How to Paint Splatter the Carpet

Splatter painting, also called drip painting, is a method of loosely scattering paint on a surface. This technique was popularized by Jackson Pollock, a New York-based artist who became world famous in the late 1940s. Using permanent paints when splatter painting ensures a product that will resist water, making the technique appropriate for creating one-of-a-kind floor coverings.

Acrylic or latex paint
Water
Empty containers (old sour cream containers or coffee cans work well)
Stiff-bristled house painting brushes of various sizes
Painter's tape
Plastic sheeting or newspaper

Instructions

- 1
  
  Cover surrounding areas with newspaper or plastic sheeting.
  
  Tape newspaper or plastic sheeting over areas that you do not want painted. Remove jewelry from hands and wrists and be sure to wear clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. Latex and acrylic paint will not wash out of clothing.
- 2
  
  Dip brush directly into paint can or pour it into a container.
  
  Pour paint into containers. Acrylic paints may need to be diluted with water.
- 3
  
  Stiff-bristled brushes are best; experiment with different sizes.
  
  Dip a brush into the paint, hold it straight out in front of you and fan the bristles away from you with the other hand toward the floor covering. Depending on the size and placement of your rug , you may be able to walk all the way around it and distribute paint from all sides. If you are splatter painting a carpet that has already been installed, you will stand on the carpet and work backward so that you don't step on the areas that you have already painted.
- 4
  Continue dipping and splattering with various colors. If you notice the colors getting muddy, stop and wait at least one hour for paint to dry before dripping and splattering new layers.
- 5
  Let the painted carpet dry for at least 48 hours before walking on it or placing furniture on it. This time will vary depending on the temperature and humidity in the room. It might seem dry to the touch before that, but could still be tacky if weight is applied.

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