Kate’s DIY Project: Valspar Brushed Pearl Paint
31st Jan. '08 · Bathrooms · Tags: bathroom, DIY, faux-painting, neutrals, valspar
Authored by Kate Smith
Sometimes it takes forever to complete a DIY project but in this case I completed faux finishing my guest bathroom in just two days. That’s the good news.
For me the even better news is the reason that it has taken me longer than expected to take some photos and share my result with you– I’ve been working with two new corporate clients but more on that later.
A close-up of the brushed pearl effect
I used Valspar’s Brushed Pearl paint and am very pleased with the results. Even my 17 year old was ‘wowed’ which is really saying something about how outstanding it looks because he doesn’t usually pay much attention to my decorating projects
These photos don’t do justice to the gorgeous brushed pearl effect
Here’s how the project went from start to finish–
My very first step was stopping at Lowe’s to buy the paint and sealer. I chose color BP1 ‘Simply Elegant’. While I was there I also picked up the 4″ brush and trowel they sell specifically for this purpose.
A scan of the color card just to give you an idea of the variety of colors; please look at an actual card for accurate color rendition
Next I had my painter put the base coat on the walls and ceiling so all I had to do was to apply the pearl layer. I did this as a time-saver not because it was difficult since the first coat is essentially the same as if you were simply painting any room.
After allowing ample time for the first coat to dry I applied painter’s tape around all four edges of two opposite walls. I don’t think that instructions say to do this but I know from experience that this makes all the difference in acheiving a flawless finish and is worth the little bit of extra time it takes.
I used painter’s tape at each point where two walls met
Having done faux finishes in the past I have learned that you get the best results if you do opposite walls and let them dry. Then reposition your tape onto the dried walls and paint the remaining two walls. If you don’t do it this way I find it very difficult to get a professional finish where the two walls meet.
After the first wall was dry I repositioned the tape and started on the adjacent wall.
Using the 4″ brush I began painting at the upper left corner of one wall and worked my across and down. Since I had taped I didn’t bother to cut in the edges ahead but rather did this as I went along.
I took extra care to pull the paint out so that it didn’t build up around the edges and I kept an eye on how dry it was getting so that it didn’t get too dry before I could use the trowel.
Troweling over the surface is the second step of applying this layer. I went at it at first with a very gentle and deliberate strokes but found that being looser and less measured produced a more pleasing surface appearance. Now that was my first clue that this product was different than most of the prepared faux finishes I have tried in the past.
With the first coat I got a feel for the product and how it handled. I found that I could work rather loosely and quickly which was especially good since I jumped right into painting after dinner on Friday night rather than wait until Saturday morning.
By the second wall I knew exactly how to get the look I was after and the process went even more quickly and I was cleaning my brush before the late night news was over.
I was successful in getting the effect with one coat but it did not look nearly as good as it did when I added a second layer
Of all the faux finishes I have used I found this one to be the most “forgiving”. As I painted I was able to go back over areas and they blended beautifully. After I used the trowel if there were areas I thought looked a bit too strong I was able to soften the effect by dry brushing very gently over the area using an X motion.
I painted not only the wall but also the ceiling because I wanted to make this small guest bathroom seem more spacious. I had originally painted the ceiling with the base coat and I had planned to leave it at that rather than struggle to faux finish it however this technique was so simple that I decided to complete the ceilings with the Brushed Pearl finish to match the walls.
After the paint was dry I had my painter put on the protective sealer and put up the fixtures and switchplates. Adding the sealer did not change the look and in fact may have actually added to the luster.
Antique nickel fixtures against the brushed pearl paint finish
Did I mention that I hadn’t even been considering doing a faux finish in this room? I am so over faux finishes at this point having helped just one too many of my friends fix their Ralph Lauren and other faux DIY projects. However, when I saw the Brushed Pearl finish I was so taken with the look that I quickly forgot all that and headed off to Lowe’s to pick up the paint.
I’m really glad I chose Valspar Brushed Pearl. The process was simple and the results beautiful. I think that even someone doing faux finish for the first time would have success with this technique. In fact I doubt I’ll receive any S.O.S. calls from my friends if they use this product.
My final words on this project–
“The room certainly looks ‘Simply Elegant’ just as the color name said it would!”
