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French Wash Painting Services in
Hawke's Bay

Create a soft, aged look with delicate tonal movement and timeless elegance using Porter’s Paints French Wash.

At Paint My Space, we offer French Wash finishes expertly applied across Hawke’s Bay, including Napier, Hastings, Havelock North, and beyond. French wash is a hand-applied decorative finish that produces a gentle, cloud-like effect on your walls — perfect for creating depth, warmth, and old-world charm in any space.

Whether you're updating a villa in Napier South, refreshing a bedroom in Taradale, or designing a boutique interior in Havelock North, French wash brings a uniquely elegant finish that’s full of character.

French Wash Painting Experts
In Hawkes Bay

What Is French Wash?

French Wash by Porter’s Paints is a translucent glaze applied over a base colour to produce soft tonal variation and subtle texture. This finish creates the effect of aged walls, reminiscent of European interiors, with a delicate layered look that feels both refined and lived-in.

The wash is gently brushed in sweeping strokes over a prepared basecoat, giving each wall its own unique flow and visual movement. It’s especially effective in light-filled spaces, where the interplay of colour and light enhances its depth.

Our French Wash Application Process

This decorative finish relies on care, technique, and an understanding of colour layering. Here's how we ensure a beautiful outcome:

1. Base Colour Selection

We help you choose a Porter’s Paints base colour that complements your room and desired French wash tone.

2. Surface Preparation

We patch, sand, and clean all surfaces to ensure a smooth canvas for both the base and glaze coats.

3. Base Coat Application

We apply the Porter’s-compatible base colour using roller or brush techniques to achieve even coverage and depth.

4. Hand Application of Lime Wash

Using traditional brushwork, we apply the French wash glaze in sweeping motions, blending areas for natural variation and a soft, aged effect.

5. Final Finish & Clean-Up

We refine edges, inspect under natural light, and ensure the finish has consistent, graceful movement throughout.

Where Does French Wash Work Best?

French wash is ideal for:

  • Living rooms and lounges – adding warmth and texture
  • Bedrooms – for a romantic, relaxed finish
  • Formal dining areas – bringing elegance to social spaces
  • Boutique commercial interiors – cafés, salons, or studios
  • Character homes and restorations – to maintain historical charm

It’s especially effective on feature walls, in rooms with decorative mouldings, or as a soft alternative to flat colour in minimalist spaces.

Why Choose Paint My Space?

  • Specialty trained in French Wash application using Porter’s Paints
  • Trusted across Hawke’s Bay for detail-driven interior finishes
  • Experienced in both heritage and contemporary homes
  • Design-savvy, tidy, and respectful with every project
  • Locally owned, with a passion for timeless craftsmanship

French wash is not just a paint job — it’s a crafted surface. With our expertise, it becomes a feature that elevates the entire room.

Why We Use Porter’s Paints

As our dedicated supplier, Porter’s Paints offers the finest specialty finishes on the market. Their French Wash system is:

  • Specifically formulated for artistic, layered effects
  • Designed for use with their compatible base coats
  • Low-VOC and environmentally conscious
  • Available in a curated range of timeless colour pairings

At Paint My Space, we’re trained in the correct application of Porter’s Paints finishes — ensuring your French wash looks beautiful, lasts, and is applied with integrity.

Book a French Wash Consultation

If you’re ready to add texture, softness, and subtle luxury to your walls, we’re here to help you bring it to life.

Contact Paint My Space today for a free consultation on Porter’s Paints French Wash in Napier, Hastings, Havelock North, Clive, Taradale, and throughout Hawke’s Bay.

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