Easy "Old World" Italian Finishes with Paint and Sandpaper

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Italy....the country of ancient art and artists, ofOnce dry, using a light weight sandpaper, begin lightly
centuries old structures that to this day remindsanding the surface in random streaks until you begin
people of long lost cultures and events in time.to see the darker color show through. Do not sand
Known for its history and exquisite architecture,the light color completely off. You want only bits of
Italy's ancient elegant decorating is now a soughtthe darker color to appear. Be careful not to sand
after style in today's modern American homes.too deep as you could sand right through the dark
Worn Italian finishes are a popular look for both wallscolor.
and furniture pieces today and enhance everyRandomly sand the wall to expose the darker color,
decorating style from Traditional to Contemporary.occasionally stepping back to view your artistry.
These looks are super easy to achieve. With a bit ofSand either in one direction or choose to "cross
patience while paint dries and a bit of creativehatch" your design by sanding first one way,
sanding with sand paper, you too will have the look(vertically) then sanding the other way (horizontally)
of beautiful worn walls.over the top of it.
Choose two coordinating colors in neutral tones. OneDo not do circular sanding since this will not achieve
medium-dark and one light.the proper look.
My choice would be medium neutral brown (not aContinue random sanding until you have reached your
warm tone but rather, totally void of any reddishdesired exposure and visual texture of the underlying
tones), and a pale gold toned paint.color.
Other choices might be:There is no need to do anything further to the wall
Medium Sage Green with Gold or Cream Paintbut if you would like to add further depth, mix a
Brown with white paintvery small amount of the dark color you used with
Darker Gray with pale brown painttranslucent wall glaze then work in 3x3 foot section,
Medium warm brown with pastel blue.wiping the wall with the glaze and then blotting it off
Choose flat wall paint rather than gloss or semi-glosswith a dry rag.
as these are more difficult to sand. Let's make it asThe look is incredible and will give a more "antiqued"
easy as possible!look to your walls.
Paint the wall first with the darker of the two colorsCreate fabulous furniture finishes with the same
you have chosen. Allow to dry completely.technique. Seal with a matt or semi-gloss clear sealer
Paint the second color right over the top of it. Allowto protect the finish once it is dry.