Materials:
whisk broom
paint tray
paintbrush
roller and roller cover
masking tape
paper towels
latex semi-gloss paint for base coat (Prairie Dawn 7D-3)
latex satin paint for top coat (Pursuit of Happiness 16F-3)
Steps:
- Both subtle and elegant, silk string wall coverings add softened color to any room. That same effect is achievable, with paint and a common whisk broom. Some painting techniques require specific base coats and whisking is one of them. A semi-gloss base coat is necessary to be able to pull off the wet paint with the whisk broom. Also, be sure to select enough of a contrast in the colors between the base and top coat so that the whisking efforts will be seen.
- You must go from corner to corner without stopping when doing this technique in order to keep a wet edge. When ready to begin, roll a single width of paint starting at a corner, using a brush to cut in when near the ceiling, trim or baseboards. Protect necessary areas with masking tape.
- While the paint is still wet, immediately drag the whisk broom from the top straight down to the bottom in one stroke. Apply enough pressure to remove an adequate amount of paint, leaving string-like stripes. Use a paper towel to dab off the whisk broom and roll on the next width of paint. Make sure to drag through all the new paint if it overlaps a little. It may take two swipes of the broom to accomplish a nice effect. Continue until the room is complete.
Color Advice
The whisking technique is really just a roughing up of the top coat color to slightly reveal the fact that there is a different base coat color. Keeping that in mind, it makes sense that the base coat color should be rather bright and in contrast to the top coat color. Here are some examples: white base and periwinkle blue top coat or a cream base and beige top coat. Remember, the finished room will appear most strongly in the top coat color.
Note: For a little different look, try wisps or a basket weave. Experiment on a piece of cardboard before going to the wall.
)
