Blog Post
Hannigan's Paint | How To | Colour Wash A Wall
Linnea Hannigan • May 6, 2020
How To Paint with a Colour Wash Technique
Colour washing or glaze painting
Bring a more inviting look and feel to any room by using a technique known as colour washing or glaze painting. Benjamin Moore’s Studio Finishes® Latex Glaze (F405) is directly mixed with the paint colour of your choice to create the solution needed to colour wash walls and create a beautiful faux finish. Drawing from Tuscan roots, colour washed walls are ideal for dining rooms and other areas where guests will gather, and its decorative look will exude warmth and charm anyplace in your home.
One of the most elegant faux finishes that a do-it-yourselfer can create is a colour wash. This basic faux technique can add vibrancy, depth and visual interest to an otherwise plain wall. To create the technique, you simply apply a thin layer of glazing over your base coat of paint to give the surface a subtle layered effect. While it may seem easy, taking the time to perfect your technique can allow you to create gorgeous, one-of-a-kind effects for a focal wall, a ceiling or an entire room.
If you’ve never created a colour wash before, it’s a good idea practice on sample boards until you are comfortable with your technique and also to test your colours. Colour choice for the colour wash is critical. Typically, the basecoat is the brighter or darker of the two colours, with the more subtle colour on top, but you can reverse that if you want a more dramatic effect.
All the supplies you need to achieve a colour wash are available at Hannigan’s Paint & Decor.
Supplies Needed:
- 3-inch or 4-inch paint brush or soft rags/sponges
- 9-inch roller
- Mini roller
- Base Coat High-quality Satin sheen, like Regal® Select Interior or Aura® Interior Paint, in two or more paint colours,
- Top Coat- and eggshell sheen to mix with the glaze
- Studio Finishes® Latex Glaze(F405)
- Disposable latex gloves
- Drop cloth
- Paint tray
- Painter's tape
- Water for cleanup
There are a variety of ways you can apply your colour wash. You can dip your rag into the glazing mixture, dabbing off the extra on paper towels, and then apply the mixture to the walls, using a circular motion. Our you can use a paintbrush, roller or mini-roller. Again, be sure to wipe off the excess and use short overlapping motions to apply the glaze to the wall. The more random your application, the better.
If you desire, you can even add a third layer with another topcoat colour mixed with the glazing liquid. This adds more depth and interest to the faux effect you are creating. You also can create interesting effects by using specialty tools such as brushes, combs or textured rollers. Consult with your local paint store for ideas on achieving the perfect colour wash for your home.
Step #1: Prepare Walls for Colour Washing
Surfaces must be properly prepared before you begin glaze painting walls. Clean your walls thoroughly and repair any protruding nails or other imperfections.
For best results, use Fresh Start® 100% Acrylic Primer (N023) before applying your base colour. Be sure to tape off any edges you wish to protect, such as those along ceilings, windows, and doors.
After you have prepared your walls, apply your selected base colour, taking care to follow the label directions. Allow the base colour ample time to dry. We suggest waiting at least 48 hours before moving on to the next step.
Step #2: Glaze Painting Your Walls
Once your base colour is dry, you can select the colour washing paint technique of your choice, using either a brush or rag/sponge. Begin by mixing Studio Finishes Latex Glaze with a latex or acrylic paint with an eggshell sheen to minimize glare. A good ratio to start with is four parts glaze to one part paint (adding an additional one-half to one part water will further the transparency of the glaze). The more glaze you add, the more transparent the effect. Using less glaze will allow more of the base colour to show through.
Next, dip a soft cloth or sea sponge into your glaze mixture. The soft cloth will give glaze a more subtle appearance, while sponge painting walls will give a more textured look.
Apply the glaze mixture to your wall using a crosshatch motion, creating large, overlapping X-shaped stripes. Continue this wiping technique until the entire surface is covered, and feather out any harsh brush strokes by lightly sweeping over the glaze with a clean, dry brush. For a gentler finish, apply the glaze in a random wiping or circular motion, as if you were washing the wall. Be sure to let the glaze dry thoroughly.
Tip: When you colour wash an entire room, glaze walls opposite from one another first. This will allow adequate time for drying and avoid smudging the wet glaze. Let dry for at least 4 hours. Remove the paper’s tape.
Step #3: Discover More Colour Wash Painting Techniques
There are different wall painting techniques that will make your colour washed walls stand out.
For different visual effects, vary your wiping motions as you apply the glaze.
To achieve the look of an aged patina, apply a lighter glaze over a darker glaze.
For a look with richer colour depth, glaze walls with different paint colours: a base colour, a glaze darker than your base paint colour, and a third deeper glaze colour.
