Today I painted a backsplash and I want to remember how I did it so I can do it again! So this is a great tool for those with no plan (me) who accidentally find something they've done that they want to do Again.
1. Tape off the area to be painted in a pattern that would be done in tile. I did this one with square tiles placed on the diagonal. At the intersection of each tile, is a smaller square tile placed parallel with the floor/ceiling.
2. Paint the area the darkest color of the composition. In this case, I used a deep, olive green.
3. In each diagonal, and using a sponge brush - trace the outline of the diagonal tile but trace it 1/8 inch inside the boundary of each tile. This leaves a slight border. Leave the smaller squares that are parallel with the floor the original deep green. For this color - use your medium. In my case it was a cement gray with tones towards lavender/brown. (Taupe, but greyer.)
4. With a sponge and very closely spaced - sponge over the whole area with the lightest color of the composition. Here I used a very light beige. When you have sponged an area, use a cloth to wipe off the beige/light color from the olive/dark color. Leaving the smaller squares fairly untouched.
5. Remove the tape.
6. Using a brush slightly smaller than the width of the masking tape - paint a stripe of the lightest color overall the tape marks.
7. Mix your medium color with water based poly. 1 part medium color, three parts poly. Use a sea sponge and sponge it over the Whole area. Cover all equally and LIGHTLY.
8. Repeat step seven. Use the darkest color.
9. Repeat step three. Keep your new paint very thin. It should be translucent on the wall allowing the previous coats to shine through.
10. Coat with clear poly.
