Faux Finishes Using Metallic Paint

Faux finishing adds interest to an otherwise dull interior room.

There are many methods and techniques for faux finishing; color washing, sponging, ragging, criss-cross, and the two-tone smush technique are a few options. Combine metallic paint with any one of these faux finishes. Viola! You are met with instant sophistication.

As there are a vast array of faux finishing techniques, there is also a variety of types of metallic paint: silver, pearl, copper, gold, to name a few. Combine one of these with a color of your choice to add a unique touch to any room.

Take a look below as we discuss how to apply five popular metallic paint creative wall painting techniques.

1. Color Washing

Begin by selecting a metallic and base color. The first step to any faux finish is to apply the base coat. Once it has dried, you will be able to apply the metallic. Metallic can either be mixed with a glazing liquid or applied straight to the wall. The more glaze you add, the more translucent it will look, and the more the base color will show through. Add more glaze for a softer look. Feather the metallic over the base coat by using relaxed, curved brush strokes.

2. Sponging

You will need to select a base color to go with your metallic. Begin by applying the base coat to the wall. As with color washing, the metallic can be combined with a glaze, depending on the look you are aiming towards. Allow the base coat to dry and blot the metallic over it with a sponge in a random pattern. This will give the wall a sort of polka-dot look.

4. Ragging

Again, select a metallic and a base coat color. Apply the base coat to the wall. In ragging, you may either use a clean, dry rag to randomly dab the metallic onto the wall (with or without glaze), or you may use a special ragging roller. Ragging is similar to sponging, but with a softer appeal.

4. Criss-Cross

This technique is relatively simple. Start with a base color. Using a 4″ chip brush, apply the paint evenly, starting in a small section. Hand paint horizontal than vertical pulls with the brush overlapping and creating a criss-cross effect. Go back to fix any areas to get your desired look; keep a steady hand, making 90-degree angles. You can also create a different look by making half circles and overlap them.

5. Two-Tone Smush

This can be a little tricky. Prepare two paints, one latex and the other metallic. First, dip the brush into the latex paint and start applying the paint in a small area. Second, dip the brush into the metallic paint. You will then want to stipple the brush onto the latex wall base by twisting and turning the bush using a different brush position with each application. Using a fan configuration, work the sides and corner edges of the brush. You can finish by highlighting with more metallic paint to get the desired look.

Whether you choose silver or gold, metallic paints may be applied using a variety of faux finishing techniques. They can be mixed with glaze or applied straight to the wall. No matter the method, though, metallic finishes add instant sophistication to a previously dreary and lifeless interior.

Faux Finish With Metallic Paint

Are you ready to bring your room to life? Have we convinced you that faux finishing using metallic paint is a creative wall painting technique that can add beauty and vibrance?

If you are not an experienced painter or just do not have the time to do one of these metallic paint techniques, do not worry, help is out there. Get in touch with the professional painters at Carolina Blue Painting. We look forward to hearing from you and will be excited to help.