Resources:
- Valspar Brushed Pearl paint and tools are available at Lowe’s. Type in your zip code to find your local Lowe’s
**Please note: Due to individual computer monitor limitations, colors seen here may not accurately reflect the paint colors. Please refer to an actual sample of the paint for an accurate rendition of the color.
February 15th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
This is beautiful….but too much work for me!!
Thanks for sharing!
February 15th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Hi Jasmyn,
Yes, it was more work than simply painting but not nearly as much work as most faux finishes.
Thanks for the nice complement!
February 17th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
I have just purchased the Simply Elegant Valspar Base and Brushed Pearl paint. I had assumed the base coat would be the darker color and the Brushed Pearl would be the lighter, and I was surprised to see the opposite when I opened the cans. Your pictures look like the base was darker than the pearl. Were mine tinted opposite what they should have been? Thank you!
February 17th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Hi Laurie,
I couldn’t remember for certain so I went and opened up the paint cans to be sure. The base coat is lighter in the can than the pearl coat so I think what you have is correct.
February 17th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
What type of motion should be used with the trowel? Circular? How wide an arch or swoop should I do?
Thanks for your help!
February 17th, 2008 at 9:43 pm
I used a semi circular motion of about 12-18 inches. This is what seemed to be a natural and loose movement for me.
I think it is more important to have the motion be comfortable and feel natural rather than trying to achieve a stroke that is awkward. Part of the beauty of this process is that I think is is hard to go wrong as long as you just do more or less the same technique on each wall so that you get the same effect.
February 18th, 2008 at 12:57 am
You say that you had your painter do the base coat. In the brochure they are not clear about this step. If I want my final product to look like the sample. What base coat do I use. Is it a satin base of the same number then the top coat is the brushed pearl tinted the same?
February 18th, 2008 at 6:54 am
Hi Connie,
Okay back to my utility room…
The base coat is Valspar Interior Satin finish. The label that the clerk put on the top of the can notes Base 1 BP1 Simply Elegant Interior Satin.
I believe that this is the same paint as you would purchase if you simply wanted an interior satin. What produces the effect is the top coat but of course having the right color and finish underneath is critical to the end result.
The top coat is Valspar Brushed Pearl in the same BP1 Simply Elegant.
I hope that gives you the information you are looking for.
February 18th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
Is this brushed pearl finish washable? And is this finish easy to paint over in the future?
I fell in love with the look!
February 18th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Hi G.Lee,
I asked myself these same two questions before making my final decision.
I wanted a finish that could be wiped off and wouldn’t show spots if drops of water got on it since I was using it in the bathroom. I did use the protective top coat in order to help insure that the walls could be wiped off without damaging the surface and so far after several weeks of use the finish still looks as good as it did the first day and I am satisfied.
Also since I plan to move next year I wanted to make sure that the surface could be painted over easily if for some reason it didn’t hold up or my buyers didn’t care for it. I don’t think I’m going to have to worry about either of those things but since the finished surface is smooth I don’t think it would be a problem to paint over it.
February 23rd, 2008 at 8:01 pm
did you use a metal trowel or plastic. The instructions say plastic but Lowes only carried the Valspar metal trowel.
When I used the metal trowel it left lines from the edge of the trowel.???
February 26th, 2008 at 2:40 am
Yes, Scott it was a plastic trowel. I don’t recall there being another option but it doesn’t seem to me that a metal trowel would work as well with this process.
I’m not familiar with the metal trowel but my gut tells me it would be difficult not to get the lines you are seeing. You may want to contact Valspar directly with your question.
March 2nd, 2008 at 4:28 am
Why tape the corners? Why not just faux around the corners? Did you brush the wide x pattern then smooth over with the trowel? Could it be rolled and then troweled and get similar effect?
March 24th, 2008 at 2:55 am
Hi Tami,
I taped over the corners because it is very difficult not to hit the opposite wall with the brush on the inside corners. When going around an outside corner you don’t have this same problem so I don’t always tape. Without it on the inside corners you waste more time touching up the other wall so I find it much faster and easier to use tape.
I don’t think you would get the same nice effect with a roller but you could try it on a test sample board first and see. It might work since you smooth it over with the trowel. Good luck.
March 30th, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Hello, I was searching all over for someone that has tried the brushed pearl effect so I’m so glad I found your site Kate.
Anyway my question is this. When using the trowel how far apart do you use the 12 to 18″ stroke? right aside of the first trowel made or inches apart?
thank you so much for your input.
