Decorative painting

Decorative painting techniques offer an easy and inexpensive way to add visual texture to walls. All you need is a sponge, some paint and a clean, dry wall. For a watercolor effect, use soft, light colors. For a bolder look, select colors with strong contrasts. Often, the second-darkest color is used as the base coat, and the accent colors are applied from darkest to lightest. You can use the techniques described here either together or separately. Before you start, experiment on
cardboard to see the effect you’ll get.

Sponging
A. Apply a base coat of the desired background color to a clean, prepared surface. Allow to dry.
B. Rinse a natural sea sponge in water to soften it; squeeze it dry.
C. Pour a little of the first accent color onto a paint tray. Dab the sponge in the paint, taking care not to overload it. Blot it on newsprint until it makes a light impression.
D. Using a quick, light touch, press the sponge gently onto the wall (don't drag it). Turn it often to produce an irregular effect. (If you’ll be adding another color, apply the first color sparingly.)
E. Apply the first color to the entire area, until the individual sponge marks are no longer obvious. Stand back often to examine the wall, and fill in as necessary.
F. Allow the first color to dry Rinse the sponge and the paint tray.
G. Repeat these steps for each color of paint. When you apply the last color, fill in between the earlier sponge marks, to blend the colors.

Marbling
A. Following the instructions for Sponging, apply the first accent paint in diagonal drifts that meander randomly up the wall.
B. Soften the edges of the drifts by gently blotting wet paint with a tissue and lightly whisking a dry paintbrush over the surface.
C. Apply the second color of paint or glaze in a lighter tone, blending the textures and colors.
D. Embellish the surface by veining it.

Veining
A. Select a metallic paint or an accent color. If you’d like a translucent effect, thin the paint with water.
B. Dip the tip of a turkey quill feather or fine fan brush into the paint. (Veining feathers are available in the paint department of home improvement stores.) Remove excess paint on a piece of newsprint.
C. Draw the tip of the feather or brush lightly along the surface at a 45-degree angle. Use a trembling motion so the veins wave, break off and reappear. Fork the veins,
and cross one over another.
D. When crossing over a vein, lift the feather or brush and shift direction.
E. To vary the width of a vein, twist your wrist as you move the feather along.