Painting Techniques - Stenciling, Stamping, Sponging, Ragging and Murals

Wouldn't you love a home that had that unique and special touch? It's easier than you think. You don't have to hire an interior decorator; using painting techniques can create that decorator look without the impressive price tag. Anyone seeking a room that truly gets attention will want to consider some of these great painting techniques.

Stenciling is one of the most popular painting techniques. This takes a very fine touch, as stencils can be very delicate and intricate. There are many different types of stencils available. You can find a modern, classic, contemporary and trendy look using stencils. One of the fun things about using stencils is that you can incorporate it with some of the other painting techniques in order to get some very interesting looking walls. A very popular technique is to have stenciled borders around your walls. Or even to stencil something stunning on just one wall as a great attention grabber.

Stamping is another well known painting technique. This is similar to stenciling, but with stamping, the images are pressed on with wet paint underneath. This is an ideal way to get a designer look without a designer price tag. Stamping also takes a firm and steady hand - if you are not straight and organized when you stamp on the wall, it will not look even and pretty. When a professional stamps on a wall, it can look simply beautiful. It often takes more practice than people realize to develop a sense for something like that.

Sponging is a painting technique that has become well liked in recent years. This is a very intuitive type of painting technique that takes several colors which compliment each other. You then use a sponge and press the sponge lightly against the wall repeatedly. This creates delicate patterns you simply won't find anywhere else, giving you a unique look for your home. Because you can customize this with your own color scheme, you can get a truly unique look, especially for your home and that particular room. Sponging can look quite modern but it also can be very soft and romantic to have a classic or contemporary look.

Ragging is similar to sponging in that the way you "rag" is the same as the way you do the sponging, except you use a rag. The rag gives you more dramatic color effect because the holes of the sponge let other colors come through. The sponge spreads the different colors around, mixing them together. The effect is one that many people enjoy - especially in modern and contemporary decor design rooms. Ragging is done most often with clean cotton rags, changing the rag as you change the color.

Murals are another beautiful painting technique. This is an excellent way to get a very one-of-a-kind look for your home. You can commission a mural for your home to celebrate a milestone event (birth, anniversary, wedding) or simply to share with your family. There are so many scenes you can choose to show in a mural. You can depict a family story or a classic fairy tale. A mural can be in the family room or something sweet to put in your newborn baby's room. Depending on its style, a mural will express your family's personality and way of life.