Fresco is a three-colour wall finish that suggests the faded look of Mediterranean houses.

Terracotta tones are popular, but you can use whatever colours you choose - just make sure the first colour is the darkest. If you're doing a wall, you'll need two people for the job.

You'll need:
Large brush for base coat
Low-lustre water-based paints in three colours (we used terracotta, butter yellow and cream)
Soft cotton rags (cheesecloth, fine upholsterer's calico or muslin)
Acrylic scumble medium
Large brush for glaze

Here's how:
1. Prepare the surface. If painting a wall, cover the floor with old sheeting to catch any runs or splashes.

2. When this technique is used on walls it requires two people - the first applies the colour, the second follows behind softening the brush marks with a crumpled rag. Experiment using dry or slightly damp rags. A dry rag gives a slightly crisper impression than a damp rag.

3. Using the large brush, apply your darkest coloured paint (terracotta was used here) in irregular drifts. Keep the drifts loosely connected, with lots of background showing. Use a slightly damp cotton rag to immediately soften the edges of the drifts and move a light film of colour over the exposed background. Allow the paint to dry for two hours.

4. Make up the first glaze using your second darkest paint (yellow was used here). Mix 1 part paint, 1 part scumble medium and 2 parts water.

5. Using the glaze brush, apply the first glaze (yellow) over the wall in panels about 1 metre wide. The second person follows behind, dabbing over the wet glaze with a crumpled pad of damp rag, softening the brush marks and removing the glaze unevenly to expose the undercolour. Discard the rags as they become clogged with paint and use fresh rags. Allow the glaze to dry for about two hours.

6. Rag the surface unevenly to allow all three colours to show, gently blended.

7. Make up the second glaze using your palest colour (cream was used here). Mix 1 part paint, 1 part scumble medium and 2 parts water.

8. Repeat the glazing process with the second glaze (cream). Use a rag to soften and blend the glaze, exposing a little of the colours underneath it.

Source: Painted Finishes (Murdoch Books)