Wouldn't you love your home to have that special unique touch? It's much easier to achieve than you think. There's no need to hire an interior decorator; using some simple painting techniques can give you that decorator look without the big price tag. If you are seeking a room that truly gets attention you should consider some of the following painting techniques.

Stencilling is definitely one of the most popular techniques around. This technique takes a fine touch, as stencils can be very intricate. There are thousands of stencil types available allowing you to create a modern, classic, contemporary or trendy look for your home. One of the fun things about using stencils is that they can be incorporated with other painting techniques in order to get some fascinating looking walls. A very popular use of stencils is creating intricate borders around your walls. Or even using a single stunning stencil on just one wall as an instant attention grabber.

Stamping is another common and fun painting technique. Stamping is quite similar to stencilling, but when stamping you press the images on to your walls with wet paint. Stamping is an excellent way to achieve a designer look on the cheap. Like stencilling, stamping requires a steady and firm touch - to get an even and pretty look you must be straight and organized as you stamp the wall. When done professionally, stamps can look simply beautiful. It can take more practice than people realize to develop the skill of placing a perfect stamp, practice on paper or cardboard first and you will pick it up.

In recent years sponging has become a well liked painting technique. Sponging is a very intuitive technique that takes several complimentary colors. Once you have chosen your colors, you use a sponge and press it lightly against the wall repeatedly. This process creates delicate patterns you simply won't create using any other technique. Since you can customize this with your own personal color scheme, you can create a truly unique look for your home and that particular special room. The results of sponging can look quite modern, but it can also be made very soft and romantic to create a contemporary or classic look.

Ragging is quite like sponging in the way that you "rag" the wall, except rather than using a sponge, this technique uses a rag. Using a rag gives you a more marked color effect since there are no large holes to let colors come through like with a sponge. This effect is one a lot of people enjoy - especially in homes with a modern or contemporary decor design. Generally ragging is done with clean cotton rags, with a different rag used for each color.

Murals are another delightful technique that can be used in your home. Murals are an excellent way to to achieve that one-of-a-kind look. Many people commission murals for their home to celebrate a major event such as a birth, anniversary or wedding, or simply to share something of beauty with their family. There are any number of scenes you could choose to depict in a mural. Maybe a family story or a classic fairy tale would fit with your home. A mural can be in the family room for maximum exposure or even something sweet for your newborn baby's bedroom. Depending on its style, a mural will express your family's way of life and personality for all to see.

Interior painting is as simple or as complex a chore as you want it to be. You can simply slap a coat of new paint over the old surface, wipe your brow, and walk away. Or, if you want a really professional looking result, you can take the time to prepare your surface and fill in any cosmetic defects that exist on the wall.

Begin by washing the wall. Use trisodium phosphate (TSP) or a phosphate-free environmentally friendly alternative, and wipe the wall down thoroughly. This will prepare the surface to accept new paint and give you a chance to spot small scratches, chips and cracks in the old paint. Finish by rinsing the wall well with a sponge and bucket until the runoff water comes out clear.

Once the wall dries, take the time to fill in all the chips, cracks and dents that have occurred over the years. You can use caulking, surfacing compound, or glazier's compound. Caulking is an easy way to fill in small cracks in the wall or along window edges. Wet your finger with water and use it to smooth out the caulking for a seamless finish.

Surfacing compound is similar to drywall compound, but is intended for using on the surface of the wall. It can be painted without absorbing all the moisture from your paint, and is thick enough to hold its shape over large area. Gouges, deep cracks or holes should be filled in using this method.

Glazier's compound is perfect for filling in deep holes such as those left behind from nails or other punctures. Designed for holding windows in place, glazier's compound dries quickly and accepts paint without problem. It is both easy to use and tough over tie, so it is a good choice for areas that receive a lot of traffic.

Once all the caulking, putty and compounds are dry, you can prime the wall. A good primer will adhere both to the wall and to the new paint, creating a seamless and perfect finish. After all your hard work preparing the wall, it is worthwhile to take the time to paint it properly. Use a good quality primer and allow it to dry completely before applying your main coat.

 Sand the wall between each coat, using a medium to fine-grit sandpaper. A perfect job is not necessary, simply swipe the sandpaper lightly across the wall and wipe the dust off with a dry paintbrush or soft cloth. A light sanding will give the finished wall a soft, velvety feeling and creating a feeling of tranquility in the room.

Finally, make sure you are painting under good lighting conditions. Ideally, paint during the day in full sunlight to allow you to easily see any missed spots, drips or spatters that need to be taken care of. It may seem like a lot of work and an overly time-consuming method, but it will seem well worth the effort when you step back to admire your flawless, freshly painted room.