Paint is one of the fastest, cheapest and most effective ways to update a room. But you don’t always have to change the color of the walls to use paint effectively. Cabinets, furniture and even floors can be painted to quickly freshen a room. Here are three of the most popular paint techniques and advice on how to best use them in the home.

Faux stone. There’s more than one way to create faux stone, a popular finish for countertops and floors. To find step-by-step instructions, do an Internet search using the keywords “faux granite” and “faux limestone,” or visit the Design Center at PaintQuality.com. I often create stone finishes by using three different colors within the same color family and pouncing them on the surface with a stiff paintbrush.

Decoupage. This technique is making a comeback and can be used in conjunction with a painted finish on any furniture piece. Simply paint your chosen piece its base color and allow to dry. Now choose a motif from gift wrap, wallpaper samples or scrapbooking/decoupage papers. Cut the motif out with sharp scissors, and brush the back of the motif with decoupage paste or white glue. Position the motif on your piece, and then smooth down and coat the whole surface with another layer of glue. Decoupage is a great way to add style to blank cupboard doors.

Stenciling. By far one of the easiest and most popular paint techniques is stenciling, which can be used on walls, flooring and even fabric to create a coordinated look. Use it over painted surfaces to add dimension, pattern and style.

Perfect your stenciling skills with this simple dining chair project.

        About Our Expert
Kathy Wilson is a home and garden writer, author and consultant. Visit her sites, The Budget Decorator and The Garden Glove, for more home and garden ideas.