Step 6: Dry-brush the Finish

how to paint a color wash step six: dry-brush the finish
Photo: Kolin Smith
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As you apply the second layer, stop every 3 feet or so and, using a dry 4-inch polyester brush, sweep the wet glaze with the tips of the bristles to blend and soften the effect. Work in long, broad strokes; the more you dry-brush, the more the paint marks will fade. Be careful not to brush the effect away completely.

TOH Tip: Stop occasionally to wash excess paint off the brush. Dry it off as best you can by brushing it over several paper towels.
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    Tools List

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    • tarp
      Canvas and tarps
    • putty knife
      Putty knife
    • paintroller
      Roller frame
    • paint pan
      Paint tray
    • bucket
      Paint bucket
    • paintbrush
      1 1/2-inch angled sash brush
    • synthetic brush
      Two 2 1/2-inch polyester-nylon paintbrushes, and a 4-inch polyester paintbrush to dry-brush the finish

    Shopping List

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    1. Latex Paint: You need to choose three colors: a base coat in semigloss and two layer colors in eggshell or matte. The layer colors get mixed with glaze, so get about half as much of these two shades as you would need to paint the whole room.

    2. Latex Glaze to smooth the effect and create a translucent top coat. One gallon is enough for a 10-by-10-foot room. 3. Spackling Compound to repair the walls before painting.

    4. 150-Grit Sandpaper

    5. Primer to spot-prime any spackled areas.

    6. Tray Liners and Bucket Liners

    7. 3/8-inch Nap Roller Cover