Different Ways of Texturing Walls

Linen

• For a subtle and sophisticated wall texture opt for the linen technique. The effect is created with a soft-bristle brush run vertically down the wall. When complete, the overall impact is a finish which mimics the look of natural fabrics such as linen. Soft striations will catch the light differently, adding dimension to your space. To achieve the linen wall texture apply a thin coat of glaze tinted to match the existing wall color over flat wall paint to a small area of the wall. While still wet use a flat soft bristle brush and run it from the ceiling to the floor in a straight vertical line. Apply gentle steady pressure as you work your way down.

Tissue Paper

• Use common arts and crafts supplies and a can of paint to achieve a rough textured look on your walls. Tissue paper and white glue are inexpensive materials which combined can add a fresh look to your space. Begin by gently washing and drying the wall with a mild solution of liquid soap and warm water. Apply the glue to the wall with a paintbrush, working in small sections so that the glue does not dry prematurely. Wrinkle a piece of tissue paper and gently unfold it. Place the paper on the wall and smooth out the wrinkles. You can control the intensity of the finish by smoothing more for a softer texture or less for a rougher finish. Paint an additional thin coat of glue over the tissue paper. Once dry apply your color of choice over the textured finish.

Crackle

• Create a bold statement with your wall with a crackle treatment. Crackle medium is a clear paste which you can purchase from craft or home improvement stores. A crackle finish involves two colors, a base coat and a top coat. The medium crackles when dried to allow some of the base coat to show through the top coat. Apply the base coat and allow it to adequately dry. Working in small patches, apply the crackle (either with a paint brush or roller) over the base coat and let dry. Once dry begin painting the top coat over the crackle layer. The crackling will begin immediately with the new layer of paint application. Take care not to paint over the crackle effect as you will eliminate the cracks.