Mastering the Method

Weave interest into almost any surface, using paint to create the look and feel of linen.

Here are some general tips on the process of creating a linen look.

 

• Start with two semigloss base coats to provide a smooth surface.
• Plan your colors. Tintable linen glaze can be colored with any shade of semigloss paint, or opt for a variety of premixed tinted linen glazes, available at home improvement stores.
• For walls, measure and mark off manageable 24- to 36-inch-wide sections, then tape off every other section. Divide other large surfaces into equal sections no larger than 36 inches wide. Small surfaces need not be painted in sections.
• Evenly apply glaze to sections one at a time. Use a trim brush to cut in along molding and trim.
• Begin with the horizontal weave. Use a dry linen weaver brush and, starting at the ceiling, make a horizontal pass to the right; bristles should bend a little while applying. Reverse the motion, dragging to the left and flipping the brush to use the opposite side of the bristles. Wipe brush with a damp rag to remove excess glaze as necessary. Continue brushing all the way down the section to the floor.
• To brush the vertical weave pattern, work from top to bottom, sweeping the brush in one movement downward. Skim the wall lightly without bending the bristles to complete the look of woven "threads."
• Remove tape along linen seams while glaze is still wet. After the paint dries, use a razor or knife to gently release the edge where tape and glaze meet along trim and ceiling edges.
• After the first sections have dried thoroughly, tape off and texture remaining sections.

Delicate and sheer, these linens inspire paint projects with the look of linen. Many of the old embroidered patterns translate well into beautiful stencils.