Do you have walls with a lot of imperfections? Maybe you tried to remove old wallpaper and your walls were left damaged after that process? Faux wall treatments are a great way to restore beauty to your walls, at a minimal cost.
The technique I will discuss here requires lightweight joint compound, a large 12″ taping knife, wallpaper brush, and a small brush with the bristles cut short. If you would like to add your paint to the compound you may do so before starting the job. I normally just paint the walls after the joint compound has cured.
Prepare your walls by removing light switch and outlet covers. I would strongly recommend taping your woodwork around the doors, floors, and tape your ceiling. This will save clean up time after the technique has been completed. Make sure you use drop cloths to protect your floors. This project could be a little messy.
If you are going to add your paint before your begin, make sure you add it to the entire amount of compound you will be using. This will help to ensure your color remains consistent throughout the process. Make sure you mix it well. You might want to use a drill with a special piece attached just for mixing paint and similar liquids.
If you are not adding paint, your joint compound will typically dry white with a chalky sheen. I would recommend painting the walls once the compound has dried completely. This will make it easier to clean and will help protect the walls.
Work in sections sizes that you will be able to comfortably manage. I would apply the joint compound in small sections, run the brush through it and then move to the next section, unless there are more than one person doing the technique with you. It would be perfect to have one person apply the compound while the other one creates the texture.
You will begin by coating your surface with the joint compound. You will be using the tape knife to apply the compound to your walls. Skim the coat on the wall in a relatively thin fashion. It does not have to be perfect, but you do not want it to be thicker in some areas than in others. If you maintain consistency at this point you will obtain a nicer look.
The next step calls for the wallpaper brush to be used. Again, remember to work in small sections. Start from the top of the wall near a corner, pulling the brush from the ceiling down past the middle of the wall. Clean out the brush and proceed to repeat this technique, but this time you will start at the bottom pulling the brush up to meet and blend in the middle where you left off.
Use the small brush with the cut bristles when you need to fit in to tight spots. It is also a good tool to use when you are trying to fit in to the corners. It may also be used to clean up any access joint compound.
I would recommend allowing the joint compound to dry completely for at least 24 hours before you paint it. If you have added the paint already to the compound, still allow for drying time before you hang pictures and other home decor items to your walls.
If you are in doubt about being able to complete this technique in a pleasing manner,
go through the extra expense of buying practice boards. This treatment is harder to correct than just painting. I cannot say all you have to do is re-paint it. That will not do the trick. Practice before moving to your walls. You will be glad you did.
Amy
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