- 1). Clean your walls to remove substances that can mar your results and cause your paint to bubble and peel. Brush off the surface of your walls with a soft-bristled broom. Mix a few drops of mild dish detergent into a bucket of warm water. Using a soft sponge, wipe the surface of your walls, paying special attention to areas subject to fingerprints, including doorways, light switches and window seals. Allow your walls to dry completely. Wipe a tack cloth over your dry walls to lift off any remaining dust, hair and lint.
- 2). Tape off the perimeter of your walls to protect your ceiling and the adjacent walls. Protect your flooring with a piece of plastic sheeting or a few drop cloths. Cover any furniture and fixtures to avoid paint damage.
- 3). Apply an even coat of paint primer to your clean walls. Allow the primer to dry thoroughly. Pat the dry primer coat with your tack cloth to ensure a dust-free surface for painting.
- 4). Apply your background color. This is the shade that will look as though it is behind your painted columns. Wait for the first coat to dry and then apply a second coat, following the label instructions to allow adequate drying time before beginning your columns.
- 5). Measure and tape the locations for your columns. Center these along your walls or use single columns near focal points, such as stairways and fireplaces. Apply your painter's tape along the outside edges of your intended columns. Use a small roller or brush to fill in the inside portion of your tape borders with your column color. Let the first coat dry, then apply a second coat.
- 6). Create depth by mixing a portion of your column color with a few drops of black craft paint. Mix well and spread this on the edge of your columns furthest from the nearest light sources, such as windows and lamps. Start with a fine line against the edge, gently blending it with your brush toward the center. Do not cover more than one-third of your column with your shaded tone.
- 7). Mix a portion of your column color with a few drops of white paint, creating a lighter tone. Using an artist's paintbrush, apply a thin strip of this light tone halfway between your shaded section and the opposite side of your columns, highlighting your column and creating a dimensional illusion.
- 8). Create the look of stone or stucco columns by applying a faux finish over the top of your completed columns. A glossy sheen will give the look of marble, while a crackle finish will provide an old-world style.
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