedules. We spend money on resorts and exclusive spas, but what about adding a little more relaxation into your home?
According to Donna Schroeder, color specialist with Dutch Boy paints, using the latest faux techniques and colors such as watery blues and pale greens will help turn your own bathroom and bedroom into a haven of relaxation. “Faux techniques are easy to accomplish and will give your room a whole new feel,” says Schroeder. “Plus, faux brings a rich, vibrancy to the rooms in which you spend so much time.”

The following are examples of some of these faux techniques:

* Cloud Technique

Not many experiences compare to a beautiful spring day when white puffy clouds seem to just float across a crisp blue sky. It has the ability to make you feel refreshed. With the Cloud technique faux finish, that same feeling can be obtained every time you step into the bathroom.

The first two steps are as easy as tracing cloud-like shapes on a wall in irregular patterns and applying a light blue color to the wall outside the pattern. Then blend in a second darker blue with a sea sponge. After the initial colors dry, the final step entails applying a small amount of white glaze to the edges of the clouds to act as an accent.

The Cloud technique is wonderful for bathrooms but can also add a great effect to any ceiling or child’s room.

* Frottage Sponging

Another sponging technique to make a wall really stand out is Frottage Sponging. Perfect for the bedroom, this technique yields a very modern, new vogue appeal.

Apply three different colors in two-inch by two-inch areas on the wall. Then take an ordinary sponge and lightly blend the colors together. After blending, take different shapes of torn newspaper and smooth them onto the wall. When you peel off the newspaper you are left with a beautiful, new faux finish.

To add a real sparkle to this finish, try Dimensions Metallics from Dutch Boy. When dry, these finishes are translucent and therefore add an amazing shimmer to whatever base coat is beneath.

* Travertine Marble

The Travertine Marble technique adds a soft feel to a room and is a great faux technique for a bedroom. The look is sophisticated and elegant. To create the Travertine Marble finish, apply three different paint colors in two-inch by two-inch areas, blend them with a sponge, and then finish it off with a white glaze to add dimension and sparkle.

* Diagonal Blend

Take any room to a whole new level with the Diagonal Blend technique. With Dimensions designer colors Satin Keoki Coffee, Polenta, and Indian Tile you can warm up a bedroom with shades of orange, yellow, and brown to give it a cozy feel for when you curl up with your favorite book.

Using a rag roller, take each color and apply it to the wall in a short diagonal pattern. Then use a color washing brush to blend the colors with large sweeping strokes. Repeat these steps over the entire surface of the wall and the finished product will add so much flare that it will look like a giant paint brush swept right across the entire room.

* Granite Stone Wall

Create a classic look in your home with the new Granite Stone Wall technique. With a standard paintbrush apply Old World Plaster finish and the Granite Wall finish to a taped off block pattern on the wall. Next, use the sea sponge to blend the plaster and granite finishes. Finally, remove the tape from the wall and paint in grout lines where the tape had been. Voila, a granite stone wall.

For more information on these and other faux finishes, or to locate a Dutch Boy retailer, log onto www.dutchboy.com, or call (800) 828-5669. Courtesy of ARA Content

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