Feedback
Resene Paints - home page

Paint effects - projects to try

Paint Effects are the ideal way to transform something ordinary into something extraordinary.

The options are endless depending on the colours you select and combine together, the way you apply them and the project you choose to apply them to. To get started with paint effects select a small project first and build up confidence. Then progress to larger scale projects as you become used to the techniques. And if worse comes to worse and the paint effect doesn't work out the way you intended, simply paint over it and start again either with the same finish or perhaps a different technique or colour selection.

Gold effects can be created by mixing Resene Gold metallic with Resene FX Paint Effects medium, to create a gold paint effect. Experiment with the ratio of gold paint to paint effects medium depending on the intensity of the effect desired.

Resene sells a range of brushes, rollers and paint application equipment. Some specialist paint effects accessories are not available from Resene – we recommend you either purchase these from a specialist craft shop or online, or improvise by using another item with a similar texture. E.g. a comb effect can be created with many different types of combs and does not necessarily require a specialist paint effects comb.

Resene has brought together a range of Paint Effects projects to get you started. Simply click on the project you wish to try out, print out the project sheet and get started. To view the how to step by step instructions you will need Acrobat Reader.

Find out more about Paint Effects. Plus get more inspiration with the habitat plus – paint effects book – view it online. 

Crackle finish
Crackle finish

This finish creates the effect of crazed and weathered paint... view
Gilding paint effect
Gilding

Gilding adds glamour to ordinary household items giving them a sense of history and opulence... view
Coloured stains
Coloured stains

Create a multicoloured tea tray using Resene Colorwood interior wood stain... view
Metal leaf
Metal leaf

Silver or gold leaf may be applied to almost any non-porous surface to create a striking metallic finish... view
Organic textures
Organic textures

Create a mossy effect around the top and base of terracotta pots using Resene Sandtex textured finish... view
Ragging and stencil effects
Ragging & Stencilling

Ragging may be soft or dramatic, depending on the colours chosen and the cloths used to create the effect... view
Colourwashing
Colourwashing

Colourwashing is a decorative way of applying paint to break up the colour. A lighter colour base... view
Limewashing
Limewashing

Limewash was historically a very dilute form of quicklime applied to walls as a protective or decorative coating. We now use modern paints... view
Antiquing
Antiquing

Antiquing is a finishing technique that darkens the paint colour and gives the surface an instant aged look... view
Distressing
Distressing

A distressed paint finish is a quick way to fake age and add character to a piece... view
Stencil stippling
Stencil stippling

Create a waste paper bin using a raised stencil design and a stipple paint finish... view
Sponging
Sponging

One of the easiest paint effects techniques is sponging. It may be used as a basis for other finishes, such as marbling... view
Dry brushing
Dry brushing

Dry brushing is an easy way to achieve a bronze metallic look with a verdigris finish, especially on metals... view
Crackling
Crackling

Crackling is an aging technique that cracks the topcoat of paint exposing the paint underneath... view
Leather look
Leather look

The use of facial tissues is a quick and easy way to build texture and create a leather look finish... view
Gold effects
Gold effects

Papier mache boxes are an effective way to try out a range of paint finishes ... view
Spattering
Spattering

Showering a fine spray of paint onto a surface by running your finger across a paint-loaded brush... view
Marbling
Marbling

There are as many techniques for marbling as there are varieties of natural marble... view
Brushed metallic
Brushed metallic

Resene Enamacryl Metallic may be used in a variety of ways... view
Blending colour
Blending colour

Blending colour is the ideal way to soften the edges between light and dark colours... view
Wood effect
Wood effect

Graining simulates wood grain using paints and effects finishes. Use this technique where wood might normally have been used... view
Ombre and other paint effects
Fade out

Ombré is a graduation of colour from dark to light. When applied to walls with paint, the colour subtly fades to pale... view
Retro rules and other paint effects
Retro rules

Think of this paint effect as leaves for your wall, with the vertical stripe acting as the stalk and the horizontal stripes creating the ‘veins'... view
Painted geometric shapes
Geometry class

Give a room a strong modern vibe with crisp geometric shapes painted in bold grey and rich gold tones with contrasting cream... more
 
 

Get inspired ! Subscribe      Get saving ! Apply for a DIY card

Resene Paints Ltd

Can't find what you're looking for? Ask us!

Resene Paints Ltd   – www.resene.com

Videos on how to paint and stain your house

Colours shown on this website are a representation only. Please refer to the actual paint or product sample. Resene colour charts, testpots and samples are available for ordering online.   See measurements/conversions for more details on how electronic colour values are achieved.