Softening Walls with Color Wash by Pamela Cole Harris If you like the soft look of watercolors, why not try using a color wash on your walls? In addition to a softer color, color washing can accentuate the texture of your plaster or stucco walls. And it’s so simple that even I, a faux-finish-impaired decorator, can do it. There are two techniques for color wash application: sponge or brush. Each requires a slightly different glaze formula. Sponge Technique: Color Wash Glaze: Mix together 1 part latex paint and 6 parts water in a bucket. 1. Mask off (using painter’s tape) parts of the room which will not receive the wash. Its best to cover the floor with plastic drop cloths (especially if you are as messy as I am). 2. Prime the wall with a low luster latex paint and allow it to dry completely before the next step. 3. Dip the sponge into the color wash glaze and squeeze lightly. 4. Beginning in a lower corner, apply the glaze to the wall in short, overlapping strokes. Change the direction of the strokes frequently. Work on a small portion of the wall at a time (3 foot by 3 foot is a good size). 5. Repeat moving upward until all the wall is covered. 6. Allow to dry completely. Brush Technique: Brush Color Wash Glaze: 1 part flat latex paint, 1 part latex paint conditioner (available at your local home improvement center), and 2 parts water. Mix in a bucket. 1. Mask off (using painter’s tape) parts of the room which will not receive the wash. Its best to cover the floor with plastic drop cloths. 2. Prime the wall with a low luster latex enamel paint and allow it to dry completely before the next step. 3. Allow the paint to dry. 4. Dip a paintbrush in the glaze and remove the excess against the side of the bucket. 5. Apply the paint in a criss-cross pattern. 6. Brush over the surface repeatedly to soften the look of the paint. 7. Wipe excess glaze away, if necessary. (Better get the industrial-sized package of paper towels!) There you have it! A soft paint look perfect for your newly decorated room...And since you have the technique down to a science, why not come and do my family room? Powder room? Closet? Pamela Cole Harris has been a writer and designer for 35 years Please visit http://www.homeandgardenmakeover.com and http://www.diy-homedecor.com

Featured Articles Lodge Decor   Few of us have the luxury of time or money to retreat to the piney mountain or lakeside lodges whenever the mood strikes. However the thoughts of furnishing a room in this style are intriguing... Livingroom to Bathroom Transformation   How to change your bathroom into a livingroom - Uncluttered space is one of the most relaxing ways to enjoy a room. The bathroom should be clear of lots of small appliances, make-up, plastic plants, etc. The more items sitting around in a bathroom, the more difficult it will be to keep clean. Safe Homes for Children   Baby proofing your home against hidden danger is one way to help reduce child-related accidents, and the results can be invaluable. Laminate flooring   Here is an article on selecting laminate flooring for your house. Laminate flooring is relatively new to us in the U.S. Laminate flooring has been used for years in homes and businesses in Europe. As with choosing any flooring for your home there are general considerations; what is your interior scheme? Laminate floors are very easy care. As always you will want to read the manufacturers instructions. Decorating Kitchen With Antique Plates   Here is all you wanted to know about Decorating Kitchen With Antique Plates. Antique plates can add whimsy and interest to your decor. Many people hang them right on the walls for a unique look. You can hang them up on special holders made just for this or use ribbons to hold them and hang from fancy hooks. Learning how to arrange your plates so that they look best is key to making them a successful part of your wall decor..