Creatively textured walls add visual interest to a living space.
You can make your living environment more visually interesting by using textured paint and materials to create unusual wall surfaces. If you are using a technique that you haven't used before, test it on a small, less visible area to find out how it works and if you like it. Does this Spark an idea?
Sponging
Textured paint effects can be achieved by using a sponge. Because the consistency of paint is not as stiff as plaster, these techniques will create a more subtle textured effect than techniques that use plaster. To create a muted effect, roll paint thickly onto the wall, and press a large sponge into the surface and pull it away, which creates a dappled texture in the paint. Experiment with different sponges and paints to see what effects you can create. A damp sponge will affect the paint differently than a dry sponge. Wiping the sponge across the wall surface creates swirling textures.
Troweling
Apply plaster to the surface of the wall, and use the trowel to experiment with different surfaces. Traditional plaster surfaces are smoothed out with the trowel to create a surface that is free of blemishes and irregularities. Make the wall more interesting by scratching with the tip of the trowel, pressing the trowel directly into the plaster and pulling it away, or running it over the wall surface at an angle to create asymmetrical swirls.
Sand
Create a roughly textured wall by mixing sand in with paint. This technique has the added benefit of obscuring inconsistencies in the wall that would be highlighted by a smooth, shiny paint. Start by mixing a test batch of paint and sand, making note of the ratios of each, and painting the mixture onto a board, which will give you an idea of what it will look like on the wall. If you mix too much sand in with the paint, it might affect the paint's adhesiveness, so only use as much sand as you need to achieve your desired effect.
Wallpaper
For a more formal and standardized look, put textured wallpaper on your walls. You can buy wallpaper that is embossed to create accented designs or wallpaper with a velvety material applied to it to create rich wall effects. If you have cats, this may not be a good idea for you as some cats delight in ripping up this type of wallpaper.
Tags: affect paint, much sand, sand with, sand with paint, wall surface