Steve
March 31st, 2008 at 12:26 am
Hi Steve,
I too am glad you found the site. Welcome!
I didn’t use a very exacting pattern put rather let the strokes overlap at random. I even went over areas where I saw brush strokes in the area I had already used the trowel on. I used a slightly lighter touch as it was a bit more dry but in the end it all blended beautifully.
Staying loose seems to give this a more natural look I think.
Good luck and I’d love to see pics if you decide to use the finish.
Cheers,
Kate
March 31st, 2008 at 2:21 am
I bought the brushed pearl and the brushed pearl glaze. what is the ratio to use this? there were no instructions when i bought mine at lowes. Do I need the glaze to achieve your results? thanks
April 1st, 2008 at 8:36 pm
Hi Tammy,
I think what you purchased is a different product than the one pictured here. I seem to recall that Lowe’s also sold some plastic bottles of a pearl finish but I have not tried that as of yet.
The finish pictured comes in two gallon cans that were mixed to match the color I selected on the color card pictured above.
This is a bit confusing as I think the products have similar names and when I went to purchase my paint I forgot to bring the color card and I seem to recall the salesman showing me something that was in pre-mixed but then I made a call and got exact name and number. Once I had that he was able to help me get the product you see above.
If you haven’t used it yet and it was pre-mixed rather than custom mixed you could probably exchange it for this product if that is what you had intended to buy.
Best,
Kate
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:45 am
thanks so much. I have gotten the right stuff now and I cant wait to put it up.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Thank you for responding. I think my wife and I finally came up with the color so this weekend should be a go. I sure hope it comes out as we expect and thank you for your input.
Steve
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:36 pm
You are very welcome, Steve. I hope it looks sensational. Please sent before and after pics if you would.
Happy painting,
Kate
April 10th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
Hi! I can’t wait to try the brushed pearl, but have encountered a small problem…every Lowes that I’ve gone to in my area does not have someone working in the paint department who has used the product. I am looking to do a subtle cream color on my ceiling but the sales reps don’t know how to assistant me in buying the paint - I know I have to put the base color on first, but does the brushed pearl also get tinted and is it the same color? I’ve been told many thing from tinitng both the same color, to using a darker color for the top coat. And can I use any color from valspar collection or does it have to be from their brushed pearl color selection on the palet. The simply elegant on the palet looks like what I want - maybe a little lighter…any suggestions??
April 11th, 2008 at 1:19 am
HI Susan,
I thought that ‘Simply Elegant’ was the best light neutral for my project because the ‘Very Thoughtful’ was a bit too green and ‘Natural Flavor’ a bit too yellow. I painted my guest bathroom and wanted to make sure the color was flattering to my guest when they looked in the mirror plus with it being a small space with no window I wanted a lighter value.
The base coat for ‘Simply Elegant’ is lighter than the top coat which is exactly the opposite of what most people tell me they had expected. I originally painted both my walls and ceiling in this color with the intention of leaving the ceiling with just the base color and not putting on the top coat. I would suggest this for your ceiling too if you go with ‘Simply Elegant’ because it is a very lovely cream.
As for lightening the top coat. You could do it but you might lose some of the effect. Plus when you get into changing formulas you won’t really have a good idea as to whether or not it is right until you try it.
You might ask the guys at Lowes to lighten it a bit and then do a sample board to see what you think. You might also check the Valspar website to see if there is an independent dealer in your area where you could purchase the paint.
I’m a regular Lowes gal but in this case having a salesperson to work with you that really knows the product and how to custom mix paint could be helpful. You can find a zip code locator on Valspar.com.
I hope that helps. Let me know how it turns out. I’d love to have you post your pictures on RoomVues.com for all to see.
Best,
Kate
April 12th, 2008 at 10:48 am
I just found your site and the comments of a lot of frustrated users after working with this paint for a week. I am trying to use it on a wooden cabinet, and it looks terrible, as though someone stuck their hands in the wet pearl. I’m not certain whether to keep trying or start over with something different. I had the impression the trowel was to be held flat. Are you just using the edge for the strokes? Do you think my problem is using it on a wooden surface? The paint can says it is for wood.
April 12th, 2008 at 11:02 am
Hi Linda,
I’m sorry to hear that the finish is not working well on your cabinet.
