There is a wide range of decorative techniques that can be used in any room, regardless of its size or style. In addition to techniques that differ primarily in the method of application, there are also special decorative coatings that create unique visual effects. Let us introduce you to just a few options. With SPEKTRA Decor Rust you can achieve the look of rusted iron, while SPEKTRA Decor Copper creates a copper patina look. The coatings can be combined as desired and thus create a completely unique decorative look. SPEKTRA Decor Quarz creates a velvety look on the walls, while SPEKTRA Decor Topaz adds a metallic sheen.

In the following, we present two related paint application techniques that create a fabric-like pattern ‒ Jeans and Denim. Both techniques are popular because they create a dynamic and textured surface by intertwining lines that mimic the fibers of the fabric.

Protect the floor and furniture before starting work and save time on cleaning later. For a beautiful and high-quality appearance of the final coating, it is important to emphasize that the preparation of the base is crucial. Start by impregnating the surface with SPEKTRA Impregnation Acryl Special, which acts as a bonding layer between the old and new coating, unifies and reduces the absorbency of the substrate, strengthens poorly bonded layers and improves the adhesion of new plasters and coatings. In addition, SPEKTRA Impregnation Acryl Special allows easy application without dripping, which greatly facilitates the work. Then smooth out the surface with SPEKTRA Level Fine leveling compound to get a flat and smooth base. In the third step, the final layer of SPEKTRA Latex Matt is applied in the selected shade, which, due to its resistance and easy cleaning, is ideal for the production of decorative techniques and allows for a wide selection of color tones. We recommend two even applications.

It is best to choose a time with lower temperature and higher humidity to carry out painting works. The room should be draft free, as it strongly affects the execution and drying of coatings. Good conditions allow a longer time to perform decorative techniques, which is especially important for those of you who have less experience with techniques.

With decorative techniques, it is recommended to have the help of one or two people with basic knowledge of painting works. It is important that we are fast and precise when applying the final varnish and making the pattern.

Refraction of light and a playful look with the Jeans decorative technique 

Jeans decorative technique with its relief surface creates an interesting play of light that adds depth and dynamism to the room.

For this technique, you need SPEKTRA Domflok Gloss colorless topcoat, a roller with shorter hairs for smooth and even application and a rubber comb to create the pattern. Apply SPEKTRA Domflok Gloss evenly on the previously prepared surface, to which you add 20 % of the tinted SPEKTRA Latex Matt, which was used to prepare the base. You can choose the same shade as the foundation or slightly lighten or darken it, which will create a greater contrast and highlight the strokes with the comb. However, it is important to note that in this case, errors in incomplete application will be slightly more noticeable.

The person who applies the varnish is followed by the person who creates the pattern. It is recommended that they work one after the other, and the distance between them should not exceed half a meter. The person applying the varnish should check the uniformity of the pattern while standing from a greater distance. It is recommended to check the uniformity of the pattern after every square meter, as later corrections are no longer possible. Start creating the pattern in the corner, immediately after applying the varnish. With strokes in different directions ‒ criss-cross ‒ create the desired texture. Keep strokes short, as this will help you achieve an even look. Be careful not to damage the already created pattern with new strokes. As soon as you finish applying, thoroughly wash the tools with water and inspect for any paint that might have strayed outside the protected area, as removing dried paint can be quite difficult later on.

If you want to try using the technique first, you can do it on canvas or plasterboard, where you have prepared the surface for the technique in the same way as on the wall. After the project is finished, the canvas can serve as a decorative painting on one of the adjacent walls.

Creating a relief and textural effect with the Denim decorative technique

With the Denim decorative technique, you can create both a subtle and a more expressive texture, which brings a new dimension to the room and creates a sense of depth.

The steps for preparing the base are the same as for the Jeans decorative technique, but it differs in the use of the tool for making the pattern. On the previously prepared surface, evenly apply the colorless topcoat SPEKTRA Domflok Gloss with a roller, to which you added 20 % of the tinted SPEKTRA Latex Matt, which was used in the preparation of the base. Here, too, you can play with a slight contrast of a lighter or darker shade of the base color and thus create greater contrast with the pattern. The person who applies the varnish is followed by the person who makes the pattern. It is recommended to start forming the pattern immediately after applying the varnish, and the distance between the two people should not exceed one meter. The first person should check the uniformity of the sample during work from a distance of about two meters.

To make the pattern, you need a decorative trowel, which you can make yourself using a trowel and a material similar to artificial grass, such as rubberized fiber carpet. Start creating the pattern in the corner by running the trowel moderately hard vertically across the freshly applied varnish. With further vertical strokes downwards, you create a relief pattern, which you finish about half a meter before the floor, then by pulling from the bottom up, you create a nice joint and achieve an even application over the entire height. For each parallel application, the joints should be slightly different in height to avoid the formation of horizontal lines that would spoil the final appearance. The pattern on the wall will reflect the density of the pattern on the decorative trowel. When you finish applying, immediately clean the tools with water and check if any smudges have escaped the protected area, as removing the paint later can be quite difficult.

Both techniques are relatively demanding, as they require basic painting skills, precision in application and quick response during application. When executing a technique on a larger surface, we recommend that you consult with an expert before starting, so that the execution will be of high quality. Both techniques are particularly suitable as a decorative accent on a small wall or part of a wall at home as well as in boutiques, cafés and salons.