Tile (Synthetic sponge)

Create a spectacular, "trompe l'oeil" effect with this exciting faux finishing technique that will enhance the look of any interior! The iridescence of the Pearlescent paint will make the ceramic-like finish even more impressive and create an inviting ambience for your special room.

Brittany C134-10		Grey Flanel C234-22
Charcoal C234-42		Blue 8564-73
Opal 8564-70		Deep Gold 8564-76
Copper 8564-78		Green 8564-74

Step 1 — Preparation

• If necessary, use TSP to remove grease from surface for better paint adhesion.
  
  
• Patch all holes and remove all peeling paint.
  
  

• New surfaces that have never been previously painted should be primed with Prime Time Duo Primer sealer/Undercoater 1140-05.

Step 2 — Base Colour

• Using a roller, apply a Paint Café-approved semi-gloss latex paint #C234-22 "Grey Flannel" on the entire surface as a base colour.
  
  
• Allow to dry 6 to 8 hours.
  
  
• Using a synthetic sponge, apply one coat of Pearlescent paint #8564-70 "Opal", in a random blotting motion over entire surface.
  
  
• Allow to dry 6 to 8 hours.
  
  
• Be sure to test colours, techniques and textures on a practice board first to obtain your desired effect.

Step 3 — Masking

• Using a level and a pencil, mark 10 cm tile rows, horizontally or vertically, according to your plan.
  
  
• Apply masking tape for wet paint on the outside borders of the rows you wish to paint, using the marks as a guide.
  
  
• Be sure to press tape down firmly to prevent paint from running under the edges.
  
  

• Using a roller, apply a new coat of latex paint #C234-22 "Grey Flannel", as previously, on the bands you want to appear tiled.
  
  
• Allow to dry 6 to 8 hours.
  
  
• Again, using a level and a pencil, mark 10 cm squares in the previously marked rows, then, apply masking tape to prepare a random selection of squares for new paint application.
  
  

• Using the synthetic sponge, apply a second coat of Pearlescent paint #8564-70 "Opal" in selected squares, again in a random blotting motion.
  
  
• For the remaining squares, apply paint by alternating colours #8564-76 "Deep Gold", #8564-73 "Blue", #8564-74 "Green" and #8564-78 "Copper" in the same random, blotting motion.
  
  
• Remove tape around first squares and repeat step 3 until you finish painting all the squares.
  
  
• Remove tape as soon as you finish your work.

Step 4 — Finishing Texture

• This final step provides the illusion of depth by imitating shadows and light.
  
  
• Dip a #2 artists brush in semi-gloss finish latex paint #C134-10 "Brittany" and, with a ruler, paint a soft line on the right and top border of each square.
  
  
• Then, paint a darker line on the left and bottom borders, using paint colour #C234-42 "Charcoal".
  
  
• Be sure to paint straight lines for a more realistic look.
  
  
• Allow to dry 6 to 8 hours.