How to Make Old World-Looking Texture

Old-World style texture usually consists of plaster with a patina that has built up over hundreds of years. Recreating this look involves a two-step process. First, the textured material is applied; then when dry, a patina coat is painted or applied with a rag. Find a picture of a wall texture similar to the desired result to give you an idea of what needs to be done in terms of depth of texture and the rhythm of pattern.

Latex wall paint
Plaster
Paintbrushes
Roller
Cheesecloth rag
Masonry tool or broad palette knife

Instructions

- 1
  
  Mix only enough paint for 20 minutes of working time.
  
  Mix the plaster material for a test. Mix common plaster with standard latex interior wall paint according to the manufacturer's instructions. Let the water be completely absorbed before proceeding. Stir the plaster sparingly after the water has been absorbed. Pour the liquid plaster into a fresh container and fold in an equal volume of latex paint. Adjust the paint/ plaster ratio to suit the working method. Prepare accordingly as there is a working window of about 20 minutes with this recipe.
- 2
  
  Faux-age the walls with a patina antiquing glaze.
  
  Create some samples on a surface similar to the project surface to obtain the desired appearance and develop a working method for the actual project. Apply the initial coat with a roller and a paintbrush, as you would ordinary paint. As the plaster begins to set, use the spatula tool to spread the Old World texture quickly with big, sweeping motions. Allow it to dry.
- 3
  Glaze the patina on the samples. Create a faux patina using a matte-glaze medium mixed with a small amount of any natural-brown color. Darken the faux patina with some black or dark-blue acrylic paint. Thin the glaze slightly with water. Brush the patina glaze sparingly then wipe it with a rag, spreading a very thin glaze all over the area. Achieve the yellowing, glossy glaze of a Venetian wall by waxing or using a glossier medium.
- 4
  Sand the walls lightly to prepare them for texturing. Mix your plaster and paint. Mix only the amount that can be applied in 20 minutes. Roll and brush on the plaster material and wait until it begins to thicken. Apply more material in selected areas to create an airy gossamer field of texture, smoothing out and texturing as you go. Make big, sweeping arcs to keep the walls from looking too messy. Immediately wash the brush and roller in clean water. Move around the room in 20-minute sections, starting each new section from the area just painted.
- 5
  Antique the walls with the faux patina. Ensure that the walls are completely dry. Mix enough glaze to complete the entire job. Brush on the patina in the textured area and "rag" it off, spreading the patina in a thin coat over the entire surface.

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