By Nikki Phipps
People have always felt a need to embellish their surroundings with colors, patterns, borders, etc. To accomplish this feat, many prefer to paint. Although walls are probably the most commonly painted, floors can be as well, offering something different in addition to numerous design possibilities. For floors, however, you may want to choose tough floor paints to ensure durability. Don’t stop here though. Doors, windows, cabinets, furniture, and many other items can be painted using special effects.
What can you do with latex paint, ordinary household sponges, paint rollers and brushes? Just about anything you want to. Most people hate to paint; it’s expensive and time-consuming. However, there are numerous effects that can be accomplished with paint, and best of all, they don’t have to compromise your wallet. Using nothing more than your basic colors (red, blue, yellow) as well as white and black, vinyl latex paint you can create a wonderful palette of color without the need of buying paint that is more expensive. You can easily mix or change the colors of your paint by adding water-based acrylic pigments. If you want something lighter or a pale color, use more white paint. If you want to darken the color, add some black. To keep your colors in matching tones of light or dark, add some gray to the mix.
One of the easiest effects to accomplish with paint comes from stencils or stamps. Stencils are generally used to create decorative borders. Stencils can be constructed from cardboard, paper, or plastic. Draw your design, or if you’re not artistically inclined, you can photocopy your desired image onto the material, such as cardboard. Then you simply cut it out using a crafter’s knife. Place the stencil in its desired location and secure with masking tape or adhesive spray. Once you have painted the design, carefully remove the stencil and allow to dry. Stamping is an effective way to reproduce attractive motifs and is easy to make yourself. Stamps can be made from foam rubber much like stencils. With stamps, you are generally going to use simple shapes or symbols. Attach the shape to a piece of backing board or scrap of wood with glue. Apply paint to the stamp with a paint roller and test it on a piece of paper to ensure the look you want before applying it to the wall or other surface. Press down firmly with even pressure throughout.
You can use masking tape to easily create stripes, checkerboards, and an array of other designs. After applying the tape, simply roll on the paint, carefully remove the tape afterward to reveal your unique design. Another easy and quite popular paint effect is called sponging. This can be achieved with nearly any type of sponge. Note that different sponges will produce different effects. Feel free to experiment to find one that you like. Dip the sponge in paint and then gently dab it onto the area. The amount of paint applied to the sponge also makes various effects that range from solid to opaque-looking finishes. For instance, the more paint on the sponge, the darker its effect. For additional interest or to create shadows, a second color can be used.
Graining is an effect that is done with a rubber tool (rocker) or putty. Using slow rocking motions along wet paint, you will get a finish that resembles a wood-grain pattern. Combing is similar to graining. Here you simply drag a comb through the wet paint. The after effect resembles woven fabric. As with sponges, different combs produce different effects. Many people enjoy the look of aged wood. This effect can be achieved in a number of ways. Rubbing off is a technique that provides an aged texture to freshly painted surfaces. Before the paint has dried completely, rub away some of the paint with steel wool or fine waterproof sandpaper dipped in water. As you rub through the paint, the surface beneath will be revealed for a slightly aged appearance.
Something a little different and quite interesting to try is the effect accomplished with vinegar paint. Yes, with some Apple Cider vinegar, a tiny amount of dish soap, and some dry pigment you can create outstanding effects. In fact, vinegar paint allows for a range of creative visual effects. Although it is not well suited to walls, as it will run off when too thin and cracks if too thick, vinegar paint is a viable option for nearly any smooth surface like furniture, floors, boxes, wood, and metal. Always apply over a dry coat of base water-based paint and matching primer. However, for projects involving cardboard, oil-based is best suited. Generally, two-three coats of vinegar paint are applied and effects come from the use of different brushes, feathers, putty, etc. Again, experiment to find one that you like. Vinegar paint should be sealed with a solvent, such as polyurethane varnish, to give a nice, durable finish. Rub out the finish with steel wool or cloth that has been lubricated with paste wax.