To make the glaze, Golden mixes 3 parts charcoal-colored glazing liquid to 1 part paint thinner, combined parts equalling 1 quart of liquid. She also adds two tablespoons of silver mica powder. Then she applies the mix as follows:Expert Note: If you've never applied a faux finish before, its a good idea to get comfortable with the glaze and tool before you begin applying it to the wall. Practice on a scrap piece of wallboard, or even the side of a cardboard box until you're able to produce the pattern consistently.
- Tape off the wall so you can work in sections -- the glaze mixture will dry quicky!
- Apply a thin coat of glaze to the first section with a paint brush.
- Rub the surface with cheesecloth to even out the glaze.
- Holding the graining tool by the edges, press it against the wall at ceiling height, then slowly pull it straight down the wall to the floor; the tool's grooves will create the look of wood.
- Repeat across the entire taped-off section, wiping off any excess glaze between strokes.
- Apply glaze to the next section and continue until the entire wall is covered.
Expert Note: The faux bois finish is easy to apply, but the wood tool is small. Covering a whole room will take some time, so you might consider purchasing several tools and enlisting a few friends to help!
Wow! What a difference... the walls are now a perfect complement to the French toile ceiling. Next on the list? Light fixture and windows.
