Novel paints are available today for the Do It Yourselfer who desires textured finishes but may not have the time or the artistic skills for advanced decorative paint techniques. These products are available in major home centers and other paint distribution stores. Granite, Venetian Plaster and similar finishes can be applied with conventional painting techniques and some practice.

For the more enthusiastic artists, here are some ideas for creating a faux stone look in your home. As with any techniques, it's best to practice on a piece of scrap drywall or poster board before beginning the full scale project.

Step 1: Prepare the surface by cleaning, removing mildew, rinsing thoroughly and allowing to dry completely.

Step 2: Using a stone model to simulate the natural colors of the look you want, select your basecoat color in an eggshell or low luster sheen. Apply two coats of a top quality paint with a roller, following manufacturer's recommendation for dry time between coats. Allow to dry overnight.

Step 3: Using a crumpled rag or paper, apply a paint/glaze mixture (1 part latex paint to 2 parts latex glaze) in the accent color of your stone model. Dab the paint/glaze mixture onto the wall to create a textured look. Continue until the entire surface has been treated. Let dry thoroughly.

Step 4: If possible trace real stone pieces onto cardboard or foam board to make stone blocks templates. If real stone is not available, sketch the stone shapes by hand. Cut three or four different sizes and shapes, keeping size in proportion to the area being painted. Lightly trace the blocks on to the wall using pencil or chalk, interspersing the various shapes and sizes.

Step 5: Paint the outlines of the blocks with an artist's brush, using earth tone colors, depending again on the stone you are simulating. Blending several earth tone colors and feathering the edges will give you more rustic appearance.