7 Different Painting Techniques to Use in Your Home ...

1. Sponge Painting

Of all the different painting techniques, sponge painting is one of the most popular, and one of the easiest to do. Oh, it requires a lot of patience, but if you have that, you can create a work of art on your walls. You can do so many different things – dry sponging, damp sponging, alternating sizes, large sponges or small ones, color overlays. There are all sorts of options, depending on the look you want and what will work best with your décor. It's also ideal if you have damage on any of your walls.

2. Glazing the Paint

Okay, okay, this is also known as frottaging, but I'm too juvenile and couldn't outright say that. It's a painting technique too, you see, and it's gorgeous. You're essentially glazing your paint, as you take a piece of paper, paint it with a colored glaze, and then press that paper to a base coat covered wall. You'll end up with a worn, slightly distressed, really organic look. The glaze will look a bit mottled on the wall. What's neat is that you could also paint a square of lace, some burlap, or something like that, and really experiment with this technique.

3. Ragging the Walls

Ragging your walls creates a really amazing texture. It's a little faded, a bit distressed, and it's as easy as sponge painting. You just get a rag damp and use it to apply glaze to your walls or the furniture. Use any color you like, or a combination of them. You can change up the way you hold or fold the rag as well, for changing patterns and texture.

4. Decorating with Stencils

Stenciling is fairly easy, especially if you buy stencils rather than making them. You can do something simple, like applying vines, flowers, or even a fleur de lis motif on your walls, or you can get a little fancy. For instance, with stencils and the right kind of paint, you can create texture, or an embossed look. You can even think about a delicate damask look, or keep things textured but monochromatic.

5. Venetian Plastering

The Venetian plaster technique is really gorgeous when done thoughtfully. You've probably seen this all over the place, because it involves painting the walls with a plaster paint. Before it dries, you use some object, usually the plaster spatula, to press down the plaster. You can easily create designs as well, or sweeps, fans, and flourishes.

6. Distressed Design

Distressing is better for pieces of furniture, but you can do it with certain walls as well, and even old wooden floors. You have to distress your wood first, which is fun in and of itself – it's great for releasing some tension and aggression! Altogether it involves painting the piece, whatever it is, with wood stain that's mixed with universal tint. Then you lightly apply black paint which has been watered down, using a nearly dry brush. It only goes on certain spots. After that, you mix the paint you want with glaze and water. This mix, too, only goes on certain spots. After it dries, you sand the paint in sporadic spots, and then you rub the whole shebang with steel wool before waxing it.

7. Painting in Patterns

This technique involves painters tape, all the colors you like, and a love of patterns. You can do stripes, checks, polka dots, random zigzags – anything's possible! You'll be tired of painting when you get done, but you'll adore the finished product.

You can easily put your own spin on these techniques, and create a look that's uniquely your own. Just make sure you cover the floors and any exposed furniture, and always invest in good quality paint. Do you enjoy painting your walls, or do you prefer something easier, such as wallpaper?

Sources: diynetwork.com, homeguides.sfgate.com, bedroom.about.com