Paint Technique: Rough-Sawn Wood Planking

Room by Room : Episode RXR-2008 -- More Projects »
PHOTO

This painted rustic background resembles rough-sawn wood planking, which is appropriate for a Wild West theme and the texture adds interest to this room.
Materials:

satin latex paint (base coat: Basket Beige SW6143; top coat: Moderate White SW6140)
whisk broom
long level
pencil
paint pens (dark brown)

Steps:

1. Apply the base coat and let dry.
2. Cut-in very quickly with the top coat color, and then roll a couple widths over the base coat.
3. Immediately pull a whisk broom through the paint from the ceiling down to the floor. Move quickly so the paint doesn't dry and wipe the broom off as needed. Repeat until the room is done (the technique looks best if you continue along one wall without stopping so plan ahead because once you start, you can't stop).

PHOTO

Figure A
4. To make it look like there is planking laid horizontally around the room, use a long level and a pencil to lightly draw lines spaced randomly from six to eight inches wide along the walls. Use a paint pen to enhance the lines. For interest in some areas, draw vertical lines to make plank ends and add circles to simulate nail heads (figure A).
Resources
paint
The Sherwin-Williams Company
Website: www.sherwin.com
Also in this Episode
Room by Room : Episode RXR-2008
•Let's Play Wild West
•Paint Technique: Rough-Sawn Wood Planking
•Kid-Sized Shelving Unit/Nightstand