If all you expect from your painting project is walls that are bright and clean, you can still use the old brush and roller technique with satisfactory results. However, you can step it up a notch by putting an ordinary household item to use. By using color on color and a feather duster, you can get feathery, wispy effects that will enhance the look of any room.
Selecting Equipment
Select the colors you would like to use for the project. The base coat and the feather-dusted color do not have to be different. If you use the same color for both coats, the differences in texture will create an interesting look. However, using a different color over the base coat can result in a striking decorating statement. Choose a feather duster with a sturdy enough handle that will hold up to the weight of the paint. A duster made with real feathers will give better results than one made with artificial feathers. Besides paint rollers and brushes, you'll need a container large enough to fit the entire head of the feather duster inside.
Color Selection
Determine the colors you want for your room. Let the ambient and artificial light help you determine the colors as well as the other colors already present in the room, such as those in the window coverings and furniture. Consider using sharply contrasting colors for the base coat and topcoat, such as bright red, dark green, or royal blue on a white base. Or use soft colors such as powder blue over pink or lavender.
Base coat
Prepare the room for painting. Make sure the walls are clean and free from dust and cobwebs. Spackle any holes that may be present and allow to these to dry thoroughly before sanding until smooth. Wipe up any spackling powder with a damp cloth. Paint around the windows and other woodwork with a two-inch sash brush. Before using a paint roller for the base coat, paint the edges of the ceiling and corners with a brush.
Getting Paint Onto the Duster
Allow the base coat to dry completely before applying any patterns with the feather duster. Place about half of an inch of the feather duster paint in a large pail. Dip the end of the feather duster into the paint. Lift the duster out of the paint, but not out of the bucket. Shake off any excess paint into the bucket. Placing the handle of the duster between the palms of your hands and spinning the duster around until it is no longer dripping will also remove excess paint.
Applying the Feather Duster Paint
Starting in one corner of the wall, dab the tip of the duster onto the wall and twist the handle about thirty degrees; then lift the feather duster away from the wall without dragging it. Repeat this maneuver until the desired look is achieved. Try to avoid making repeatable patterns that might result in a look that simply resembles wallpaper.
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