How to Paint Fake Stonework

Preparation

• 1

  Remove all light fixtures, switch plates, pictures, nails, curtains and other objects attached to or near the wall.

• 2

  Tape around the edges of the area to be painted. Also tape windows, molding, trim or other areas which will not be painted. Press the edges next to the painting zone down firmly.

• 3

  Remove nearby furniture from the area. Put drop cloths next to the wall and back 5 feet for ease of moving around.

Apply Compound

• 4

  Use a trowel to apply drywall compound to the wall.

• 5

  Apply a 1/4-inch thick layer. Don't worry about making a smooth surface.

• 6

  Press the trowel flat against the wet compound and pull it away quickly. This creates a stone texture. Smooth down any sharp peaks, leaving the texture intact. Do this with the entire area.

• 7

  Let the compound dry thoroughly, at least 24 to 48 hours. Protect it from getting bumped or scratched during this time.

Painting

• 8

  Apply a base coat of latex paint on your rock wall with a roller. Choose a light beige or eggshell. It will be the color of the mortar between stones.

• 9

  Draw rock shapes on the wall with pencil. Start from the bottom and build each row on the one below. Choose one shape like round or rectangular and vary the sizes to look like real rocks.

• 10

  Tape the lines between rocks with 1/2-inch painter's tape to look like mortar to add an authentic look to your rock wall.

• 11

  Tape the lines parallel to the floor and walls. Vary them slightly, as if encircling actual rocks or straight between blocks of stone.

Glazing

• 12

  Use a sponge or cloth to create the look of stone by applying a darker color of Faux Stone Glaze. Wipe off any excess immediately and let the glaze penetrate the compound.

• 13

  Work on each stone separately for an authentic rock look. Apply a dark glaze first. Let it dry, then apply lighter glazes. Use at least three colors to give your rock wall the appearance of depth. Dab the glaze to increase the texture.

• 14

  Remove the painter's tape gently and apply the lightest glaze to the lines to create the look of mortar around the rocks.