For our large wall, we decided go with a look similar to bare concrete. For our application, I used two shades of paint, but you can add more colors to bring more depth and warmth into the wall.
Ready2paintI started with a Kilz primer and then a solid coat of the light gray. While this dried, I gathered everything I would need: paint tray, two paint brushes, garden sprayer filled with water, large paint scraper/putty knife. (Okay, I admit that I was not fully prepared and ended up using the stir stick, but a putty knife would have been MUCH easier.)
STEP 1: Using a paint brush, work in areas of approx. 4 foot square and brush on patches of both color shades, blending loosely. [HELPFUL HINT – This is where the garden sprayer comes in handy. I learned this trick from scenic designer Matt Morton, who has worked on both stage and film sets, including August Osage County. If you spray the wall lightly with water before applying paint, you will be able to manipulate the paint longer, and if the paint is drying too quickly, just spray on a little more!] Allow plenty of time for this layer to dry.
STEP 2: Remember those impressionist painters who introduced palette knife painting? Using your paint scraper or putty knife, scrape the lighter shade over the wall in a thin, uneven application using vertical strokes. Allow plenty of time for this layer to dry.
STEP 3: Using the clean paint brush, dip the tips of the brush lightly in the darker paint then blot off any excess. Spray the area you are painting lightly with your garden sprayer for workability. Brush color on lightly using horizontal strokes.