Easy Colorwashing Technique

Basic Color Wash

• The basic color wash technique is the easiest technique, and most of the steps used in this technique are used in all other color wash techniques. Paint the surface with a base coat of color and allow it to dry. Mix the top coat color with equal parts of water and glaze. Wet the painted surface with a damp cheesecloth or rag. Dip a damp sponge or rag in the top paint mixture and use circular movements to move the paint around, fanning the edges out as you go. Thin out the darker paint areas with a dry brush until no lines are present. Add more color as needed while you work.

Dark Shades Over Light Shades

• Colorwashing dark colors over light colors mimics the way older items look as they age or get dirtier. To color wash dark colors over light colors, use the same techniques as the basic color wash with the darker shade as the top coat.

Light Shades Over Dark Shades

• Using a lighter shade over the darker shade creates depth and brightness in the colors. The basic technique is used here as well with the top coat being the lighter shade. Garnet colors also can be achieved by making the top coat thicker toward the top of the surface and thinner towards the bottom.

Using Same Color Family

• A suede-like finish can be achieved by using colors in the same color family for the top and bottom coat. Choose the darker color paint from a store's paint strip, select a shade that is two shades lighter for the light color, and select the color for the glaze as one shade darker than the dark color. Use the basic techniques to create the color wash effect.

Vertical Lines

• The vertical lines colorwashing technique adds height and texture to the wall. This technique is created by using the basic colorwashing technique but excluding the glaze from the top coat mix. After the top coat is applied, drag a brush with a small amount of glaze straight down the wall. When browns and oranges are used with this technique the wall has a wood-like look.

Crosshatch Design

• The crosshatch design leaves the wall with a soft-woven or fabric-weave look. The basic technique is used with this design as well, up to the application of the top coat. With the cross hatch design the top coat is brushed on. Brush the top coat on vertically first from top to bottom. Allow the brush to leave painted lines on the wall. When the vertical lines are dry, brush horizontally across the surface to achieve the cross hatch look.