Combing Techniques

Create a colorful textured look on furniture and home accessories using a combing technique. Figure A

furniture or accessories
base coat paint
acrylic paints in several colors
paintbrushes
several sizes of combing tools
metal spray paints
glass spray paints
matte board
scissors

Tip: Make a comb by cutting a square of mat board, and then cut teeth out of one side in desired pattern.

Steps:

1. Apply base color to the item with appropriate paint and let it dry.
2. Put a thick coat of a contrasting color of acrylic paint onto the surface.
3. Run a comb through it in desired pattern, wiping it off between strokes (figure A).