Has anyone tried this frugal faux paint treatment for walls?

I've seen the plastic bag thing done before. Doing it after the paint coat is applied with a roller is a good idea. I've also seen it done with wadded up paper, sponges, rags, etc. Each item you use would give you a different pattern or texture, so maybe try a few of them on a sheet of plywood or something to see what you like best. No matter what you use, here's a helpful hint: Don't just hold the bag/rag/whatever in the same position and dab it at the wall in straight lines. You'll get a horrible repetitive pattern. Instead, turn your hand this way and that, and dab randomly. Every couple of minutes, uncrumple whatever you're using and re-scrunch it in a different pattern. The more variation, the better. For this reason, I wouldn't recommend the sponge, because you can't really change it much. For more information, try looking up a do-it-yourself type book a the library on how to do different paint finishes- or, go to your local Home Depot, as they often have brochures on that kind of thing, and often the right kind of paint to do it with. Good luck and happy painting!

THe plastic bags will work, but it is easier to roll the paint on with a roller, then use the plastic bags to "move the paint around" instead of applying it with the bags. Of course, you have to paint a soild base color undercoat first, before applying the faux finish. You can also buy some large sponges and tear chunks out of them to texture the surface and then use the sponges to apply two or three paint tones over the base coat for a nice looking effect. I recommend getting some scraps of wood or drywall to practice your technique on first. Good Luck.

The bag sounds like a great idea. I have tried it with a sponge and a rag. You have to be careful though to pick the right colors or it looks too busy.

Nope, although it sounds good and seems to work well. I am no expert so my advice would be to ask different people regarding this matter and see what they have to say.