Creative decorative painting techniques: whisking

How to bring style and sophistication to any room with paint and a whisk broom, for a whisked effect.

Whisking is a faux painting method that creates the impression of tattered silk. It is not difficult to achieve but does require using two colors with good contrast. Semi gloss is the best choice for the base coat because it has a more "slippery" finish and will make dragging the wet paint easier.

Before you attempt the whisking technique on your walls, use a scrap piece of wood or a piece of heavy cardboard to practice. This way you will be able to insure that you can recreate the texture and effect you desire before putting any paint on the walls. This will save you a lot of time and effort in the long run, in case you are not happy with the result, and it will give you a chance to practice until you get it just right. This will also be a good opportunity to test your color choices for the proper contrast.

Some paint companies now offer small sample containers that hold just a few ounces of paint. Using these is the least expensive way to compare different colors. Remember that the topcoat will be the most noticeable, with the base coat just peeking through.

The most important thing to remember when starting any painting project is that the surface must be properly prepped. Make sure walls are clean, then tape off all areas that will not be painted.

To begin a whisking project, first apply the base coat. When the base coat is fully dry, begin the second phase of the process, starting in one corner working only one small area at a time. You need to set aside enough time to finish one full wall or the effect will not be consistent. Use a brush to cut in near baseboards and molding. Cut in each area as you work on it rather than doing the whole wall. You want the paint to be good and wet when you begin dragging the broom over it.

Next, you need to roll on stripes of paint so you have an area about two feet wide (i.e. about two widths of the roller). Immediately drag the whisk broom from top to bottom in one swipe. If the effect is not the texture you desire, you may have to go over the area with the broom a second time. If the roller overlaps as you paint on the next stripe just make sure to drag it with the broom, and be sure the broom does overlap just a bit to avoid leaving any untouched areas.

Be sure to wipe off the broom before beginning the next swipe. Use a rag, preferably one that will not create a lot of lint. Do not use paper towels or you will end up with debris in your paint.

You don't have to stick to vertical stripes; you can also try a horizontal stripe to create a different effect, or an "S" curve design (i.e. elongated "s" shaped squiggles down the length of the wall). Whatever pattern you choose, follow the above directions and be sure to overlap, unless you choose to leave blank areas between swipes.

Whisking can also be used to create a beautiful textured ceiling, but it is more difficult than attempting this technique on walls. You will need an extension for this project, because you can't climb up and down a ladder if you are trying to make fluid stripes.

You can also use the whisking technique to create a basket weave pattern. This adds beauty and dimension to any room. To create a basket weave pattern, first make a vertical stripe. Then, come back and make horizontal stripes. Each stripe should be alternated to create the over/under woven effect. In other words, if you have a vertical stripe about two feet wide, make a horizontal stripe one foot wide, or the width of the first roller stripe. On your next horizontal stripe, leave the first width blank and make a horizontal stripe on the second.

It is best to measure and mark the wall first. "Eyeballing" where the stripes should be placed may cause your hard work to come out uneven and sloppy. This effect is one that should definitely be practiced before attempting it on your walls. It doesn't have to be perfect, and it is fairly simple, but it does require extra time and effort.

You can also try using a glaze rather than paint as your topcoat, to create a different effect. There are many creative variations and patterns you can try, but however you choose to do it, the whisking technique creates a nice texture that lends elegance to any room.