Here is a great technique for creating a faux Terra Cotta tile look.
As with any paint suface, prep and priming is very important. Clean the surface to be painted with a solution of TSP (Tri-sodium Phosphate, available at paint stores), then prime with a good latex bonding primer like UMA (available at most retail paint stores, but not at Home Depot or Lowe's).
Once primed, let cure for 2-3 days, then proceed with painting.

Materials:
· Benjamin Moore's #HC-80, “Light Beige” AquaPearl Latex Acrylic Paint
· Plaid’s #53304 Mustard
· Plaid’s #53325 Cumin
· Plaid’s #53526 Russet Brown Glaze
· Plaid’s #53529 Bark Brown Glaze
· Plaid’s #30117 Grout Tape
· Small Wool Sponge
· Foam or Plastic Paint Tray
· Pencil, Eraser, Straightedge, and Ruler
· Benjamin Moore's Stay Clear Low-Luster Acrylic Finish (Optional)

Steps:
1. Base coat your surface with the #HC-80. Let dry overnight.
2. Draw a series of 6” or 8” squares lightly with the pencil. Apply the grout tape to one side of the pencil line, making sure to apply it on the same side for all lines. For example, stay to the right of the vertical lines, and above the horizontal lines.
3. Pour some of the Mustard into a tray. Dampen the wool sponge. Using it apply a solid coat of paint to the squares. Rinse out the sponge, and let paint dry 1-2 hours.
4. Pour the Cumin into the tray. Pick up some of the Cumin with the dampened sponge and apply it to each square, letting some of the Mustard to show through. Rinse out the sponge.
5. Pour some of the Russet Brown Glaze into the tray, and using the dampened sponge, apply it lightly over each square. Rinse out the sponge.
6. Pour some of the Bark Brown Glaze in the tray. With the dampened sponge apply the glaze around the outside of each square, heavy on the edges, fading to the middle. Rinse out the sponge and let the squares dry overnight.
7. Carefully pull the tape. Use the eraser to remove any pencil lines.
8. Should you wish to add extra durability to the surface, apply with the sponge 1-2 coats of the Stay Clear Finish.

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