DIY Dulux Effects

Creating a modern yet timeless feature wall that leaves a lasting impression in your home can be a daunting and unfamiliar task. Whether the aim is to inject playful colour into a child's bedroom or add a touch of sophistication to a kitchen, a textured feature wall is guaranteed to bring the 'wow' factor into any living space. Accent walls have long been an affordable way to give a space a facelift. Dulux's Design Effects range offers beautifully textured specialty paints that mimic the effects of otherwise expensive materials, making it easy to achieve a modern, contemporary room transformation that is bound to impress.

Dulux Colour Expert Andrea Lucena-Orr says when it comes to creating a feature wall, you must work it so it harmonises with your existing colour scheme, furniture, and accessories. "Consider the kitchen, for example; Dulux Design Stainless Steel Effect used on cabinetry will complement an already industrial-looking space, whereas the Dulux Design Suede Effect is more suited to creating a luxurious and moody feel – perfect for a formal living or dining room.

"Other popular design trends we are seeing include concrete and metallic accents. Dulux Design Concrete Effect in Pale Elements in a casual living area or hallway entrance pairs beautifully with raw materials, such as timber, linen, wool, stone and leather; and Dulux Design Metallic Effect can be created as a contemporary backdrop for artwork.

Whatever space you're looking to enhance, it's important to consider how exposed the room is to natural light as this will affect the textural features and impact of the accent wall, says Andrea Lucena-Orr. "If the Dulux Design Glitter Effect is your desirable effect, choose a room with
an abundance of light – both natural and artificial – so you enjoy the most benefits from the luminescence," she says.

"To optimise a feature wall's impact on a space, colour consideration goes hand-in-hand with lighting. Like standard paint, always ensure you do a sample patch on large cardboard to see how it works alongside your fixtures, furniture and accessories before making the full commitment."

Painting an accent wall using the Dulux Design Effect range is a simple and cost-effective project. To create textural interest on a feature wall,
follow the design tips below to give your space a signature touch.

 

ADD A TOUCH OF LUXE WITH DULUX STAINLESS STEEL, GOLD AND METALLIC EFFECTS

 

1: Follow the preparation steps on the back of the can of Dulux Design Stainless Steel, Metallic or Gold Effect and gather your painting supplies - drop sheet, 100mm synthetic brush for cutting in, short/medium nap synthetic roller and tray, paint stirrer and tape.
2: Ensure your surface has been properly prepared. Cut in, and then, apply the first base coat with the roller using light, even pressure.
3: Allow three hours between your first and second coat. Then, working in small sections, apply the second coat with the roller and repeat for a third time.
4: For the final touch, apply a texture while the paint is still wet. Using a wide brush, dry roller or muslin, drag the paint in a random, overlapping pattern. For a brushed finish, lay off lightly with a brush.
5: In high traffic areas, application of Dulux Clear Top Coat is recommended.

DESIGNER TIP - When painting, resist the temptation to touch up as you go
as it will ruin the effect.

PAINT USED: DULUX DESIGN GOLD EFFECT IN GOLD VINTAGE.

 

 

INSTANT IMPACT WITH DULUX DESIGN CONCRETE EFFECTS

 

1: Gather your painting supplies - Dulux Design Concrete Effect in your chosen colour(s), drop sheet, 100mm synthetic brush for cutting in, long nap synthetic roller and tray, paint stirrer and tape, steel trowel and 600 grit sandpaper.
2: Ensure your surface has been properly prepared prior to painting. Follow the label on the can for more information.
3: Using a long nap roller to apply Dulux Design Concrete Effect to the wall, begin painting by working in small sections.
4: Then, smooth the surface with a steel trowel with broad, sweeping strokes, holding the trowel at a 60-80 degree angle. Apply two more coats using the same process.
5: For the final step, use sandpaper to lightly polish the surface in a circular motion. Use the edge of the trowel to further polish the surface and be careful not to gouge the surface.

DESIGNER TIP - For a more textured effect, don't completely smooth the surface - leave imperfections.

PAINT USED: DULUX DESIGN CONCRETE EFFECT IN ONYX EDGE.

 

IMAGE CREDITS: DULUX AUSTRALIA.