I’ve only used the Brushed Pearl this one time on a flat wall surface so I haven’t tried in a surface like the one you mention. I do think however that it might be difficult to produce the same results as on the wall.
You are correct that the trowel is to be used flat. I used the plastic trowel flat against the surface of the wall after the pearl coat had dried slightly.
If your cabinet has any trim or areas that are difficult to paint around it would take great patience to paint areas, let them dry and cover so that you could paint the adjoining areas without messing up those areas that you were satisfied with.
While I think this is a wonderful faux finish for walls I don’t think I would use it on any surface that wasn’t fairly large and flat.
I wish I had some magic answer but unfortunately I can’t think of an easy way to get this to work. ~Kate
April 12th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
when you go to lowes you can ask for the brushed pearl in the color of your choice and then the base coat will be a satin(my choice of gloss) interior paint tinted in the same color. I was very frustrated with the lowes people till I finallly found someone who knew what he was talking about. Thanks for all your help.
April 12th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Thanks for adding the helpful comment Tammy.
April 19th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
II have been thinking of applying this Valspar Brushed Pearl(Wood Grain) in my kitchen. I have never painted a faux finish before, so I am a little nervous about trying. Also, I have a number of small areas that I will need to paint that I will not be able to use a trowel. Should I not even attempt it, for this reason? Could I use a brush or something to create some sort of texture in these hard to reach spots? Please advise. Thanks!
April 20th, 2008 at 10:00 am
Hi Erinn,
It does sound like your project may be a bit more challenging than mine was but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give it a try.
If I was going to do tight area with this finish I might try to find something that would act in the same way as the trowel but would be much smaller. I’m thinking that you might explore the art supply store and look at the plastic palette knives that are made of a similar plastic would allow you to position the flat surface against the finish.
You may also find something else that would work at a kitchen or hardware store. You don’t want it to be too small because then the look in the small sections would be different than the rest of the room.
Before you begin on the walls I would try your mini trowel and regular trowel on test boards so that you can figure out how to use the small one to get an effect similar to the look that will be on the larger wall areas.
I think this would work better than the brush but you could try that also. Maybe using a foam brush rather than a regular brush might work. I think it you experiment you’ll find a way to achieve the look in those tight spaces and if you aren’t happy with the results at least it isn’t on the walls.
If you do find something that works well (or not so well) I’d appreciate it if you’d come back and share with us what you used so if other readers will know what you tried to solved the problem.
Of course if any readers have other ideas for Erinn please feel free to add a comment or idea to the post.
~Kate
April 21st, 2008 at 9:16 am
Has anyone ever tried the Brushed Pearl paint / techniques on a floor?
I’m interested in doing an area that has both concrete and plywood subflooring, so concrete stain - my first choice - won’t work. In order to get some depth & texture, I’d like to try brushed pearl (covered, of course, with a topcoat to protect, even though it will be light traffic). Any comments / suggestions / advice?
April 21st, 2008 at 10:36 am
Hi Ann,
The effect could be interesting on a floor but I believe this paint would have the same durability as standard wall paint so it may not hold up even with a topcoat.
I think your best bet would be to go the Valspar website and find a dealer close to you and ask them for a recommendation on how to best use and protect this finish for a floor.
There are also many interesting paint finishes now for concrete that may also work on the plywood and a good dealer should be able to help you there too. I haven’t tried them yet but with the nice weather coming you may see me emptying my garage and doing a little DIY experiment of my own.
~Kate
April 25th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Hi Kate!
Thank you for your input on the brushed pearl….well, I finally got my bedroom done! …it looks gorgeous! I finally found someone @ Lowes who knew what she was doing - who actually used the product - I used the green wood grain on the walls and the natural flavor (creamy color) on the ceiling…and I absolutley LOVE it…the ceiling was a bit challanging…as all ceilings are…pain in the neck - but overall..it was really easy and fool proof - you can reblend any area that you’re not happy with - The only thing I would advise…I was told I would need 2 gallons to do my room, but I did it in a gallon…so it goes far….I did it in a weekend…now I am going to to put the clear coat finish on….I was going for an elegant bedroom…and that is exactly what I got….the walls are simply beautiful….the color swatches and pictures do not do this technique justice - I would highly recommend using the brushed pearl - happy painting:)
April 27th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Hi Susan,
I’m so glad that the Valspar Brushed Pearl paint worked out so well for you. Your room sounds just gorgeous. Good for you in having the patience to do your ceiling.
