Colorwashing - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Mark · 11-28-2003, 06:11 AM

just wondering if anyone has a simple technique for colorwashing.... there are several variations with just as many applicators and mixtures. I have been doing in store demos using soft upholstry foam and a mixture of paint & glaze. I would be interested in seeing how many of the painters here are into decorative painting as an add on to their business.

**Nathan** · 11-28-2003, 09:09 AM

I'm sure ProWallGuy will disagree but Faux finishing is really replacing wallpaper for younger couples... and there's a lot of money to be made.

My biggest problem with faux is that I'm too much of a perfectionist. I hate trying to make everything even, which seems impossible.

Have you held any how-to workshops for faux finishing in your store Mark? I was in Home Depot one day while they were holding one and it was extremely popular. It seems like you could get some more people into your store if you advertised the event.

Just an idea.

-Nathan

Mark · 11-28-2003, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nwingate

I'm sure ProWallGuy will disagree but Faux finishing is really replacing wallpaper for younger couples... and there's a lot of money to be made.

My biggest problem with faux is that I'm too much of a perfectionist. I hate trying to make everything even, which seems impossible.

Have you held any how-to workshops for faux finishing in your store Mark? I was in Home Depot one day while they were holding one and it was extremely popular. It seems like you could get some more people into your store if you advertised the event.

Just an idea.

-Nathan

We do classes every month and I also do some demos and play with the products for customers on Saturdays....very popular. I like to use the term "decorative painting" instead of faux which really implies you are trying to copy something ie: marble or fresco. Colorwashing actually is one of the most fool proof and easy to master. Check out www.paintschool.com and you might be interested in this guys video or dvd.....he is a painting contractor.

**Nathan** · 12-05-2003, 02:19 PM

I know you were looking for some DVDs earlier. Did you buy one from him? Was it any good?

**ProWallGuy** · 12-06-2003, 10:44 AM

Quote:

I'm sure ProWallGuy will disagree but Faux finishing is really replacing wallpaper for younger couples...

Your darn skippy I disagree.

Late 80's thru mid 90's you are correct, but around here, people are getting tired of the fauxs, and paper is picking back up. It is a real challenge for home owners and decorators to use paper in the new 'open floor plans' that are so popular now. No starting and stopping point for individual rooms.

12-13-2003, 04:31 PM

Color washing is very easy, the problem is picking your colors. After you pick you colors, buy a quart of paint in the color you picked, then mix the quart into a gallon of acryic glaze. I like to spritz the wall lightly with water to slow down my dry time. Then use a brush, roller or sponge, and apply your glaze in various areas. Then apply your second color in the other areas, use a piece of plastic to blend the colors, and soften using a rag or blending brush. If you have any questions drop me an email, I'll be happy to help. I just found this message board on a google search. I hope to pop in and post more.

**Nathan** · 12-13-2003, 05:36 PM

Welcome Ron!

I'm glad you found us. If you need any help using the board or if you have any suggestions for us please let me know by email me at: admin@contractorschatroom.com

Also, when you get a chance swing by our new DIY site www.diychatroom.com

I hope to see more from you soon.
Nathan

01-10-2004, 05:04 PM

I am not a contractor, but am willing to try my hand at colorwashing. I have a fairly large room, and want to creat the "old-world" style effect (i.e, brownish-orange). I've tried blending a yellow and orange on a scrap board, but instead of the "old-world" I get neon orange. What colors should I be using?

01-17-2004, 09:21 AM

Base coat Antique white by Duron or razee paints.
Glaze
color 1- burnt umber tint in Glasic acrylic glaze
color 2- raw sienna tint in Glasic acrylic glaze

If yo need any other info mail me
ron@thefauxschool.com

**Nathan** · 02-14-2004, 04:10 PM

Mark or anyone...

Would you be interested in writing a HOW TO article for DIYers? This seems to be a very popular topic. Any pictures you could provide would be great too.

Let me know if anyone is interested....Thanks!

Mark · 02-15-2004, 05:56 PM

I actually did a demo class yesterday and have some pics of the boards I did using te new Sunny's Good Time Paint colorwashes...... they turned out good and the stuff is a pleasure to work with. Can I post them somewhere ?Its 239kb and my limit is 100kb ??....How would I do this ?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nathan

Mark or anyone...

Would you be interested in writing a HOW TO article for DIYers? This seems to be a very popular topic. Any pictures you could provide would be great too.

Let me know if anyone is interested....Thanks!

**Nathan** · 02-15-2004, 06:43 PM

Just email them to me and I'll post them: admin@contractorschatroom.com

Do you have any HOW TO articles written on the subject?

THANKS! :Thumbs:

Exroadog · 02-10-2005, 07:50 PM

We use 1 part paint, 1 part glaze, 2 parts water. Use a sponge or rag. Nice soft look and by the time your around the room with 1 color, its dry and can do the second. Very user friendly.

Jenn A · 02-20-2005, 05:20 PM

Hi,
I am new here and to faux/decorative painting.
I have a simple question about color washing,which color do you put on first,the lighter or darker color?
I,too,was going for the earth tones,Tuscan look.
Thanks so very much,
Jenn A

donb1959 · 02-20-2005, 05:42 PM

Quote:

My biggest problem with faux is that I'm too much of a perfectionist. I hate trying to make everything even, which seems impossible.

Faux work is supposed to be random, not even. :Thumbs:

Exroadog · 02-20-2005, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jenn A

Hi,
I am new here and to faux/decorative painting.
I have a simple question about color washing,which color do you put on first,the lighter or darker color?
I,too,was going for the earth tones,Tuscan look.
Thanks so very much,
Jenn A

I usually go light to dark. My recipe works well on flat paint too. If you get too dark of an area, you can always make another wash out of the base coat to soften/hide. Or add a little more of your "light" paint to the wash mixture to make it a little more opaque.

Jenn A · 02-21-2005, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exroadog

I usually go light to dark. My recipe works well on flat paint too. If you get too dark of an area, you can always make another wash out of the base coat to soften/hide. Or add a little more of your "light" paint to the wash mixture to make it a little more opaque.

Thank you so much,I appreciate it.
Have a great day,
Jenn

Richie-C · 02-23-2005, 10:02 AM

Jenn,

If you are looking for a Tuscan finish, apply a light color base coat. On top of that you'd apply a two darker color glazes. I personally apply both to the wall, then blend them with a terry towel. For exapmple, I work in a 4 x 4 section and fill it in with the two colors, very randomly. If I want a darker finish, I use more of the darker color, etc.

Then depending on the look you desore, you can soften with a "badger brush" or leave alone for a more textured look.

Jenn A · 02-23-2005, 10:20 AM

Quote:

If you are looking for a Tuscan finish, apply a light color base coat. On top of that you'd apply a two darker color glazes. I personally apply both to the wall, then blend them with a terry towel. For exapmple, I work in a 4 x 4 section and fill it in with the two colors, very randomly. If I want a darker finish, I use more of the darker color, etc

Thank you very Much Richie

I am going to attempt it pretty soon.I hope I don't mess it up but if I do I guess I can just paint over it!
Jenn A

MasterStrokes · 02-26-2005, 05:22 PM

Hi Folks,

I’m a painter doing interior repaints. I do decorative finishes but it’s just not popular out here in the woods I live in. It’s a shame because I truly enjoy doing them.