Texture is back in interior design. And it’s paint that is pioneering this renewed trend. From the industrial aesthetic of Venetian Plaster to the Mediterranean look and feel of Limewash, there’s a texture for every style and what’s more... it’s all DIY friendly.
But today, we’re focusing in on French Wash. Whether it’s depth and character you’re searching for or you’re simply in love with the timeless, European-style finish, Porter’s Paints French Wash is the perfect product to use to achieve your dream aesthetic.
What Is French Washing?
French washing is a decorative paint technique that uses a glaze applied over a base coat, then worked into the surface with a brush or cloth. The result is a soft, textured finish with subtle colour variation. Unlike other textured finishes, French Wash adds sophistication to the home without a hefty price-tag making it not just idea for feature walls, but for entire rooms too.
What You Need:
How You Do It:
Step 1: Surface Prep
As with any paint project, preparation is key to achieving a professional finish. Clean the walls thoroughly with Selleys Sugar Soap to remove dust and grease. Next, repair any cracks or imperfections, sand smooth and spot prime as needed. Finally, mask off your trims, window frames and doors frames with masking tape before moving on.
Step 2: Paint The Base Coat
Start by painting 2x coats of your chosen base colour to the walls. We recommend using Porter’s Paints Eggshell for this. Start by cutting in along the edges before rolling. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying the second.
Expert Tip - This base colour will subtly show through the French Wash glaze, so choose a tone that complements your final look.
Step 3: Apply The French Wash
This is a 2 PERSON job. Once you begin to French Wash, you can’t stop until it’s done. The best method is to have 1 person painting and 1 person dabbing (more on that in the next step).
In an organic, crosshatch pattern, begin applying the Porter’s Paints French Wash with a large brush. Work in small, manageable sections, maintaining a wet edge to help guide you successfully along the wall.
Expert Tip - Don’t aim for perfection. Variation is what creates the texture.
Step 4: Blend and Soften
This is where the French washing technique comes to life. After brushed, immediately soften and blend the glaze with a muslin cloth. Use a large piece of muslin (roughly 5m) and ball it up before you begin on the wall.
Lightly dab the painted surface with dry parts of the cloth. Continue working until you achieve a soft, cloud-like finish. Remember to keep stepping back to assess your work and maintain consistency across the wall.
Expert Tip – For a consistent finish, ensure the painter and the dabber DON’T switch roles.
Step 5: Work Across the Room
Repeat the process section by section. Ensure you slightly overlap each area while the glaze is still wet, maintain a consistent pressure and technique and avoid letting edges dry before blending.
Step 6: Final Touches
Allow the walls to dry completely before removing the masking tape carefully. Finally, inspect the finish and touch up if needed.
Expert Tip - For added durability, you may choose to apply a clear protective coat (especially in high-traffic areas).
Pro Tips for a Flawless Finish:
- Practice first: Test your technique on a sample board
- Work quickly: Glaze dries faster than paint, so keep moving
- Stay consistent: Use the same motion and pressure throughout
- Less is more: Build colour gradually rather than applying too much glaze at once
French washing is all about creating atmosphere. Whether you’re aiming for a rustic charm or a refined, layered aesthetic, this technique offers a versatile and rewarding finish.
With the right preparation, tools and expert advice from your local Inspirations Paint store, you’ll be able to transform any room into a beautifully textured space with depth and personality.