The color wash technique is a beautifully subtle, soft way to decorate your walls. The colors are blended seamlessly together in close variations of tone so an overall effect of natural material, like stone, can be achieved in the end. A homeowner might decide they’d like the effect of a soft blue sky with wispy white clouds, or walls of classic grays in a color wash.
With special painting techniques, a decorative painter can mimic walls created long before the paint roller came along. What you’ll end up with when they’re done is a room that’s so delightfully imperfect, it’s perfect.
Color washing works best when all the colors show through—the base and the brushed layers. To create that effect, the brushwork has to be as random as possible. The bare patches and bristle marks should clearly show. The more haphazard the brushing, the more successful the effect will be.
The difference of color washing today
Today’s paints have fewer solvents in them than they used to. This means they smell better but dry faster. So the decorative painter opens up the paint’s working time by thinning it out with glaze. Glaze comes with a slight sheen that has the added benefit of imparting some depth to the finish. For the base coat, which is rolled on to speed the process, usually a semi-gloss paint is employed for its greater flow and depth of finish properties.
Balance between the two top brushed layers is the sign of a good color wash. A common mistake is to worry too much about coverage and end up with an over-blended surface. The professional starts out as rough as possible; then softens things up by using a special soft, dry brush to feather out any harsh markings while the top layer is still wet. Then we go back over discreet spots with more glaze until the effect is exactly the way the homeowner likes it.
Please call or email us to set up an estimate or consultation at 914.762.7874 or info@painttrack.com.
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Owner & General Manager
Meet Mr. Paint Track himself, Ray! Having been in the industry for three decades, Ray has built Paint Track on a foundation of honesty, knowledge, and respect. He exemplifies leadership, with a commitment to both his craft and our team. Ray is known for his great sense of humor, and if you’re familiar with him, you’ve undoubtedly heard numerous jokes! His vibrant energy uplifts our team. Thanks to his leadership, Paint Track has earned a reputation as a trusted name in the community for the past 20 years.
Ray’s expertise and dedication to quality are evident in every project Paint Track undertakes. He’s not only a master of his craft but also a mentor who generously shares his wealth of knowledge with every team member, helping each of us grow and improve. Ray’s hands-on approach ensures that every detail is attended to, and he consistently goes above and beyond to exceed client expectations.
Ray’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a master’s degree in Telecommunications, which have contributed to his exceptional organizational skills and analytical approach to managing projects. His education and strategic thinking have been instrumental in building an efficient and effective business operation that continues to deliver outstanding results.
In addition to his work with Paint Track, Ray is deeply involved in the community. He actively participates in multiple Chamber of Commerce groups and serves as a board member on the Painting Contractors Association (PCA) Education and Finance Committees. His dedication to advancing the industry and supporting local businesses exemplifies his commitment to both Paint Track and the community.
Under Ray’s leadership, Paint Track has become known not just for superior workmanship but for a client-centered approach that prioritizes communication, transparency, and trust. We’re incredibly grateful to have him leading the way, and we’re proud to carry forward his legacy of excellence in every job we do.
Skills Leadership, customer relations, estimating, and problem solving
Hobbies: Exercise, beekeeping, and hiking
Favorite Paint Color: Sherwin Williams Indigo 6531