Looking for the warmth & old-world charm of an Italian villa? The rustic look of Tuscany is one that has captured countless hearts over the centuries, one filled with varied colors and stunning textures. If you’re wanting to recreate this effect, but without having to break the bank or know how to stucco, you’re in luck. Great Guys Painting is here to show you how to create a Tuscan faux finish in a few easy steps!
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What is Tuscan Faux Finish?
If you want to add the illusion of Tuscan-style finish, without all the high skill, labor, and cost, then Tuscan faux finish is the way to go! But what exactly is it? Let’s take a look.
Origins and Technique
As already mentioned, it all originates from Italy. If you’ve ever seen a Tuscan villa – Tuscany is found in the west-central region of Italy – you may have fallen in love with the aged charm of its walls. It’s hard not to for a lot of people. However, this look is not easy to naturally come by. It takes certain advanced techniques and many years of sun exposure.
Enter faux finish. This allows anybody to quickly appropriate the physical textures and warm, vibrant colors of genuine Tuscan finish in a matter of days as opposed to decades.
A Tuscan-style faux finish involves two main steps: putting down a base coat and then adding a faux layer that creates a rustic or aged look. This is achieved through the use of colored glaze, which has a slower dry time and allows you to work with it on the wall longer.
The faux finish is typically made up of multiple colors. To recreate the sunbaked look of a gorgeously aged Tuscan villa, you’ll want to work with an appropriate palette of tones. This can range from warm whites to golden browns.
The general rule is two pick at least two main colors (and no more than five colors). For a more authentic look, lean towards warmer tones than cooler ones. It can be a little tricky or even overwhelming to make a final decision, so it’s recommended to reach out to a designer or painting professional. This will make the whole process a lot easier!
Best Applications
Of course, choosing a Tuscan finish is all up to personal preferences. If you are a big fan of Italy or the Mediterranean, with its breathtaking scenario, sunsets, and old-world charm, this is definitely the finish for you. If you’re into a much more modern or contemporary design, then this technique might not be up your alley.
This finish can be applied to one room or an entire house. You should consider how subtle or impactful a look you want in your home. Again, for a more classic Tuscan finish, we suggest going with warmer tones (but you can always go with sky blues or olive greens, too).
From bathrooms to living rooms, you can bring a touch of Italy to any space. You can opt for anything from a humble village look to something more upscale and palatial. It all comes down to color choice. Have fun with your selection and see it come to life!
How to Create Tuscan Faux Finish
Ready to have some fun? Let’s jump into the actual process of turning a typical wall into a Tuscan dream! Below, you’ll find the 5 steps to create a Tuscan faux finish.
Tools and Materials
In order to make a Tuscan-style faux finish, you’ll need to get the following:
- Paint roller (with regular and thinner roller covers)
- Corner brush
- Softening brush
- Terry cloth rags or sponges (dampened)
- Paint tray
- Spray bottle
- Drop clothes
- Painter’s tape
- Base coat paint
- Glaze
Got holes or cracks that need to be fixed? Gather the following:
- Spackling compound
- Putty knife
- Sanding paper or sponges
- Primer
Step 1: Start with Prep Work
First, you’ll want to start with a nice canvas. Patch any holes or cracks with standard spackling compound. Use a putty knife to fill and allow to dry. Then, sand these spots and apply a primer.
Don’t forget to lay down drop clothes on the floor, furniture, and anything else you don’t want to get paint on during the project. Use painter’s tape to mask off windows, ceilings, and adjacent walls that are not going to be finished in this style.
Step 2: Apply Base Coat
Second, apply your base coat. This coat is meant to show through the top layers of glaze, so choosing the right kind and color is important. Generally, you want to go with a warmed-toned color. An eggshell paint is the go-to choice.
Start with the corners and edges. Apply paint with an angled brush. Once you’ve covered that, paint the middle section of the wall with a standard paint roller. Allow the base coat to dry for at least 24 hours before you begin to apply the glaze.
Step 3: Add First Glaze
Okay, now for the creative part! Glaze allows you to manipulate it for longer on a surface, which makes it ideal for this type of project. As mentioned before, you want to choose a few different complimentary colors to add dimension and texture to the walls.
First, lightly spray a section of wall with water. Starting with the first color choice, apply it quickly and randomly. Do a section of a wall at a time – typically 3 feet by 3 feet. The key is to add the paint lightly in some spots and heavier in other spots.
Step 4: Smooth or Soften Glaze
Next, you’ll want to use a softening brush or terry cloth rag. Dampen it and go over applied glaze. This helps to smooth out the lines left by the glaze brush. Once you’ve completed the first section, move on to the next and follow these steps until you’ve completed the wall.
Step 5: Apply Other Glaze Colors
What separates this technique from a simple color washing finish is the application of multiple colors. This makes for a more complex (and time-consuming) process, but the results are worth it. There’s so much depth and appeal that comes with the Tuscan look.
Repeat steps 3 and 4 with a new color. Keep in mind that random, uneven application is key to a great finish. Allow to dry and continue with any remaining colors.
With a little patience, time, and creativity, you can transform a standard surface into one that evokes the Italian countryside! Looking for some help with your Tuscan-inspired project? Great Guys Painting is here to help! We make it easy to get the services you need.
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