DIY: Stippling Walls

When traditional painting just won’t cut it, consider going with a faux finish on your walls. The stippling paint method relies on a wet glaze and paint combination to give walls an attractive, textured effect. Lifting the glaze mixture from the walls with a brush designed specifically to do the job allows a hint of original wall color to shine through. The result is a look that resembles that of finely sprinkled sand.

Semi-gloss, satin or eggshell paints in complementary colors
Glaze
Bucket
Paint stick
Paint tray
6-inch roller
Stippling brush
Towel

Instructions

- 1
  Start with freshly painted walls for a crisp, clean look. Choose a semi-gloss, satin or egg shell paint that complements the stippling glaze.
- 2
  Mix the glaze when the walls are dry. Combine 4 parts glaze and 1 part paint in a bucket. Stir the glaze and paint with a paint stick until evenly disbursed.
- 3
  Pour the glaze mixture into a paint tray. Apply the glaze mixture to the walls using a 6-inch paint roller in 2-foot-by-2-foot sections.
- 4
  Hold a stipple brush firmly in your dominant hand. Gently pound the stippling brush over the glazed area, creating a dotted pattern.
- 5
  Wipe the brush with a towel to remove excess paint as you work.
- 6
  Roll the glaze onto another 2-foot-by-2-foot section once you complete the previous section. Use an ordinary paintbrush to apply the glaze to wall corners.
- 7
  Repeat the process until the stippling process is complete.

Do I Need to Sand Before I Prime a Glossy Ceiling?

Homemade Paint Thinner

Painting