Crackle Technique

• Paint base color and allow to dry (this will determine the color of the cracks).
• Use glue thinned slightly with water. Apply to surface with brush. Allow to set up.
• Using a Latex paint tinted to desired color, brush over the glue. Allow to dry.
• Do not over brush; brush each are only once. If a thin crackle finish is desired apply a thin coat of paint. For thick crackle finish, apply a heavier coat. Force-drying with a hair dryer is permitted.

Color Wash

• Paint base color ; allow to dry.
• Prepare color wash mixture using one part water one part latex paint tinted to desired color, and one-part latex urethane.
• Using large sea sponge start at a corner and wash wall in a large, circular motion, reloading sponge as needed
• If the color of the trim is used for the color wash mixture, it is not necessary to mask off the areas that you do not want to wash.
• If the wash mixture is wiped on the trim, it will not be noticed.

Sponging

• Apply two coats for the base with a roller.
• Dip the tip of a natural sponge into the desired color and lightly blot on a paper grocery bag; dab the sponge onto the wall, sponging randomly to avoid overlapping or lines. Start sparingly and continue to add. Be sure to rotate the sponge to achieve an irregular, mottled effect.
• For each color that is used, be sure to rinse the sponge in water.
• Stand back and assess occasionally to locate and areas that need more paint

Combing

• Choose two contrasting colors, one for the base and one for the combing coat.
• To make a combing tool, remove the handle of a squeegee and mark the edge of the blade every quarter-inch. Use scissors to notch the blade , leaving about one-eighth inch at each mark. It is okay if they are not even.
• Before starting, plan on doing an entire wall,corner to corner.
• Apply two coats for the base with a roller.
• When combing, start from ceiling and work down, using even pressure. Don't stop during the stroke or go over a stroke a second time.
• Wipe the squeegee off with a paper towel after each stroke. After about ten strokes, wash with water to avoid paint buildup.
• One way to avoid overlaps is to set your tool into the last groove of the line you just completed.
• Let your imagination be your guide. You can pull straight or diagonally, or create waves.

Whisking

• Apply two coats for the base with a roller.
• Apply the topcoat as in the combing technique, but pull a whisk broom through the paint from the ceiling to floor.

Newsprinting

• Apply two coats for the base with a roller.
• Mix topcoat with water at a ratio of 2 parts to 1 part water.
• Brush on paint in an area the size of a half sheet of newspaper.
• Lay the newspaper onto the wet paint and press to the wall, making sure the entire sheet is against the wall.
• Remove the paper and discard. If paper wrinkles when applying, do not be concerned, as it will only add to the technique.