While block colour painted walls are fantastic in their own right, there are so many other creative options out there, you are only limited by your imagination. If you're thinking of adding something unique to the walls of your home but you're not sure where to start, you've come to the right place. Here we will share some of the different types of textures and painting techniques to help you make your choice.
1. Strié
Strié, in French means, streaking. This painting technique involves creating horizontal or vertical lines on the wall by dragging a dry brush or comb through the wet paint which creates a stunning and warm finish that resembles linen fabric.
2. Colour Wash
A colour wash can add depth to a room and looks soft and stunning. This technique is often chosen by people who want to replicate the appearance of other materials such as concrete or highlight the texture of the wall. It's done by layering alternate colours to glaze them together.
3. Sponging
Sponging is a simple yet effective painting technique that can add texture and looks like soft clouds when finished. It involves applying a base colour and letting it dry, repeating with a second coat if necessary and drying again. The second colour is then applied with a sponge. You should choose two colours that are similar just in different tones rather than to completely different colours to produce a seamless and classy finish.
4. Rag Rolling
Rag rolling creates a soft textured feel. To achieve this look, a rag is twisted and rolled over the wet paint. When done well, this can emulate the appearance of silk or velvet. This method can be done by hand rolling the rag or with it wrapped around a roller. The base coat must be completely dry before rag rolling to ensure the two colours don't get mixed.
5. Wall Stencils
Wall stencils are a good option for those who want a high-end finish but don't necessarily have funds to accommodate expensive wallpaper. They are usually inexpensive to buy and come in an array of patterns and styles making it easy to choose the perfect one to complement your home. The stencils are simply positioned and painted over to leave a detailed pattern behind.
6. Stripes
Stripes can be painted in various ways. They can be thick, thin, horizontal, or vertical and suit many different styles of homes. They are a popular choice for nurseries and coastal themed homes. You can choose the colour scheme to suit your existing furnishings and to get a sleek and clean finish it's better to stick to just two-colour palettes.
7. Harlequin
Harlequin is a classic and bold design that can add a sophisticated touch to any room. It is traditionally made up of a series of vertical diamond shapes. To get the best results, it's a good idea to choose one deep colour and offset that with a subtle tone.
Wall texture
These days most people tend to opt for flat painted walls to add contrast to an area but if you're looking for something with more definition and warmth you can go past wall texture. It's thicker than paint and once applied it is etched in various ways to add dimension and character. Here are some popular wall textures:
1. Comb
The comb technique is used to create a series of lines and patterns which produces a stylish finish. The most common comb technique is a rainbow-like design which is repeated in a continuous pattern. If you are thinking of trying this technique it's best to practice a few times on scrap pieces of drywall to ensure you master the texture before tackling the wall.
2. Popcorn
If you're looking for a retro look, you can't go past the popcorn texture. It's great for covering minor imperfections and is often used on ceilings. It is applied thick using a compressor and texture sprayer that sprays the popcorn texture onto the surface which is great at blocking out sound. The only downfall is if you decide you want a change down the track, it can be time-consuming to remove.
3. Orange Peel
Orange peel texturing resembles that of an orange rind and is smooth with a dimpled appearance. It is one of the more common wall textures and it does require a bit of preparation before it can be applied. It consists of watered-down drywall mud that is then sprayed onto the wall with a compressor and smoothed using a thick nap roller. Once this is dry, a second coat is applied.
4. Sand Swirl
Another popular texture, the sand swirl is made with a compound called perlite which is essentially a primer with sand mixed through. A large paintbrush is used to create swirl-like patterns. Two people are needed to do this successfully, one to roll the perlite on while the other does the sand swirls.
Speak with a professional
While wall textures and technical painting projects can be a DIY project, it pays to hire a professional. They can be messy, and it can be hard to perfect the finish in some types. Our team here at MDC Specialists are painting and decorating experts and can offer friendly advice on which options will work best in your home. Get in touch today!
