Imagine giving your walls the soft, warm appearance of suede with faux suede paint -- no special tools or expertise required. The basic process requires two applications; depending on the tools and colors you use, the final effect can range from soft and subtle to deeply textured and dramatic. Suede paint works well on all the walls in a room, as a focal wall or even in stripes or paired with wainscoting.
Basic Suede Technique
In the basic technique shown on label directions, you roll the first coat of suede paint, allow it to dry, and apply the second coat in the same color with a brush in a crisscross motion to give it a suede-like texture. Using a 3- or 4-inch brush gives you a more subtle textured effect. A smaller brush yields more texture and reveals areas that appear light and dark.
Two-Color Application
Using the suede paint for both the first coat and the second is not always necessary. Try rolling a first coat of flat paint in a color a shade lighter or darker than the suede paint. The paint store can custom-blend the paint color for you. Since hints of the first coat will show through the finished suede, the effect will be more two-dimensional than painting both coats with the same product.
Accent Wall
Suede paint, like most specialty paints, can be somewhat expensive. Painting an accent or focal wall still provides a dramatic punch of color without the cost of painting a whole room. Suede paint is available in a wide range of colors. Choose a rich color that echoes another color in the room, such as espresso brown leather upholstery or a jewel tone from wall art or throw pillows.
Complementary Textures
Since suede paint gives a soft look to a wall, it can be particularly dramatic when paired with glossy wainscoting or painted trim. It looks especially good if your trim is wider than the standard 3- or 4-inch trim.
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