DIY Frottage Faux Painting Tips

Meaning “to rub” in French, frottage can be a simple faux painting project that creates an elegant, suedelike appearance anywhere in your home. Two complementary light and dark hues are essentially blended together using a plastic sheet (craft sheets also work) to allow the lighter base color to show through the darker elements. For a richer appearance, apply a clear semi-gloss coat once the rest of the steps have been completed.

Tape measure
Semi-gloss paint (one light color, one dark color)
Roller brush
1-inch brush
3-inch brush
Plastic sheets

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the space you intend to paint. Use the calculator listed in the Resources section to determine how many gallons you will need. Because you will only be applying one coat of the darker color, consider halving the amount.
- 2
  Apply two coats of the lighter base coat with a roller brush and, as needed, use the 1-inch brush to cover corners. Allow the base coats to dry completely.
- 3
  Apply the darker color to a section of the wall using a 3-inch brush. While wet, place a plastic sheet over the paint and smooth it over the paint with your hand.
- 4
  Peel off the plastic sheet.
- 5
  Repeat steps 3 and 4, overlapping each section with previous sections to prevent a gridlike appearance.

How to Make Miter Cuts for Chair Rails

Can You Paint Over High-Gloss With Semigloss Enamel Without Preparation?

Paint & Wallpaper