Painting is one of the quickest and most affordable home improvements. Learn the tips and tricks that professional painters use to get the best results every time.

Before you begin, cover furniture items, TVs and other electronics with drop cloths to prevent rogue paint drips. Clean the walls with a degreaser to prepare them for paint, as grease can inhibit adhesion.

Stippling

Stippling is a painting technique where small hand-drawn dots are used to create an image. This technique allows artists to portray the subtleties of a subject with a delicate, soft look. It is also a great way to add texture to an image. To get the most out of this painting method, it’s important to use a high-quality pen with a fine tip. A Micron or Copic pen is ideal for this purpose. It is also helpful to practice on scrap paper before attempting a larger piece of artwork.

The main reason people like to stipple is the attractiveness of the final result. The thousands of precise dots that form an image give it a delicate texture, often resembling grains of sand or speckled stone. This texture is especially appealing in depicting weathering and decay, as well as the skin of a person or animal. Another benefit of stippling is that it is more forgiving than other shading techniques, as mistakes are easy to hide and can be corrected without damaging the overall image.

There are some drawbacks to this technique, however. First, stippling is time-consuming. It can take several hours to complete even a small portion of an artwork. This can be frustrating for some people, who prefer fast sketching or loose painting. In addition, stippling requires a lot of patience and precision. A single mistake can destroy a smooth tonal gradient, so beginners should start with simple subjects and work their way up to more complex images.

There are some other variations of this technique, such as dashing and hatching. Dashing is a conversion or adaptation of dotting, where the artist flicks their wrist to create small dashes of paint. This is not usually used on paintings, but can be helpful for adding details to natural objects, such as rocks or glass. Hatching is a variation of dotting that involves creating a grid of lines. This is not usually used in paintings, but can be useful for creating shadows or adding dimension to a picture. Using these methods, it is possible to create many different types of images and textures.

Sgraffito

The word sgraffito means ‘scratched’ in Italian and this technique involves scratching through the surface of a paint layer to reveal a lower layer of a contrasting colour. The technique was widely used in wall decoration and ceramics but also works well in painting. Basically, you apply a base coat of paint and then scratch into the top coat with any object that will allow it to go through the painted surface. The resulting pattern, design or motif can add texture and interest to a painting.

You can use a variety of objects to make the marks, but the ‘wrong end’ of a paintbrush is particularly good. This is the end that hasn’t got the hairs on it and can be a little sharper than the usual end. You could also use a piece of card, the pointed end of a utility knife, a fingernail or even a comb. It really depends on what you want to do, but any object that will leave a mark in the paint will work.

Using this technique can be a quick way to draw a figure or a simple landscape. It can also be used to create areas of contrast or to highlight certain parts of a painting. It’s also good for representing details or precise patterns such as wrinkles in a garment, the pattern on an object or light reflecting on water. Artists often sign their paintings with sgraffito as it’s much quicker and more precise than simply painting their signature.

This technique is very effective when working with oil paint but can be adapted for acrylics. The main thing to remember is that the paint you want to show through needs to be completely dry before you scratch into it. If you don’t, the two layers will mix together and the underlying colour will be visible. Also, if you use a soft object to scratch into the surface of the paint it may become smudged or damaged.

This technique is great for creating a sense of texture in your painting as it can be made to look very rough and natural. It’s also ideal for drawing hair, allowing you to create strands of different widths to represent bunches or highlights. You can also use it to create a pattern in the background of your painting or to draw the outline of an image before filling it in.

Dabbing

Painting is a great way to add color and life to your home, but it can be a time-consuming process. Fortunately, there are many creative tricks that can help you speed up the process and get your walls looking amazing in no time.

Using dabbing as a painting technique can help you create an interesting texture in your paintings. This can be done by using a sponge, a paint roller, or even your fingers! The texture created by this technique is very unique and can be a great way to add some personality to your work.

Another easy painting trick is to use a palette knife to create a textured effect in your paintings. This can be done by dragging one color into another or using the tip of the palette knife to make small bursts of color in your paintings. This is a great technique to use if you want to create an abstract or modern style.

When you’re painting, it’s important to use the right type of paint for the job. Some surfaces, like greasy kitchen walls or areas around light switches, will not bond well with paint. A degreaser can be used to clean these types of surfaces before you start painting so that the paint adheres properly.

It’s also a good idea to protect floors, furniture, and hardware before you start painting. A drop cloth is a simple solution, but you can also use plastic bags secured with tape. This will keep any drips from damaging other surfaces and will save you the hassle of having to wash or replace your tools.

If you’re struggling with brush strokes, a simple trick is to practice on a spare canvas or piece of paper. When you’re cleaning off your brush, rub the excess paint on a blank surface and practice different brush strokes. This will help you to improve your skills and become a better painter.

Splattering

Splattering is a fun way to add a more dramatic effect to your painting. It can be used on both acrylic and watercolor paints. The key to splatter painting is to have lots of different colors ready and to use a variety of brushes. You can also experiment with changing the thickness of the splatter. For example, thinner splatters will be more delicate while thicker ones will look more dramatic.

Before you begin splattering, it is important to protect the surface beneath your canvas and the surrounding area. This is because splatter can spread quickly. It is also a good idea to wear a smock, as some paints can stain clothing. You should also wear gloves and a face mask if you are using oil-based paint. You should also have a box of rags nearby for wiping down the brushes and other tools when necessary.

To start splatter painting, load up the brush with plenty of paint and position yourself. You can choose to stand far back from the canvas if you want small, concentrated splatter marks or you can close one eye and flick the brush against the canvas, like you are using your fingernail. This will create larger splatter marks.

You can also try dipping a paintbrush in water and then slapping it on the canvas to get a splatter effect. Alternatively, you can use a plastic spoon to splatter paint. Just don’t use a spoon you plan to eat with, as even traces of paint can be toxic.

Another great splatter painting tip is to add ink to your paints to make them more vibrant. You can also create a marbled effect by combining different colors of paint together. This is a perfect technique for creating an abstract piece of art.

When you are finished, you can use this painting technique to spruce up your home or office. It’s a great way to elongate a room, making it feel bigger and more spacious. This is especially effective if you use darker tones on the ceiling and walls.

Before starting your next painting project, be sure to follow these tips and tricks to ensure success. It’s always a good idea to plan ahead and avoid painting on a windy day, as the blowing paint could mess up your work. Additionally, you should plan to do the most difficult tasks first, such as cutting in or painting trim and doors, before moving on to the easier parts of the job.