Faux Finishing Basics
Faux Finish Basics
If you decide to go with a faux finish in a room, you must produce a sample first or have the painter do it for you. You can do it on a 2 x 2 foot piece of poster board or a scrap piece of drywall.
The sample will help you in the event of a dispute about the finished product. It also will eliminate any questions as to what you want as the finished product. This is only fair to the painter. Imagine them trying to read your mind as to what you want!
Always take the time to prep out the room. This means plenty of drop cloths, masking tape, covers on lights, safe ladders, etc.
Think small for your first project. When I say small, I mean small - like a closet! You need to get comfortable working around corners and working against woodwork. Why take a chance in a large open area when a closet would do just fine?
If you don't want to sacrifice a closet, why not just buy a blank piece of drywall? You can prime it with a good primer/sealer and then go to town with your faux finish. If you mess up, big deal! Just start over and keep trying until you master the technique. Your largest investment will be your time.
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If you are happy with your results on the drywall, don't try to tackle a large room or a two story entrance hall. Go to a small bathroom, or possibly a bedroom to try your handiwork. By taking your time and progressing on to bigger rooms in a step-by-step process, you will be assured of great results!
Finishing Touches
Rookie faux painters get into trouble on the edges of their work. Often they try to do the edges last. This is a huge mistake. You need to work all edges and corners while you are there and you have a wet edge.
A wet edge means the paint in that area is still fresh. If you try to come back later, you will have double coverage at worst or you will have inconsistencies in your pattern. Just take your time and work the edges, corners, etc. as you go.
Edges usually require an abundant supply of rags. You can also help yourself by using the proper masking tape. There are surface friendly tapes out now - some are blue - that have a mild adhesive. They stick just well enough to hold the tape and possibly some plastic in place. When you remove them, they don't leave a sticky residue behind. They are found at first class paint stores.
Related Articles: Faux Finishing, Faux Finishing Tools, Faux Finishing Books, Faux Finishing Wall Paneling, Faux Painting
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