This photo is slightly dramatized, just so the texture will show up. Otherwise, it’s very subtle, like this:
Sounds super easy. I wish it was. Actually when Dad--the professional--was still here, it was super easy. But they had to leave before the project was finished. So while we did half the room in just a couple hours together, it took The Hubs and I two weeks to finish the other half without him. (Don’t be scared off by that. If you have a FULL day to commit to it, it can be done in a day. If you only have a few hours each evening, it will take you 2 weeks.)
I purchased the cheesecloth at our fabric store, it was priced at $3 a yard, but we used a 40% off coupon for it. I didn’t buy enough the first time. As a matter of fact, I didn’t buy enough the first 3 times. Anyway…
Instructions, if you are so inclined to attempt this project:
Measure the height of your walls. Unfold your cheesecloth and cut it into panels that equal the height of your walls. Be very careful to cut the cloth as straight as possible.
This is definitely a two person job. One person (the taller one) holds up the cheesecloth to the top of the walls as evenly as possible. The other person then tacks down the corners and a few spots in the middle of the cheesecloth panel with a very saturated paint roller.
The non-painter evens out the cheesecloth panels as they are being painted on, making sure all the lines are straight.
Once the corners are tacked in place, just fill in the rest of the panel with paint. Easy part.
For the smaller pieces above and below windows and doors, we trimmed the cheesecloth to size first, and then painted it on with a mini paint roller (4”). I do not recommend brushing at all (except for the edges if you need to), as even the softest brush will pull the cheesecloth and make it look wonky.
We overlapped each panel slightly. I love the aged look it creates. Small wrinkles and creases are okay too, they add more character.
Extreme zoom-in:
We are so happy with the look. It really brought some character and detail back into the house, but subtly, just like we like it.
So it’s a simple concept: cut the cheesecloth to fit, hold it up to the wall and paint it on.
What do you think? Would you ever try this at home?
Christina
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I must say that at first I thought this is a horrible thing to do, but it is only because at my parents' they have sackcloth covered walls and those get dusty so easily and are really difficult to keep clean. BUT those are not painted! Cheesecloth painted seems very cool.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, keeping them clean never crossed my mind. But I did use satin finish paint, so if dust does stick, it should come off easily. I will watch for that though!
DeleteIt looks fantastic! I would do it.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteWhat a great trick to keep in mind for damaged, cracked, or lumpy walls. I've heard of crumpling up tissue paper and then smoothing it back out and applying it to the walls for subtle texture, but never cheesecloth. I imagine it's almost like faux grasscloth. Very unique!
ReplyDeleteGrasscloth was what I had wanted in the living room, that's why Dad suggested this. We're so glad because I like it even better. It's more casual than grasscloth with the inconsistent lines and seams.
DeleteAnd yes, perfect for bumpy walls. Good point!