Frottage

Frottage

A french word meaning 'rub', I developed this technique to achieve a look of texture and depth.

In this lesson you will need:

• A piece of already painted furniture
• Mixing stick
• A container to hold the paint
• Flat brush
• An old newspaper

Colours used

• Emperor's Silk
• Oxford Navy

1. Using a mixing stick, decant a few tablespoons' worth of paint into a container.

1. Gradually add small dashes of water to the paint, mixing thoroughly as you go with a flat brush. There's no exact measurement to recommend, as every project is different and I would just encourage you to experiment.

1. Try applying your paint and water mixture onto your piece of already painted furniture. If the paint and water mixture completely covers up the base colour, that indicates you need to add a bit more water.

1. Once you're happy with the consistency, apply the mixture fairly generously to the surface with a flat brush, ensuring full coverage.

1. Take a sheet of newspaper and scrunch it up. Once it has plenty of creases, lay it flat over the top of the painted surface.

1. Firmly rub over the top of the newspaper, pressing the creases into the wet layer of paint and water mixture.

1. Remove the newspaper to reveal the textured effect.

1. Move quickly to apply the technique across the rest of the piece without the paint and water mixture drying. Use a fresh sheet of newspaper each time.

1. If you do get a line between sections, I would let it all dry and go over it again with a second coat to cover it up.

1. When it's completely dry - which can take a few hours - the furniture can then be sealed and finished with either wax or lacquer, depending on the look you want to achieve.