Two Highly Unusual Ways To Apply Paint
Whether you're just trying to add color to an accent wall or you consider yourself an accomplished artist, paint can be an incredibly creative tool. Though the trustworthy roller and paintbrush certainly get the job done, there are a surprising number of ways to apply paint with everyday items you find right within your own home. Get creative on your next DIY project with these two highly unusual and beautiful painting application methods.
Use a Feather Duster
Do you find that your feather duster tends to sit in the corner sadly, collecting an ironic amount of dust? That feather duster isn't just a lost cause; it's also a fantastic way to layer paint onto a wall or other large surfaces. The resulting faux finish works especially well if you choose two neutral shades--for example, a white base with a gold faux finish layer on top.
To use this method, start by painting your wall with one or two coats of primer. Use a foam roller for best results. Allow the wall to dry fully before you proceed.
Then, use a clean foam roller to apply an even coat of your base color to the wall, ensuring that you cover all areas evenly. Once you're satisfied with the base coat, fill a paint tray with your second faux finish shade. This is where the magic happens.
Grab your feather duster and trim the feathers down to an even level; it should be flat across the tips to work correctly. Once you trim the feathers down, gently tap the duster against a hard surface to dislodge any loose strands. Then, dip the ends of the feather duster in just a small amount of your paint, and either pat or drag it pat it lightly against the wall.
To create the look of light, feathery brush strokes, gently move the duster across the wall. Your goal is to mimic the look of the gently curving lines found on marble, so vary your stroke direction. Feel free to "wander" as you move across the surface for additional variety. This is an inexact technique, so it's okay to experiment--have fun with it!
To create a beautifully stippled finish, hold the duster just as you would a stipple brush--perpendicular to the wall or canvas. Add just a small amount of paint, lightly loading only the tips of the duster rather than soaking the feathers. Tap off excess paint carefully, and then gently press the tips of the feathers against the wall. Lift the duster out and away, and then move over a few inches and press it down again. Repeat until you've covered the entire surface.
A quick tip: Both of these techniques produce equally beautiful patterns, but only if the duster isn't overloaded. Use only the lightest touch when loading up your feather duster brush. For best results, you should also use a fairly thick acrylic paint formula, too. Unlike oils or latex, it's less likely to drip or soak into the feathers while you work.
Spray Paint Through Lace
This is a delightfully feminine way to dress up canvases, walls, and a variety of other surfaces. Lace works like a stencil, allowing you to create beautiful patterns right on a variety of surfaces without complex techniques or a steady hand. To get started, you'll need to source a large piece of fabric lace and a few cans of spray paint in one or more of your favorite colors.
First, a word on sourcing the lace itself. You can make your own, especially if you also know how to crochet. However, it's important to understand that once you paint over it, it will most likely never wash clean again. Purchasing it new is also an option, but if you're painting a large area like a wall, this can become expensive.
To reduce costs on lace, especially if you're painting a large area, consider looking in thrift shops and other second-hand shops for old lace curtains--these work especially well.
Prepare the surface, whether canvas or wall, by priming it with a basic white primer. Do not proceed to the next step until the surface is completely dry.
Next, use thumbtacks to pin the lace to the wall or canvas; they'll hold the fabric in place while you paint.
A quick tip: If you're hesitant to use thumbtacks, you can also try Sticky Tack adhesive putty. However, this isn't often strong enough to hold the weight of the fabric, especially for larger applications. Sewing pins may be a better option; they're thin enough that they'll enter the wall without leaving any large holes.
Once you have your lace pinned into place, use your spray paint can to fill it in like a stencil. Work left-to-right, top-to-bottom to get the best coverage. Be mindful that holding the spray can too close to the fabric is likely to create drips; hold it at least 6" to 8" away from the wall or surface at all times. Vary your movement so no one area becomes oversaturated.
Once you are satisfied that your lace "stencil" is completely colored in, leave it to dry for at least 24 hours. Do not remove the lace until the paint is completely dry, as it may smudge or smear your pattern.
Though many people rely on brushes and rollers when painting, experimenting with other tools can often yield amazing results. Straw brooms, plastic wrap, toothbrushes and even old sponges all make a wonderfully creative replacement for traditional brushes. When experimenting with unconventional tools, the biggest key is to use a high-quality, reliable paint you can trust. For help choosing painting supplies for your next project, contact your local craft and hobby shop, such as Koontz Hardware, today.
