Whether you enjoy a conservative palette or want to really brighten things up with a brilliant hue, glazing adds a splash of color and is a technique you can do yourself.

In the Northwest it is always nice to let the light shine in and there’s no better way to do that than to add color to your walls! Warm colors such as soft yellows and creams make great base coats prior to adding a gorgeous glaze that will enhance the personality of your home. Adding a rich wine, terra cotta red or peacock blue doesn’t have to be intimidating when using transparent glazes that are mixed to suit your taste. Another option is to use a metallic base coat with a deeply tinted glaze that will add drama to your room.

Glazing is a painting technique that is perfect for beginners and creating a textured focus wall can be done on a budget. You will need a good quality satin finish latex base coat, glazing liquid and universal tinting color. You also need buckets, paintbrushes and soft rags.

After your fresh base coat has dried, mix the glazing liquid and tinting color until it is thin but not runny. It’s best to test your color and texture combinations on a painted surface prior to glazing. Brush the glaze on the wall in small sections and let it sit for one-two minutes before wiping it off with a soft damp rag. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish! 

Glazing allows you to warm your home with color long after the sunset spills through your windows. So roll up your sleeves, glaze away and enjoy your accomplishment!

Susan Allemand is the owner of Kirkland Design & Painting Company. For more information and home improvement workshops, visit www.kirklandpaintingco.com or call 425-827-7940.