Frottage is a subtractive faux finishing technique that creates distinct random lines in the finish similar to worn or antique leather, or handmade paper. This finish is also referred to as 'smooshing'. It's recommended to have someone to work with you when applying this technique.
Tools and Materials:
1. Roll of 1 mil Plastic Drop Cloth cut into 3 ft. Squares
2. Wallpaper Brush
3. Cloth Rags
4. Cheesecloth
5. 3/8” Nap Roller
6. Gloves
7. Drop Cloth
8. Paint Tray
9. Interior Paint (two different colors)
10. Faux Glaze.
Paint your basecoat:
First you want to cover your walls with a basecoat. Give at least 4 hours drying time before using your glaze color.
Mixing Glaze:
Mix one quart of paint to one gallon of glaze. This color should be different than your basecoat in order to get the effect you want. Remember that the glaze itself will lighten your paint by one step, so keep this in mind when choosing colors.
Applying and Removing the glaze color
• Begin at the top corner and roll a thin, even amount of Glaze Color onto a 3 ft. x 3 ft. section. Crumple a plastic sheet, open it up and lay it over the wet Glaze Color. Avoid laying the plastic too close to the edge of your section. Use a brush or cloth to lightly smooth the plastic against the surface. Do not use your hand or fingers to smooth out the plastic as this will ruin the results.
• Leave the plastic sheet in place and roll the Glaze Color onto the next 3 ft. x 3 ft. section,
overlapping the edge of the previous section. Apply another sheet of plastic, being sure to
maintain a wet edge from section to section, overlapping each plastic square.
• Once the entire wall has been covered with plastic, immediately peel it away.
Tip: If you wish to soften the lines of your finish, lightly blot the damp Frottaged surface with a cloth rag or cheesecloth.
About the Author:
Silverspoon Murals offers a wide variety of services including Faux Finishing, Trompe L'Oeil, Custom Wall Murals and Children's Theme Rooms.
Visit Silverspoon Murals Website for Samples and Pricing.
