väripesulla

Väripesulla, meaning "color wash" in Finnish, is a decorative painting technique that applies a thin, transparent layer of pigment over a surface. The result is a soft, unified color field where underlying textures and brush marks remain visible. The term is used in both fine art and interior decoration to describe this translucent effect.

In painting, pigments are heavily diluted with water or medium and spread with broad brushes, soft cloths, or sponges. The artist may work wet-on-wet to blend edges or build up multiple transparent layers (glazes) to increase depth and tonal variation. In architectural contexts, a similar effect is achieved with tinted limewash or other translucent plasters on walls and ceilings.

Common surfaces include canvas, paper, wood, and plastered walls. The technique favors loose, fluid handling and is often used for skies, landscapes, backgrounds, or atmospheric effects. It can be combined with more opaque paint for focal details.

Historically, color washes have been integral to watercolor practice and to mural and decorative painting in various cultures. It is closely related to glazing in oil painting and to washes in ink and gouache techniques.

Preservation considerations include avoiding heavy abrasion that could wear away the translucent layer; varnishes or seals may alter the color balance, so test applications are recommended for finished works or wall surfaces.