How to Paint to Show Depth on a Wall

Stone Wall Effect

• 1

  Prepare walls for painting by removing wall hangings and curtains. Use a screwdriver to remove outlet and switch plate covers. Patch nail holes with a spackling compound and use painter's tape to cover areas you don't want painted, such as the edges of light fixtures and baseboards.

• 2

  Put on plastic gloves and cover the floors with plastic drop cloths.

• 3

  Open the can of paint primer and thoroughly mix it with a wooden stir stick. Pour some of the primer into a paint tray and dip the paint roller into the loaded tray. Roll the primer onto the walls. Use a paintbrush for hard-to-reach areas such as edges and corners. Allow the primer to dry.

• 4

  Open the can of beige paint and thoroughly mix the paint with a wooden stir stick. Pour some of the paint into a paint tray and dip the paint roller into the loaded tray. Roll the paint onto the walls. Use a paintbrush for hard-to-reach areas. Allow the paint to dry.

• 5

  Use a measuring tape and pencil to mark outlines for faux stones. Start measuring from the top where the ceiling meets the wall. Measure down from the ceiling 8 inches and use a level to mark 8 inches in a horizontal line across the wall. Draw vertical lines 12 inches apart within the 8-inch band to create rectangular faux stones. Stagger the next row of faux stone outlines. Repeat this procedure for the entire wall.

• 6

  Apply 3/4-inch painter's tape over faux stone outlines on the wall.

• 7

  Open the can of premixed glaze and pour some of the glaze into a clean paint tray. Dip the sponge into the paint tray. Press the sponge around the edge of each block in a small section of the wall. Work toward the inside of the blocks as the sponge becomes drier, creating depth.

• 8

  Gently pat the stones with a cheesecloth to create more depth, texture and realism. Repeat the sponging and patting until each section of the wall is complete. Allow the wall to dry.

• 9

  Remove the painter's tape from the wall to create grout lines.

• 10

  Thin the glaze by adding a little water. Dip a small artist's brush into the watery glaze and lightly paint over grout lines to give them a more authentic look.