Expert Advice on Home Improvement TV Host of Emmy®-Nominated Today's Homeowner® and home expert for The Weather Channel

Alternative Wall Surfaces With Decorative Finishes

Design and Decor, Painting, Interior Published 10/27/2006 by Danny Lipford

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While nothing brightens up a room like a fresh coat of paint, you may occasionally feel a little adventurous and wish to try something different. There is an almost endless list of alternatives for plain, solid painted walls, and Danny has a few suggestions on how you can breathe life into your home, make a statement or simply add a touch of elegance to a room with a few simple techniques.

Faux Finishing

Whether you choose to hire a professional or do it yourself, decorative painting, or faux finishing, gives you the freedom to express your individual style and create a room that uniquely reflects your personality, and it doesn’t have to be as complicated as it sounds.

Keep in mind that it’s best to start with a well-prepared surface. Your walls should be primed and then have two coats of either an eggshell, satin or semi-gloss base coat. As with any interior painting you’ll want to tape off baseboards, ceiling edges, trim, window and door frames. Use drop cloths to protect furniture and floors. Check your local home improvement center for glazes, paints, do-it-yourself kits and supplies to help you achieve the look you want.

Alternative Surfaces

Cork

Ever thought of putting cork on your walls? It’s not only decorative and warm to the touch but can also reduce noise. Cork works best on inside walls that face away from the sun because of its insulating properties. If installing cork in a kitchen or bathroom, be careful that it does not come in direct contact with areas such as the bath, sink basin, etc.

Cork is widely available at craft stores and home improvement centers and comes in a variety of sizes and shapes. Be sure to measure the space you want to apply the cork and either chose ready made squares or cut the cork to size. Simply apply a layer of adhesive to your wall surface and then press the cork on to the wall. To ensure an even, level surface, you may wish to use a roller to press the cork down.

Magnetic Paint

There are a few alternative wall surfaces that’ll keep you organized and the kids occupied. Walls can serve as play areas or workspaces with magnetic or chalkboard paint. Magic Wall Magnetic Paint is a pre-mixed, lead-free, water based latex primer that provides a magnetic surface.

Simply apply at least two coats of the magnetic paint to your chosen surface. Wait 24 hours and then apply your choice of any kind of topcoat.

Chalk Board Finish

The other option is chalkboard paint, available in green or black from Krylon. Now, kids can use their imaginations all over one wall of their own. Simply apply two coats of paint, allow time to dry between coats then lightly sand.

Adding Texture & Depth

Combing

For a soft, striping effect on your walls apply a thin layer of joint compound or thick, wet latex paint and create a combing effect. You can use one of the combing tools available in stores but we found that a regular hair pick, a trowel with notches in it or even a squeegee with notches cut into it work just as easily to create a variety of effects. Gently drag the tool through the joint compound in one continuous line. Waving the lines or using a fanning motion provides even more interesting looks. Joint compound is widely available at most home centers.