It is also very encouraging to know that you also found this finish to be easy to work with. I’m sure you will enjoy many mornings waking up to enjoy having such an elegant look in your bedroom.
I’d love to see pics of your room too and if you’re agreeable I’d like to share them with all of my readers. I just received some pictures from another reader that used this product with great success and will be posting hem this week.
Thanks for stopping back by to share your experience. I really appreciate it.
Please drop by again soon. I like it when you visit.
~Kate
April 28th, 2008 at 9:20 am
As a self employer painter who has had a fair amount of experience with faux finishes, I have done sponging, ragging, graining, marble, etc. I was very disappointed with the look of the pearl finish. I followed the procedure and ended up with a look that I didn’t like and the customer having a paint job that she was just satisfied with instead of delighted. I have not been able to see a decent photograph of this finish as most examples have their camera’s flash turned on and it looks too overexposed to get a realistic idea of what it is really supposed to look like.
Thanks,
Patrick Philippi
Painting & Plaster Repairing
April 29th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
How long do you need to wait before using the trowel? Also, should the X pattern be random?
June 4th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
My walls are a bit textured but I’m REALLY wanting to try this
pearl finish. Someone suggested I use a grout trowel or dense sponge to move the glaze around instead of the specified trowel as I don’t think that will pick up the paint in the textured grooves. Am I just setting myself up for a disaster or could this be worth a try???
July 18th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
For the clear coat, did you do Satin or Gloss?
July 24th, 2008 at 9:20 am
I applied the Simply Elegant color this morning, after doing the base coat yesterday, and am EXTREMELY disappointed. I searched online for other comments about this paint (something I should have done before buying it, and yes, I have done faux finishes before with much better results) and found this site, where you used the exact color I chose. Unfortunately, mine looks nothing like these pictures, and I’m not sure I could have done anything to help it along because the color looks PINK. It’s absolutely awful. What makes it worse is that I plunked down about 100 bucks for all the materials. I feel like a sucker.
July 24th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Oh Amy, I’m so sorry you had trouble with this finish. It sounds like something may have gone wrong at the paint store since if you used the same color I did it shouldn’t look at all pink. It is a very yellow based neutral. At least on my screen the pictures look pretty true to the color in my guest bath.
If the color wasn’t mixed correctly or if it was put into the wrong base the store should refund your money. It won’t cover your wasted time but at least you won’t be out the money you spent on the paint.
July 25th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
I just finished my second coat of the BP15 Sea Glass (I did it over Valspar Signature Sea Escape) and it has turned out beautifully!!! I’m so happy with it. It’s the first wall painting I’ve ever done and I agonized over what I wanted to use. I tried many things on the spot where the medicine cabinet would go and this (with two coats)was just what I was looking for. It looks like lightly textured pearly aqua wallpaper, very elegant. Watching the video on this site http://valsparatlowes.com/do-it-yourself/steps/Painting_Decorative_Brushed_Pearl.html definitely helped me know what to do. I also learned you had to have the plastic trowel (the hard way LOL).
Amy, I’m sorry your color didn’t turn out, sounds like they did mess it up!
Thanks for having this out here, it encouraged me to give this wall treatment a go and I’m so happy, I even have a friend who looked at mine and is going to do her dining room (with my expert assistance LOL)
August 29th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
I used this brushed pearl technique on two bedrooms. I used Simple Elegant and Too Real. I can’t believe all the horror stories. I absolutely loved this technique. I agree that the set time is the most important aspect of succeeding when using this finish. If you don’t wait long enough, the plastic trowel will not catch the brushed pearl application; if you wait too long the trowel sticks and you would need to rewet the area. Some times 5 minutes to long or to soon can make all the difference.
I, too, have applied many different faux finishes. This by far was the easiest (it took me only two hours to put on each pearl application in a big 16×20 room) and it looks like a million bucks. Family and friends continually compliment me on how wonderful and elegant the finish is.
I hate to say it, but it sounds like some of the sales people at Lowes may be the real culprits by not giving the right product or color.
I would do this finish again, and just may decide to redo the living room with it.
August 31st, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Hi Lorraine,
I’m so glad that you too had good luck with this finish. Any chance you might share some photos? I’d love to post more a few more.
Like you I continue to receive rave reviews of the finish and am glad I took a chance to try it out.
Best,
Kate