Silk wallpaper can be painted with nice effect

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 07/04/2002 (8765 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Debbie — I have silk wallpaper in our bedroom that I’d like to paint over instead of removing it. It has a nice texture that will hopefully show through once painted. Do I need to use oil or will latex paint do the trick? We are looking into vibrant reds, oranges, ochres and golds in the bedroom with paint and fabric, and I especially love faux finishes on the walls. Thank you.

— Marjorie R., Laval, Que.

Dear Marjorie — Before painting over the wallpaper, make sure any loose bits are glued down. Give the wallpaper a coat of paint primer. You may get some bubbling, but this will disappear in a couple of hours when the primer and paper dries. Now you can use water-based paint to create your effect. I would use a base coat of deep cream and then colourwash an ochre glaze over the top with a rag. This will highlight the texture in the wallpaper. Add a red bed cover and curtains, a touch of gold for frames or accessories, and you will have an enchanting bedroom.

Dear Debbie — I read your article on frottage and have just seen a fresco effect in my paint store that uses two glazes on one brush and then cheesecloth to soften out the lines. I am trying to give a very soft finish in a bedroom using yellows and I want it to be light. Which method gives the better effect? I want a professional looking room.

— Judy N. e-mail

Dear Judy — The fresco effect that you saw in the paint store will give a softer finish than frottage, which has more the look of crushed velvet. For your bedroom, I would mix two yellow glazes, close in colour. Apply a white base coat and let dry for four hours. Then use a roller or a wide brush and apply the glazes one over the other. Work in four-foot sections, and while the glaze is still wet, go back over your work with a cheesecloth to blur any brush marks and blend the colours. Continue in this manner, keeping a wet edge so that you do not create lap lines.

Dear Debbie–Our family cottage has a functional but very small galley kitchen. However, the panelling on the walls is too stark and rather dated. It’s simulated barn board in variegated gray tones and the texture is embossed in the pattern. I have painted the cupboards a buttery cream yellow. Can I paint the paneling and perhaps rub another colour into the textured grooves to lighten up the area? Thank you for any suggestions.

— Irene R., Markham, Ont.

Dear Irene — If you clean and prime the surface well you can paint it. What about a white base coat rubbed over with a light bamboo green glaze for a fresh new country look? The green will stay behind in the grooves and highlight the texture.

Note to all who wrote in regarding Barb’s avocado dishwasher. Yes, you are correct. In most models you can replace the outer panels thereby changing the colour without replacing the dishwasher. You could also cover up the offending colour with peel and stick paper, or even paint it. Thanks for your suggestions.

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