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How to Paint a Limestone Effect on a Wall

Limestone is a common material used in French villa walls. While the real thing can be expensive and impractical for your interior projects, you can mimic the look of this surface with paint. Various glazing techniques, like sponging, stippling and ragging, produce a mottled effect that evokes limestone. Choose soft, pale earth tones like those found on real limestone. This treatment is quite forgiving for walls that are not in pristine condition.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Chalk line
  • Chalk
  • Narrow painter's tape
  • Latex paint in light beige
  • Paint roller
  • Roller sleeve
  • Tints in white, ocher, raw sienna and raw umber
  • Water-based glazing medium
  • Plastic bowl or plates
  • Various paintbrushes
  • Natural sea sponge
  • Rags
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the height of your walls. Mark the height of each limestone block on the wall with a pencil. Snap a chalk line to form horizontal chalk lines on the walls.

    • 2

      Measure the length of each wall. Decide on a placement for your stone blocks. Use a chalk line to create a regular pattern of stacked or alternating blocks. Draw individual vertical lines by hand for a more rustic, irregular look.

    • 3

      Apply a narrow strip of tape on your chalk lines. This line will look like grout when the tape is removed after the glazing process.

    • 4

      Paint the walls light beige. Use a roller and apply paint in all directions for a natural look.

    • 5

      Mix various glaze colors in plastic bowls with glazing medium and a few drops of tint. Look at samples of real limestone to create realistic colors.

    • 6

      Apply the glaze with a variety of tools. Use a sea sponge for a soft, speckled pattern. Tap the surface with a stiff brush to create a stippled surface. Blot the glazed walls with rags to disperse and blend the different shades of color.

    • 7

      Add as many layers of glaze as you want to achieve the desired limestone look. Allow the glaze to dry.

    • 8

      Carefully remove the strips of tape. Wipe off any residual chalk with a damp rag.