Gold Crocodile Walls Your Guests Will Won't Stop Talking About

9 Materials
$100
3 Days
Easy

Your foyer is the first thing your guests see when they walk into your home, so why not make it spectacular?

Crocodile walls in a few easy steps

I love designing finishes that create a WOW factor. This is one of my favorite finishes. I have done this technique in gray, brown, green, silver and gold.

It’s a beautiful wall design in just about any color.

Want to learn how to create crocodile walls as a finish for your home?

Here are the steps to create this amazing finish:


  • Tape off adjacent walls, ceiling, and floorboards
  • Apply the joint compound in 3-foot sections on the wall with a trowel in a thin layer, about 1/8” thick. Don’t go too far ahead of yourself because the plaster will start to dry.

Have three or four crocodile rollers handy. It’s best to have someone work alongside you. This way you can have them clean the rollers after you are done.


How to clean rollers

If you are working on walls that have corners or tight areas, you will need to use the stencil and not the roller. The roller will not fit between door jams and tight areas.

The best way to work these areas is to tape the stencil on the wall and apply the joint compound with a spatula, and if needed smooth it out with your fingers.

Make sure you wear gloves so you’re not having to spend time washing your hand all the time. It can get a little messy.


How to clean stencil

Let the joint compound dry overnight.

Using a medium sanding block, lightly sand the wall. All you want to do is knock down the peeks.

Dust off the wall with a large brush. Paint the wall with white satin paint (any brand will do).

Let it dry overnight.

Apply a small amount of gold metallic paint on a large car sponge. Apply the paint in a circular motion. Try not to overlap.

If you find that it’s not moving smoothly and it’s coming out too dark, spray a little water on the wall to help it along.

I know it’s difficult to see the detail in this picture, so I added another close-up picture so you can see the true beauty of this foyer.

If you decide to create a wall like this, I’d love to see it. You can post in my Facebook group Ask Cheryl Phan.

Would you like to learn more DIY tips, join my free Facebook group  Ask Cheryl Phan. And if you have a question, don’t be afraid to ask.

Did you just stumbled across this blog and would like to see more DIY projects? You can sign up for my weekly blog  HERE.

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Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
3 of 11 questions
  • Jinky Garcia Jinky Garcia on Aug 23, 2020

    I was actually drawn to the candle holder. Is it also DIY?

  • Bette Bette on Aug 24, 2020

    Where do you get the stencil, specifically?

  • Robyn Garner Robyn Garner on Sep 02, 2020

    LOVE this but what will you do once you tire of the look? How can you return it to flat walls?

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4 of 49 comments
  • Dl.5660408 Dl.5660408 on Aug 17, 2021

    So elegant! It could be a great fix for less than perfectly textured walls too

    • See 1 previous
    • Dl.5660408 Dl.5660408 on Aug 18, 2021

      That could be a beautiful finish on cabinets, wouldn’t have thought to try that, thanks!

  • Tam Tam on Aug 18, 2022

    Oh my gosh you have the patience of JOB! LOOOOOVE THE MIRROR!

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