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Faux Finishes

Smooshing

Smooshing is a very dramatic technique that will enhance the texture and drama of your stone. As with any finish on stone, the goal is to enhance the natural beauty, not hide it. Work with the idea of washing a bit of color into the stone, starting very thin and working up to the desired finish. It is highly recommended that you first practice the technique in order to achieve your personal ideal result. For example, your personal preference may be the result of applying the lighter color underneath and finishing with the darker color mix, or visa versa. Recipe The ratio is entirely up to your discretion, but a good starting point for finishing stone is a mix of 15:1 - [15 parts water to 1 part paint] Apply two coats of the base color and allow drying for several hours. [Here, Shadow Beige is used]. There are two types of glazes that can be used with this technique; oil glaze and latex glaze. This example uses an oil glaze. Oil glaze: Mixed to Kodiak Grey and Downy Grey. Latex Glaze: Mix your glazes in a ratio of 10:1 - [10 parts glaze to 1 part paint] Cut thin plastic [drop sheets] to the dimensions of the surface you are smooshing, adding about a foot or two extra. Start in a corner and roll the glaze onto the stone with a 5 - 10mm lint free roller sleeve. Roll as close to the edges as you can. With a stippling brush, stipple up to the edges that are missed with the roller. Hint: Avoid linear roller marks by rolling it randomly over the entire surface. Starting along one edge into the stone, then chase out the air bubbles. You can see the pattern you are creating through the plastic. [Be careful not to leave imprints of the or corner, take your sheet of plastic, and press it palm of your hand]. When you are satisfied with the pattern and texture, remove the plastic.