How to Get a Vintage Look When Painting Walls

The art of using paint to create a decorative finish on the wall is known as faux-finishing and includes a variety of techniques that simulate the look of wallpaper, stone, texture or aging. Color rubbing is a faux-finishing technique that makes a wall appear gently aged, as though it were painted in another era and has survived years of exposure. It's an especially attractive look for "shabby chic" or other romantic decorating styles that value nostalgia.

Paint
Painting supplies
Glaze
Paint pan
Stirring stick
Lint-free cloths

Instructions

- 1
  Select two colors of paint, one for the base and one as an accent color that will be mixed with glaze to create the finish. Different tones of the same color will create a more subtle effect, while complimentary colors will make a bolder statement. Choose colors with the same hue value for the best results. For example, use pastels with pastels and medium tones with medium tones.
- 2
  Paint the wall in the base color and allow it to dry thoroughly.
- 3
  Pour approximately 1/2 pint of glaze into a paint pan. Stir in a few spoonfuls of paint at a time until you've achieved a color that's slightly darker than the one you want for the finished product.
- 4
  Dip an absorbant, lint-free cloth into the glaze and squeeze out the excess. Wipe the glaze on a 3-foot-by-3-foot section of the wall.
- 5
  Rub the paint off with a clean cloth. Use small circular motions as if you're polishing the wall. Continue until you've removed as much glaze as you want. Repeat with another section until the entire wall has been treated. Blend the edges as you work.

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