Do It Yourself Color Washing
- 1). Select a darker base paint and lighter top coat paint in shades that will harmonize. Look at paint sample cards provided in any retail store that sells interior and exterior paint. The sample cards show color "families" that harmonize, which makes your selection process easier.
- 2). Prepare your wall before painting by removing any paintings or wall hangings. Wash the wall, using lint-free rags, with a mild solution of room-temperature water and liquid dishwashing detergent to eliminate dirt and debris, if needed. Rinse the solution from the wall with water and let dry.
- 3). Brush a coat of the base paint over the wall surface, using a China bristle brush. Allow the paint to dry.
- 4). Mix one part of the top coat paint, one part latex glaze and one part water in a plastic container.
- 5). Moisten a section of the wall approximately 3 feet by 3 feet, using a damp, but not dripping, sponge.
- 6). Dip the damp sponge in the top coat mixture and gently rub it on a section of the damp wall. Work the top coat paint around on the damp wall by making rounded movements with a slightly damp lint-free rag. Fan out the paint edges to create a soft look, using a bristle brush.
- 7). Distribute uneven paint with a dry bristle brush. Gently work the area until paintbrush lines are no longer visible.
- 8). Move to the next section and repeat Steps 5 through 7, continuing the process until the entire wall surface is completed.
- 9). Sponge on a small amount of top coat paint in any spot that needs more color on the completed and fully dried wall. Fan out the damp edges, using a bristle brush. Allow it to dry thoroughly.