DECORATIVE FINISH HOW-TO

Strata

Artist: Michelle Kole Decorative Services

Share this article

PROJECT SUPPLIES:

INSTRUCTIONS:

1 | Mix Sandstone, Farrow & Ball Dead Salmon paint and Slow Dry Fluid Acrylic Titanium White until you have a light, muted pink that will be the main color of your wall. Sandstone has a gray tint to it. You may want to add some white paint or primer to lighten it more. Apply Sandstone mixture to the top edge of your trowel and spread a thin layer over the wall in mainly horizontal strokes.
(Photos 1-2)

2 | Allow the layer in Step 1 to dry and apply a second coat in the same manner.
(Photo 3)

3 | Mix up three color glazes by adding the Farrow & Ball paint or a variation of the Slow Dry Fluid Acrylic colors to tint the Sheer Glazing Medium. You will want a white glaze, a muted burnt sienna glaze, and a rosy mauve glaze, as pictured.
(Photo 4)

4 | Brush the glazes horizontally in bands across the surface and soften with a terry cloth rag. Make different bands of texture by using different tools. Try a softer brush and blend gently up and down, or try using a brush then dragging with a spatula. Experiment with spritzing the wet glaze lightly with water. Let it begin to break up the glaze a bit and then blot with the rag. Watch for drips.
(Photos 5-6)

5 | Add a finishing touch by pouring a bit of the white glaze into the small spray bottle. Moving your arm quickly across in a horizontal movement, spray the white glaze onto the wall.
(Photo 7)

Soften with a blending brush and rag.
(Photos 8-9)

Here’s the final texture.
(Photo 10)

Featured Products

Michelle Kole

About the Artist
Michelle Kole is a multidisciplinary artist specializing in the creation and installation of decorative surfaces for the interior design and architectural industry. Her love of interiors, art, and beautiful things lead to the creation of Michelle Kole Decorative Surfaces. Michelle has over 20 years experience in the field of custom, hand-applied specialty finishes and site-specific art. Interior designers, architects, and homeowners alike come to her for a unique combination of aesthetic vision, technical knowledge, and craftsmanship. Michelle works in time-honored techniques and mediums and builds upon them in contemporary ways. Based in Brooklyn, NY, her walls, custom artwork and design embellishments can be seen in luxury homes and commercial spaces throughout the New York City tri-state area and beyond.

More from this artist

Looking for more inspiration? Click here to view all of the decorative finishes from our Limited Edition Collections.