Simulated Sandstone finish
This simulated Sandstone texture helps ease the transition of fireplace to wall, at the same time creating the impression of strength and solidity.	Visit
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For use on walls, furniture, objects, and in fine art paint techniques

Creating stone textures and finishes can add the perfect detail to any interior. This technique is ideal for a mantle or fire place surround, the columns leading into your living room or that old coffee table you've been wanting to update for years. Follow these easy instructions to achieve just that. And you can complete your sandstone finish by creating a painted marble top.

The soft texture of this treatment has the appearance of hard, solid stone; creating an impression of permanence.

Step 1: Use painters tape to mask any exposed areas, like floors and walls. Cover furniture and floors with drop cloths.

Step 2:  Remove all nails and repair any damaged or cracked areas. Prime as needed. Refer to the artSparx basic preparation resource for tips and techniques.

Step 3: You should use a latex, eggshell finish, base color. A white or slightly off white tone will work best. Allow to dry fully (4 hrs).

This effect is achieved by working wet color over wet color, so you'll want to work in segments. You can avoid 'burn' lines or 'float' lines by applying the color of each segment up to an inch or so away from the previously finished area. Then, use your rag to blend the color from one segment to another.

Step 4: Once the base color is completely dry, create a painting palette by adding a small amount of Linen White to your painter's tray and some Glazing Liquid or Floetrol. Use a 1 inch painter's brush and mix some of the white with the glazing liquid to thin it and create a semi-opaque glaze. Next, loosely brush the glaze over the surface. Work in segments of 18 to 24 inches at a time.

Apply first 'white glaze' loosely over surface.

Step 5: While the first 'white glaze' is still wet, add your secondary color in the same manner. Mix the 'Golden Tan' (or equivalent) with the Glazing Liquid, or Floetrol, to thin out, then apply in squiggly motions over the surface.

Apply the secondary color in loose, squiggly motions.

Step 6: Apply the third color in a similar manner while the surface is still wet. Mix the 'Pigeon Gray' (or equivalent) with the Glazing Liquid, or Floetrol, to thin out, then apply in squiggly motions over the surface.

Add the third color glaze mixture in the same loose motion.

Step 7: Softening the surface: Use a clean, dry rag. Lightly ball it up into your hand and gently blot the surface to blend the colors and create a slightly textured surface. Continue to open the rag in your hand and re-position it to insure irregularity of the pattern you are creating.

Blot the painted surface to soften and create a textured surface.

If there is a build-up of color in any recess, simply take a dry brush and smooth it out.

Step 8: The final step is to lighten and blend the painted surface. Create a new glaze by adding Linen White with Glazing Liquid, or Floetrol, and water. Apply this diluted mixture over the entire surface, essentially 'white washing' it to lighten the overall color and create a consistent mottled surface. You may use a rag to help soften the glaze, if necessary.

A diluted white glaze helps soften and even out the
painted Sandstone finish.
 

Step 9: To protect the surface, a water-based varnish, such as Benjamin Moore's 'Stays Clear', may be applied after color-washed surfaces have dried completely (24 hrs). For wall surfaces it is recommended to use flat (matte) finish. For furniture or objects use eggshell or low-luster finish varnishes.

Step 10: Clean up with warm, soapy water.

Step 11: Retain some of the master glaze for future touch-ups in a covered glass container. Dispose of remaining glazes properly.

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