RAW BEAUTY

Creating a raw-plaster effect on walls is a gorgeous way to add character and texture. Here’s how to achieve the look...

WITH EMULSION

‘Choose two colours of matt emulsion paint – your base colour should be the lighter of the two. Paint the base onto the wall – it doesn’t need to be perfect, a solid but slightly patchy or uneven finish will add to the visual interest. Next, thin down your darker colour and roller onto the wall in a herringbone, crisscross fashion, feathering out the edges to minimise distinct lines. The paint will dry fast, so you’ll need to work quickly, but this means you can build up darker areas and, if needs be, just reapply a touch of the base colour to lighten. Add even more texture by gently rubbing areas with very fine abrasive sandpaper.’

Justyna Korczynska, colour consultant at Crown

WITH CHALK PAINT

‘Start by choosing two colours, one lighter in tone – this could be white – and paint it across the entire wall. Next, take your darker colour and dilute it 50:50 with water. Apply this diluted mix over the top of your base coat in small sections and, while it’s still wet, use crumpled newspaper to rub some

of the paint away and create texture. Chalk paint can be applied as thickly or as thinly as you like, so adjust the ratio of dilution to your preference. Repeat the process until you’re happy with the result.’

Annie Sloan, colour expert and designer

WITH LIMEWASH

‘Containing limestone minerals, limewash gives walls a textural, earthy finish that gets better with age. For raw surfaces such as render, lime mortar and brick, simply prepare the wall with a coat of water beforehand. For walls that have already been primed, sealed, or previously painted, begin by applying a base layer of our Prep Coat with a roller. Next, use a brush to paint on the limewash in delicate and random cloud formations, feathering and spreading the paint so that each brushstroke appears soft. The key is to not overload your brush – build up thin coats for a beautiful and natural texture.’ Bronwyn Riedel, co-founder of Bauwerk Colour

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