DIY Project: Faux Cowhide Rug

An uncomplicated paint technique makes this faux cowhide rug a snap to create.

An uncomplicated paint technique from Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault makes this faux cowhide rug a snap to create.

Faux Cowhide Rug

Materials:

4’x8’ piece of pre-gessoed canvas
1 quart of Benjamin Moore Aura interior satin paint, “Maple Syrup” CC-420
2 Benjamin Moore colour testers in “Gray Mist” CC-80 and “Whittal Brown” HC-69
Wallpaper paste brush
Angled sash paint brush
High density foam roller
Damp rag
Scissors
Pencil

How To:

1. Sketch the outline of the cowhide on the pre-gessoed canvas and cut out with scissors.

2. Draw some random patches on the canvas, and basecoat the entire surface using a foam roller with “Maple Syrup” except for the outlined patches.
3. Fill in the patches with “Gray Mist” using an angled sash brush.

4. Once dry, re-apply both “Maple Syrup” and “Gray Mist” to the edges that meet around the patches.

5. While wet, drag the wallpaper paste brush through the wet edges in a single direction to create the textured strié effect of hair.

6. To create further dimension, dip a damp rag into “Whittal Brown” and dab off any excess before rubbing it onto the canvas in random areas.

7. For added durability, apply one coat of Benjamin Moore’s “Stays Clear”, low lustre and allow to dry thoroughly before use.

Instructions courtesy Leigh-Ann Allaire Perrault
www.benjaminmoore.com