Painting: brush techniques and special effects

The use of a paintbrush, sponge or other painting tool to create interesting and unusual features in a painted area can be one of the easiest ways to create variety in a project. Some paints have inbuilt 'special effects' which create the appearance of rough textures or other patterns. Simple paint brushes can be used to great effect, and other objects used to apply paint can create surprising results.

Types of special effect paints

Paints themselves may create the dramatic effect you are after. Texture paints come in a variety of effects, allowing you to create patterns while you paint. These paints contain substances which dry like sand, or coarser. You may also stick objects such as shells into the paint before it dries, making this popular for children's rooms or the beach house. Using objects such as sponges, odd sized brushes or stamps to apply the paint can further enhance the effects.

Children will adore a wall painted in magnetic chalkboard paint. This combines a magnetic undercoat with an over coat of chalkboard paint, allowing children to stick objects to and draw in chalk on their wall. Hours of fun!

Other paints have dramatic colours, such as silver and gold, which create style and flair on their own.

Painting brush and applicator techniques

The object that you use to apply paint, and the way in which you use the object, can create yet another realm of special effects, even in ordinary paint.

Try using damp sponges or a damp towel to 'wash' one colour, in a glaze or wash over the top of another (dry!) one. Use circular or semi circular movements to create a pattern that both melds and contrasts the two colours. Choose your colours carefully for this special effect, so they blend harmoniously. Use your paint brush creatively by dragging long strokes over the base colour, or use it to create circular, cutting, half - moon or wavy patterns.

Squeegees can also be dragged through wet paint in a circular motion to make a fan effect. A pencil eraser can be used to create the veins for a marbled look - again, just drag the end through the wet paint. Use a wallpaper finishing brush to create a rough textured look. Cake decorator bags can be filled with paint which is then squeezed onto the wall in thick patterns.

You can use a smaller brush to create a stippling effect. Paint in narrow bands, one at a time, across the room, stopping after each one to use the small brush to dab off dots of the wet paint, creating the stippling.

Paint effects and brushes

The humble can of paint and brush need not be the limit of your imagination. Use common tools as well as the paint brush in different ways to experiment and create interesting and unusual effects in your painting. Or try some of the special effects paints, and make your next painting project an adventure!