Gilda and Dianne are ready to begin working on the walls. But first, here are some hints that may prove helpful: - After the walls have been primed (step 2), the technique works better if you have an assistant.
- You can use a roller to apply the paint and paste mixture (step 4), but if you do, use one with a very low nap.
- When you start the stippling and ragging process (steps 5, 6 and 7), work fast and in small areas.
Materials:
Water-based primer
Gel-type wallpaper paste
Brown matte latex
Chocolate-brown satin latex
Plastic mixing containers
4" nylon brushes
Cotton rags (lint-free)
Nylon gloves Steps: - If making a drastic color or tone change, it's helpful to tint the primer by mixing in a small amount of the wall color (figure A)
- Apply a coat of primer and let dry.
- Mix 2 parts wallpaper paste and 1 part paint. It isn't necessary to measure -- just eyeball the amounts. It should have the consistency of pudding (figure B).
- Using a large brush, apply the mixture to an area approximately 16" by 16".
- Still using the same brush, immediately begin stippling over the wet mixture. To do this, "pounce" the end of the brush up and down over the entire area.
- Use a cotton rag to begin the ragging-off process. First fold the cloth in one hand so that all the ends are tucked in (otherwise they would drag in the paint and spoil the effect). Then apply the cloth to the painted area and pick it straight up, moving some of the paint off (figure C).
- Continue over the entire area, turning the cloth as you work so that you're always using a new part of its surface. As the rag absorbs the paint, keep refolding it to expose more clean cloth. Try to work in circular motions as you rag.
- Continue applying areas of paint to the wall, overlapping the previously ragged areas as necessary -- you or your assistant can always rag over the seams to blend them in. When you get to chair rails or molding, make sure the tape is firmly pressed down so you can work right over it without getting paint on the trim.
- When the first coat has dried completely, mix a second coat of paste and paint, this time using equal amounts of each.
- Repeat the process of applying, stippling and ragging off. This second coat adds depth and richness to the walls. It also smoothes out the look and fills in any gaps left in the pattern.
After the upper walls are finished, the team turns to the lower walls, beneath the chair rail. The chair rail is still taped off, but they decide to cover the moldings below it with dark-brown paint to create a more uniform look (figure D). The base moldings, however, are also taped and will remain white. Apply a coat of paint to the lower walls, let it dry completely, then add a second coat.
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