How to Color Wash Walls

Apply a colorwashing technique to add warmth to a room, using two different shades of paint -- one lighter, one slightly darker for dimension.

Highlights:

Step 1: Prepare and Paint the Area
Step 2: Mix and Glaze the Wall
Step 3: Blend the Strokes

Step 1: Prepare and Paint the Area

Place a drop cloth on the floor of the work area, then lightly sand the wall to remove any rough spots and create a smooth surface. Tape along the doors, walls and the top of the wainscoting. Apply base coat and allow to dry overnight.

Step 2: Mix and Glaze the Wall

Create a mixture of 50 percent of the darker secondary color and 50 percent wallpaper paste to create a glaze. Mix until well-blended, then apply with a 4" polyester bristle paintbrush. Apply glaze with broad, criss-crossed strokes to allow some of the base coat show through.