Stop thinking of your wall as a place to hang art, and instead let the wall be art with this unique color-blocking technique. You can get the look by using a collection of glazes that are formulated to simulate the color and texture of metals.
Metal Masterpiece. Like all glazes, these are translucent, which means the color underneath will show through. With that being the case, the base color is just as integral to the technique as the glazes. We used eggshell paint for the base color and four different metallic glaze colors. You will also need chalk, some graph and tracing papers (for planning your design), rags, painter’s tape, a level, and seamless paint rollers.
Before you start painting, you will need to plan the layers of the color blocks on your walls. The sizes of the blocks and the arrangement of the colors are critical in this step. To find the proper balance for the blocks, sketch your design on graph and tracing paper. Then arrange your colors with dark colors (copper and bronze) on the first layer, medium tints (gold) on the next, and the lightest colors (silver) on the top layer.
Once the design is complete, prime the wall and add two layers of the base coat. Let the paint dry for 24 hours, and then outline the first layer of your design on the wall with white chalk. Use a level to keep your lines straight.
Apply painter’s tape along the chalk lines, and then wipe off the chalk lines with a rag. Then apply a coat of glaze with a 4” or 6” seamless roller. The glaze will dry quickly, so work one block at a time. Use a damp rag to “rag off” just enough glaze to let the base coat show through.
Let the glaze dry for two hours before removing the tape. Then add the next layer, using the roll-on, rag-off technique. Consistent pressure will ensure even color within the block.
As you paint on the final layer of color, remember that it will naturally appear darker where it overlaps other colors. Because the top layer of paint is lighter than everything beneath it, less ragging off will be required to let the other layers show through.
