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Add Charm with a Faux Suede Finish
Many people complain that their home has no character. Sometimes this is the result of a newly built home that is simply too perfect. It's often the case that newer homes lack some of the charm and rustic appeal of older homes, but there are ways that you can add special touches that can turn your home from plain vanilla into a home that is overflowing with charm.

One of the simplest and most inexpensive ways to do this is by using paint to apply a faux finish. There are several faux finish techniques available. One of the most popular is the faux suede finish.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




You can apply a faux suede finish in any color to add warmth and depth to your walls. Some people use this finish on just one wall in a room while others complete the entire room with faux suede.

There is no need to be intimidated by this process. This is a project that you can complete quickly and easily with no special skills required. In fact, the simplicity of this technique makes it a great choice for beginners.

Materials you'll need:
· Faux suede paint
 · Good quality painter's tape
 · Good quality primer
· Paint rollers and brushes (3-4 inch brushes)

Suede paint can be found at any large home improvement store. You can select the paint and then, just as you would with regular paint, have it tinted to any color you choose. To get proper coverage, you'll need to buy more suede paint than you would regular paint. If the room would normally take 1 gallon, be safe and purchase two. It's better to purchase all of your paint at once to ensure that the colors will be an exact match. Remember: It's better to have too much than not enough!

Once you have all of your materials, you're ready to get started. Follow the steps below to get the best results.

1. Wash the walls that are to be painted. Simply wipe with a damp sponge from ceiling to floor. When the walls have dried, wipe with a lint free dry cloth to remove any stray particles.

2. Tape off all areas that you don't intend to paint. Be sure to use a high quality painter's tape to ensure that you won't harm existing finishes when you remove the tape.

3. Apply primer. Many people like to save time and skip this step. Even if the new color is darker than the old, it's still a good idea to use a high quality primer. This will provide a nice, clean and even canvas on which to apply the faux finish. Taking the time to complete this step will provide the best results and will help cut down in chipping and peeling.

4. Apply suede paint. Once the primer has completely dried, you are ready to begin applying the faux finish. The first coat will be applied with a roller. Starting at the ceiling, apply using a large “M” pattern. You will continue filling in the gaps left by the “M” pattern by moving the roller across the “M”. You will then work from the floor up smoothing out any gaps.

5. Apply a second coat. It may take several hours for the first coat to dry completely. Once it has, you will use the brush to apply a second coat. The second coat should consist of an “X” pattern. Be sure to use “Xs” of varying sizes to get the most realistic suede finish.

6. Remove painter's tape, clean brushes rollers and properly store remaining paint. If you have an entire unopened can of paint left over, many home improvement stores will allow you to return it for a refund. You may want to keep some extra paint on hand, however, in case you need to apply touch ups in the future.
A faux suede finish is a project that you can complete in just one day. The results can transform the look and feel of your room.

Jessica Ackerman is a contributing writer for www.walldecorandhomeaccents.com where you can find a great selection of wall decor products including metal wall art , wall candle holders and wrought iron wall décor.