Whisking is a very simple faux painting technique. It is usually done by painting a solid background color first, then applying another color with a new, clean, whiskbroom, allowing the base color to show through the secondary color. The whisking technique is often used to add a bit of subtle texture to a space, and it can create looks that mimic other materials such as silk or wicker, depending on the application.
For a wicker look, a basecoat may not be necessary. You might simply use the existing color of cabinet doors or drawer fronts for your background color. Next, tape off any areas that you don’t want painted. Dip the whiskbroom into the paint or glaze, brush off as much excess as possible then lightly drag the broom across the surface. You can use an up and down motion or move from side to side. To create a nice woven look, do both. Whisk each section using the up and down motion, then go back and repeat from side to side.
Another great way to employ faux painting techniques like whisking is in creating subtle stripes. Using a low luster satin or a matte finish for one set of stripes and a gloss finish for the alternating stripes creates an elegant effect. This effect can be further enhanced by whisking one or both to create a raw silk effect.
A faux finish is also great for making homemade artwork. Simply paint a canvas then use the whisking technique to add another color. You might want to add more than one color to achieve an even more interesting effect. This technique can also be used to dress up plain picture frames.
*As noted previously, it’s a good idea to practice on scrap wood before attempting a faux finish on walls or furniture (although whisking is pretty simple and may not require as much practice as some other techniques).