Add a touch of drama to any room with the softly textured look of dry brushing. It is a simple and
affordable way to turn an ordinary space into a cozy retreat.
Tools and Supplies
Paint:
- Basecoat: Regal® Pearl Finish, Wild Rice 2097-70
- First Brush Coat: Regal Eggshell Finish, Somerville Red HC-62
- Second Brush Coat: Regal Eggshell Finish, Sandblast 2103-50
- Third Highlight Color: Regal Eggshell Finish,
Cloud White 967
Tools:
- 3/8-inch nap Benjamin Moore roller cover
- Three 2½-inch Benjamin Moore brushes
- Cardboard or newspaper
- Rags
- Roller cage
- Water
Note: The amount of paint and the tools required depend on the square footage of your project. For guidance in calculating the size of your project, consult your local Benjamin Moore retailer.
Step 1 - Paint Your Walls
Paint your wall(s) with two base coats of Wild Rice 2097-70. Allow at least 24 hours for it to dry.
Step 2 - Tape the Ceiling
Apply tape to the ceiling and baseboard before you apply brush coats to your wall.
Step 3 - Ready Your Brush
Dip the tip of your brush in the first brush coat, Somerville Red HC-62. Remove any excess paint by dabbing your brush on a piece of cardboard.
Step 4 - Brush the Walls
Using a stroke about 8 to 12 inches long, brush your wall at a 45-degree angle. Also make a second brushstroke adjacent to the first, at an opposite 45-degree angle, to create a herringbone pattern.
Repeat this brushing pattern to fill in a four-by-four-foot section of the wall, re-dipping your brush in the paint as needed.
Step 5 - Apply a Second Coat
Use Sandblast 2103-50 to apply the second coat over the first in the same pattern, but be looser in creating your angles.
With the second coat, the idea is to soften the pattern created by the first coat. When you finish, move to your next four-by-four-foot section and repeat the steps above.
Step 6 - Apply a Third Coat
When you have finished painting your walls, brush on the third coat with Cloud White 967, randomly in select areas to create highlights.
Helpful Hints:
- The secret to this technique is not to apply too much paint. If your brush becomes too dry and does not appear to add any paint to the surface, dip it in water and shake well.
- When selecting colors, choose from within the same color family or those that are tints or shades of each other, to ensure they blend well together on the wall.
- Make sure to allow ample time for your project. When you use a small amount of paint with such a hand-sized tool, the process can be time consuming.
- You can achieve the dry-brushing look in the corners with a few dabs of a paint brush.
- Do not worry when the first brush coat is applied. It will be dark, but the second brush coat will soften the look.
