How To Faux Paint Suede Walls
Learning how to faux paint suede walls is easy even if it does seem like it should be a job for a professional painter.
The rich look of suede can add dimension and warmth to any room and goes great with a modern contemporary look. This faux look is achieved with a layer of irregular brush strokes. If done right, you’ll want to reach out and touch the wall every time you pass by.
Materials
Brushed Suede Paint – available at Lowes and other Home Hardware or Paint stores.
Paint Tray
Paint Roller with ½” Nap
3” – 4” Nylon brush
Painters Tape
Drop Cloth
Prep Work
Empty the room as much as you can. Use the painters tape to protect woodwork, outlets and the edges of the ceiling and baseboard. Tape off any areas where you don’t want the paint applied. Lay the drop cloth on the floor and over any furniture or island that you couldn’t move.
First Coat
Working in 3’ X 3’ sections, apply the faux suede paint with a roller. Roll the paint on in the shape of a “W” then fill in the rest of the 3 foot area. Move on to the next 3 foot area and continue until the entire wall is painted. Once the whole wall is painted, roll the entire wall from ceiling to floor in one direction to get rid of any lap marks. Remove the painters tape and let dry overnight.
Second Coat
For the second coat, you will use a brush to create the faux suede look. Make sure the first coat is completely dry. You may want to reapply the painters tape before you start so you don’t have to worry about painting the trim or ceiling and you can concentrate on your faux painting technique with the brush. Load the brush with paint and splash on in a series of overlapping X’s. Use large X’s and small X’s using different sides of the brush and varying the stroke and size as you go. It is important to use random strokes as this is what creates the faux suede look. Cover the entire wall, remove the tape and let dry.
Hint: Before you take to the walls, practice your faux painting on a large piece of cardboard or poster board. Once you get your technique perfected, you can hold the board up to the actual wall to see how the suede texture will look.
Other Resources
Don't want to paint? Add an artistic touch with a wallpaper window mural.
| | 
