When moving to an apartment the first thing you might want to do is paint those stark white walls. And, just painting them one color might look a little flat to you. What you need is some texture! However, some apartment managers and landlords might not approve of your painting the walls, especially texturizing the walls. Check with them first. If they say no, you can use these home painting ideas on furniture, pottery and art frames to add some color and texture to your decor as well.
Add Interest To Your Apartment Walls
Sponging - This allows you to get a more two dimensional look to your walls and add more than one color. If the wall has any imperfections, this will help minimize them. All you need is a base coat color, some glaze, an additional paint color and a sea sponge. Try to use a natural sea sponge rather than a painting sponge; it will look better.
Dragging - This can add a grainier look to your walls or furniture. You typically start out with one base coat color. Choose a color to mix with a glaze that contrasts well with the base. Then you use a brush or a comb to drag the glaze onto the base coat. This can add a little shine or brightness to a boring base coat.
Marbling - This is one of the painting textures that may be for the more advanced or daring painter. It’s also not recommended for entire walls, but for accent pieces or home decor items. You are going to need two paint colors and a glaze in addition to the base coat. You’ll also need a feather and some plastic drop cloth to give it a real marbled look.
Ragging - This gives a different look than sponging. You may use more than one color besides your base coat when sponging, but with ragging, this is not recommended. Choose a base color and a color to rag onto the base. You can use a variety of fabrics for your rag, just make sure it is lint free. Ragging is best used as a wall painting technique rather than a technique used on furniture or home decor items.
Copper/Bronzing - If you’re tired of looking at the same old plain lamp or art frame, use this technique to add an antique look. This look requires a base coat with an additional 3 colors to create the effect of aged bronze or copper. Small decor pieces are better for this technique than your walls.
Now that you’ve had an introduction to some interior painting tips and techniques, you might want to practice on smaller items before you take the plunge and try to do a whole room. Remember, textured painting is harder to paint over and remove if you don’t get it right and want to start over.
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