Refreshing your home doesn’t always have to involve major renovations or costly investments. Sometimes, a simple coat of paint can transform your home’s living space. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of colour to your interior walls or create a subtle, textured finish, there are countless painting techniques you might want to consider.
Below, we’ll look at eight of our most popular wall painting techniques that are sure to revitalise your home and add a touch of personality to your interior walls.
1. Colour Washing
Let’s start with colour washing. This versatile painting technique has grown in popularity more recently, helping to add depth and texture to your walls. It involves applying a translucent layer of paint over a base coat, allowing the base colour to subtly show through. We often recommend diluting the paint with water to achieve a better mixed consistency and working in layers to intensify the colour. The result will be a soft, mottled effect reminiscent of watercolour paintings. If you’re looking to create a relaxed, rustic atmosphere in your home, this technique is ideal for you.
2. Feathering
Feathering involves using a dry brush to gently blend two or more colours together creating soft, feather-like strokes on your walls. This is typically done in a crisscrossing motion for a more seamless, organic effect and is a fantastic way to add additional texture to your interior wall design without overwhelming the space. Experiment with gentle pastels for a tranquil ambiance or opt for bold, dynamic shades for a striking statement.
3. Ombre
Ombre, originating from the French term for “shaded,” incorporates a painting technique where multiple colours combine seamlessly providing a gradient effect, smoothly transitioning from light to dark or vice versa. Ombre walls serve as a captivating focal point, infusing a space with depth and visual allure.
Our advice for application would be to remember to work in small sections to ensure consistency throughout the gradient. Every now and then, step back to assess the overall effect and make any necessary adjustments to achieve the desired gradient intensity.
4. Strié
Derived from the French words for “stripe” or “streak”, the strié method is used to create thin, vertical stripes on your walls to add subtle texture and dimension. To achieve the striated effect, simply drag a dry brush or specialised stripping tool vertically down the wall. Strié walls add a touch of sophistication to any room without the need to wallpaper, making them perfect for formal living spaces or dining rooms.
5. Rag Rolling
Rag rolling is a painting technique that results in a textured, marble-like finish on your walls. This approach involves rolling a crumpled rag or cloth over wet paint to create subtle patterns and colour variations. Ideal for adding visual interest to plain interiors or wall concealing imperfections, rag rolling offers flexibility in design. You can trial different rag sizes and paint colours to craft a completely unique design to match your style and add character to your space.
6. Gilding or Gold Leafing
For those aiming to add a touch of luxury to their walls, gold leafing or gliding is as an excellent option. Often found in charming country homes and historic residences to highlight architectural features, this ancient practice involves delicately applying thin sheets of gold leaf onto the wall’s surface for a metallic effect.
While gold leafing can certainly add a touch of sophistication, it is worth noting that it is a complex technique. Here at Marshels, our skilled team of painters are dedicated to delivering precision with our gilding and gold leafing services. For the best results and a stress-free experience, we recommend enlisting professional assistance.
7. Half Painted Walls
Instead of painting the entire wall one colour, why not try painting just the top or bottom half? Half painted walls create a visually striking contrast and is a modern twist on traditional painting. Don’t be afraid to explore various colour combinations and paint finishes to achieve your desired aesthetic. To ensure a flawless finish, begin by precisely dividing the wall using a split level or laser guide. Then apply painter’s tape to meticulously mask off the dividing line to guarantee a clean and crisp edge.
8. Stencil
If you’d like to create intricate patterns and designs on your walls, we’d recommend using the stencil technique. This method involves using a stencil – a thin sheet of material with a cut-out design – to apply paint to the wall in a controlled manner. Stencils come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, making it easy to create customised patterns that suit your preferences. Stencil walls are perfect for adding a touch of personality to any room, whether you’re creating a whimsical nursery or a stylish accent wall in your living room.
These eight wall painting techniques can provide a versatile and budget-friendly means to rejuvenate your living space in your own unique style. Whether your preference leans towards subtle, gentle textures or bold, dramatic finishes, there’s a painting technique available to you that can be tailored to complement almost every style.
At Marshels, we take pride in our team of over 30 specialised painters and decorators who are skilled in an advanced range of painting techniques, ready to bring your envisioned space to life with precision and creativity.
If you’re still undecided on whether painting is for you, it might be worth considering wallpaper as another affordable option. We have a full article on Paint vs Wallpaper in which we discuss the pros and cons of each decorating technique. Similar to painting, wallpaper can also add a vibrant accent to any room and is a great alternative to traditional painting.
To learn more about our painting service or wallpaper hanging service, please don’t hesitate to drop us an email at enquiry@marshels.co.uk or call us on 01252 377714 for a free non-obligatory quote for your upcoming project.
