Decorative Wall Painting Technique

Using stencils to trace beautiful paintings to adorn walls of houses dates back to the Egyptian civilization. Through out history there are various references to the use of decorative stencil patterns used to embellish walls of palaces and of the local people. It is also a folk art that has been used by the common man for generations. Stenciling involves repeating a simple pattern or using complex patterns in various colors either to tell a story or to decorate walls and furniture. You can use this type of decorative painting to adorn the walls of your house too. Just follow the instructions given below.

1. Prepare wall by removing nails and repairing cracks. Use primer if needed.
2. Use painter's tape-to-tape edges, window and doorframes.
3. Remove all light fixtures and cover all furniture with old sheets.
4. Choose a base color that is neutral like eggshell and apply it evenly.
5. Use clear acetate and oiled stencil cards to cut out stencils in patterns you like. For acetate use a rapidgraph to trace the image. For oiled stencil paper use carbon paper and a sharp pencil to trace image.
6. Use a sharp knife or blade to make clean cuts in the stencil.
7. Use stencil brushes for fine and complicated designs and for patterns that are from folk art it is better to use a sponge. It can be natural marine or synthetic.
8. Artistic acrylic paints are best for stenciling, it can be easily applied and dries rapidly. Oil paints can also be used but this takes longer to dry. Household latex paint can be used though it is a little thick for intricate stencil patterns.
9. For durability apply a final coat of protective varnish.
10. Place all the colors you are using on a palette. Take a dry brush and dab some paint on it, remove excess paint from brush by shaking it on to newspaper.
11. Attach stencil pattern to wall by either spraying a layer of adhesive onto the back of the pattern or by sticking it in place using tape.
12. Now begin painting from the center outward to prevent bleeding of color. You can use more than one color for a pattern.
13. For stencils on walls and furniture apply a last coat of clear protective varnish to ensure that it is durable over time.
14. Clean with warm soapy water.

How to Choose the Right Paint Color

When it comes to decorating, choosing paint color can really be a challenge. While you may feel that there are so many choices you're bound to find the right one, you may end up feeling that there are so many choices you don't know where to start.
The tips here will really help you if you feel stumped by this important choice. After all, the paint color will set the tone for the room.
Be Patient
It's great to collect paint chips when planning a room, but hold off making final choices until you've developed an overall room scheme. Paint is available in literally an infinite array of colors and is the most versatile element of your room decor, the easiest to change, and the least expensive. Get ideas but make the final decision after rugs, wallpaper, and fabrics are finalized.
Coordinate Decorating Samples
when you go shopping, you'll need to refer to your fabric, carpet, tile, wallpaper, and trim samples constantly. Be sure to take everything with you wherever you go. No telling where you might see something wonderful.
Really Study the Colors
you’ll find clues about the underlying tones of different shades of a color on a full sample strip of coordinated colors. Even if you're not even considering using a darker tone, look at all the colors carefully. Decide if the family of colors is the direction you're headed with your color selection.
Tried and True Formula for Colors
If you're working with a print fabric, you'll probably be happier if you select the coordinating wall paint color from the background of the print. Use the deeper or brighter tones for accents throughout the room or adjacent spaces. Learn more tips here about how to choose a color scheme.
Choose the Paint Finish for the Job
Consider which paint finish might be best for your project. Matte or flat finishes hide wall imperfections, but glossier finishes will reflect more light. If you're searching for the perfect paint, the tips here will be helpful.
Warm or Cool
Colors are often referred to as "warm" and "cool." Orange, red, and pink are considered "warm" colors, while blues, greens, and violet are thought to be "cool." Knowing the theory behind color can help you select the right tone for the feel you're trying to achieve.
Custom Color Matching
If you want to achieve a perfect match or find a truly unique color, your paint store or home center offers custom color mixing. This makes it possible to bring in a fabric swatch, painting, or other color reference, and have a paint color created to be a perfect match. Visit Home Depot or Lowe's or call a local hardware store to inquire.
Color Contamination
Once you've gotten your test sample up on the wall, notice whether the color you're testing might be adversely affected by other colors in a room. For example, if your room is currently painted pink and your test patch is beige, it is likely that the pink will reflect onto the beige, changing the color. The same would go for blue or yellow. Or if there are colored curtains on the windows, their color will reflect onto your new paint. To get the best idea of how the room will look. Place the painted sample up on the wall and place the flooring samples on the floor. Test the color in a room with the same exposure to sunlight. Find a room that is neutral.

Interior Painting

The most cost affective and quickest home improvement project is interior painting. Interior house painting can be simple or as elaborate as you prefer. You can transform the look of a room or your entire house using paint. The most important spaces in our lives are inside our homes and most can benefit from a new look. Interior painting presents a variety of textures, styles and techniques for a homeowner to choose. The proper application of paint on walls, floors, or furniture can change the look of a room at very little cost. Using the right paint, selecting the proper product, and using professional-style techniques will give you the results worthy of your home. Interior painting is inexpensive, especially if you do it yourself. The real cost is in time. The cost savings and decorative improvement with painting a room can be substantial when compared to new carpet or furniture. With the right colors a room can change its feel and become a more enjoyable living space. The use of dark or vibrant colors can add spice to a dull room but are difficult colors to apply.
Confining vibrant colors to one wall for an accent walls is a great way to change the overall feel without breaking the bank. Painting just one wall can be a quick and easy way to achieve a new look.
For the do it yourselfer some patience is in order. It could take endless days or nights to complete an entire room if you have to paint after your regular job. Understand all the processes involved and what is needed in order to paint a room before starting. Get all the information you'll need on interior paint types, products, materials and application. Also, color selection and tips from the, faux painting techniques, and paint estimator tools. Plus detailed how-tons on painting interior rooms.

Chic Walls on the Cheap

Walls are usually the largest surface area in your room, so it makes sense that to create a fabulous room, you should start with fabulous walls. That is easier said than done when you are on a tight budget. Here are 5 great treatments for walls that are easy to do, and even easier on the pocketbook.
1. Sponge
Sponging is perhaps the easiest faux technique to master. It takes very little paint, just a touch of practice, and looks great in nearly any style home. I prefer to sponge one color over another for a more subtle look, but you can sponge over white if you prefer. You don't have to use those expensive sea sponges, either. Just rip and tear an ordinary kitchen sponge to create an irregular surface. Dip into paint, dab off so that it is almost dry, and pat onto the wall. Vary the direction of the sponge as you go to create a more natural look. You may wish to practice a little on cardboard first to test your technique.

2. Stripe
This is a classic favorite. A quick way to add interest to a room without worrying about it competing with pattern or being too busy. Use painter's masking tape to tape off the stripes on the wall. Match the width of the stripe to the size of the room a larger room should have wider stripes. You can even alternate wide and narrow stripes if you prefer. You can measure this out or do it by eye. Now paint inside the tape. For a casually chic room, don't use masking tape and just roll the stripes right onto the wall.

3. Stamp or Stencil
Stamps or stencils can be used to accent, border, or provide an overall design similar to wallpaper. They are very inexpensive, or simple ones can be made at home with lightweight cardboard and a craft knife. Stamps can be made the old fashioned way, with a potato. To stencil, simply tape the stencil in place, then pounce the paint over the stencil with a nearly dry brush, rag, or sponge. To stamp, brush a small amount of paint onto the stamp, dab off, then stamp onto the wall.

4. Frame
Many of us don't want to paint our entire rooms, but want to add some color and flair. Try painting a "frame" behind a group of photos. It can be a block of paint to hang the photos on, or just a border to enclose the group of wall hangings. This also saves on paint, but adds a lot of interest and brings a room together.

5. Color wash
Color washing is a lot of fun. It is a wonderful finish that creates a lot of depth and texture, and is a quite popular paint finish in luxury homes. It is simply a method where you add water to a paint or paint base, then rub over the walls with a rag. That simple! I have mixed my own paints for this, but it can be difficult to get the colors and ratios right. If you want to try a product made specifically for color washing, give WaterColorWalls.com a try. I've used their products, and they go a long way with beautiful colors. A bonus with color washing. You can use this technique for all of the ideas above.

Now that you know you don't have to buy out the paint store in order to make a change, give one or two of these ideas a try! Better yet, combine them. In no time you will have made a creative, low cost improvement to your home.

Home Decoration as an Art

Since primitive age we have seen how cavemen had decorated the caves they inhabited through paintings, sculptures and carvings. Man has always made a conscious effort to make his surroundings look better and livable. Even today when a new home or office is purchased there are options galore for decor.
The various types of home decor artwork options that are available now are:
1. Wall paintings
2. Glasswork
3. Mirror work
4. Sculptures and showpieces
5. Furniture
6. Tapestry
7. Handicrafts
8. Cultural themes
9. Historical artifacts
10. Animal artifacts
Glasswork or glass art is a type of home decor that has figurines and structures designed using pieces of glass. These glass showpieces look bright and vibrant as they reflect light and appear to be very attractive. The other type of glass art is that of glass painting which is usually adorned with light in the background to make it look more attractive. Folk art is another simple way to decorate your home with. It consists of paintings, needlework, sculptures and other handicrafts. Since these objects are handmade, they can be customized to suit your requirements and help in providing a personalized look to your home decor.
Wall tapestries and furniture also needs to be considered as an important home decor. Some are passed on as heirlooms and has a unique old world charm to it. These are available nowadays at garage sales or in certain auctions, but need to be checked if they are in good condition. Old stylish armchairs or grandfather clocks are some of the popular objects that add grandeur to the room and make it look majestic.
Other home decors include beautiful huge photographs that are mounted on the wall. The most popular themes include nature close-up shots such as animal life or scenic beauty. Dramatic landscapes, sports scenes or portraits are popular subjects for decorating the walls. The other themes that are popular in modern art are abstract themes and as well as erotic art which can be seen adorning the walls of offices, professional's workplaces or clubs and restaurants.
Art and home decoration go hand in hand as most work of art is meant to adorn the drawing room walls or the study room or the space above the fireplace for most people. While the rich and the famous may have the exquisite and expensive paintings or antique furniture as their showpiece, others may cherish a painting done by a family member or an artifact bought at a local store as their home decor.