|
D E C O R A T I V E - F I
N I S H E S
Decorative Finishing
Decorative finishing is an enduring art form because of the unique,
dramatic and visually stunning looks that can be created with very
easy application techniques. This guide provides you with an
introduction to the most popular decorative finishes.
Detailed decorating books with more elaborate techniques are available
for the advanced decorator.
Decorative Finishing Basics
Here are the main ingredients required to create a successful
decorative finish:
 Patience and creativity
Application materials – more on this with each finish
Usually a base coat of paint
Usually 1 – 2 glaze coat(s)
Masking and preparation materials
A protective finish coat of varnish depending on the application.
Color adjustments can be made with universal tinting colorants. Check
the supplies list for each finish to determine your requirements. Most
finishes require glaze coats, which can be prepared by you.
What’s a Glaze?
Glazes are an ingredient for creating various special colored wash or
transparent finishes over a base coat. Glazes can be either water or
oil based and are usually created from a home blended recipe although
there are some commercial glaze bases available.
Decorative Finishing Basics
Paint Types
Oil (alkyd) base paints are very good choices for decorative painting
because of their slow dry time. This is especially advantageous for
novice painters as it will allow them more time to work the glaze
coat. The major disadvantages of oil-base paints are the odor
associated with them and that solvent must be used for clean up.
Latex (water) base paints dry much faster, and when painting an entire
room it can often feel like a race to manipulate the glaze coat before
it sets up. However, it has less odor than oil base paint, the re-coat
time is faster, and clean up is much easier.
Glaze Recipes
The following oil or water base glaze recipes offer you a basic
starting point which can be modified to suit your particular project.
The idea is to blend a translucent white or colored glaze or wash that
adds color and effect but allows the base coat to show through.
Oil Base Glaze Recipe
1 part oil paint – low gloss
4 – 5 parts flat urethane
1 part mineral spirits
Water Base Glaze Recipe
1 part latex paint – low gloss
4 – 5 parts acrylic varnish
1 part water
You can add or subtract the glaze coat. Additive techniques are great
for high traffic areas or walls in poor condition. They can be done
easily by one person, but usually require more than 1 color to get a
finished look. Additive techniques use very little paint. Subtractive
methods generally have a softer appearance, but usually need more than
one person in order to manipulate the glaze before it dries.
Woodgraining
Apply the Base Coat
Paint the surface to be wood-grained with your base coat. When
brushing or rolling be sure to apply in the same direction as the
intended wood grain finish. If brushed opposite the wood grain, the
brush marks will show through. Allow the base to thoroughly dry (12-24
hours).
Apply First Coat of Stain
After the base has dried, lightly sand in the direction of the grain
and wipe the surface clean with a rag dampened with mineral spirits to
ensure you have a smooth and dust free surface.
Apply wiping stain very lightly on your project using a foam brush. Do
not dip the brush into the stain like you would to paint but rather
just slightly touch the tip in the stain. The stain is rich in pigment
and quite thick; a little goes a long way and too much will make it
more difficult to achieve a nice finish. Keep it light. This coat will
be your undercoat so shade or blend to your desired background color.
Keep it smooth, not blotchy or with any heavy deposits of stain. Do
not be concerned about light streaks or fine lines, but do not allow
lap marks. Remember: brush in the direction of the grain. Allow this
coat to dry thoroughly (about 12 hours).
Apply Second Coat of Stain (tooled coat)
Apply the second coat of stain with the foam brush just as before,
except now you spread the stain over one section at a time. Use the
graining tool on each section before going on to the next.
The graining tool is a simple device that allows the user to rearrange
the stain into patterns that resemble wood grain. It is relatively
simple to use. Practice and patience with the tool will make the
process easier.
To Use the Graining Tool:
Hold it by its handle and place your index finger directly on the base
of the head (where the handle and curved portion of the tool meet). To
use the tool, press the face of the tool firmly against the surface of
your project and slide it along in a straight smooth motion. By
rocking the tool you can alter the pattern to create knots and open
grains. Vein grain and quarter-sawn grains can be created by using
notches on the top and bottom of the tool.
Two Basic Secrets of the Tool Are:
1. Maintain a good, constant pressure. For the tool to work it must
have good consistent contact with the surface. Where the tool does not
touch firmly it cannot rearrange the stain.
2. Constant motion. You can go slow or you can go fast but you cannot
stop. You must move the tool across the surface in a smooth,
uninterrupted motion.
When your pattern is suitable, let the stain dry for 15-20 minutes
then gently brush the entire surface with a soft dry brush. This
blends your effect and creates an even more natural look to simulate
your wood finish.
Frottage (a.k.a. Smooshing)
A quick and easy way to create a leather-like finish.
Getting Started
Paint walls with base coat and allow to dry overnight. Mix glaze as
per the instructions at the beginning of this guide. Oil-based paint
dries slower and may be easier to use with this technique. Always mix
enough glaze to do the entire room. It is very difficult to mix the
exact same glaze color a second time.
Unfold poly before glazing the wall. Utility weight poly is very thin
and produces the best result. Poly is available in rolls when doing
large surfaces. Open your poly sheet and ball it up to crinkle it and
create folds.
Apply the Finish
Apply glaze quickly to the wall. If you think it will take more than
15-20 minutes to apply glaze to an entire wall then do it in sections.
Following quickly, press poly sheeting on the wall. Pressing the
plastic onto the wet glaze will adhere it to the wall. Using your
hands, smooth the plastic against the wall. It should not require more
than about 5 minutes to frottage the entire section. Carefully remove
and discard plastic. Long lines can be evened out at this point with
more poly. Repeat on all walls to be frottaged, using a new piece of
poly each time.
Color Washing
Apply base coat and let dry. Mix your glaze as per the instructions at
the beginning of this guide. Gather a damp, lint free rag in your
hand, making sure the ends are tucked up in your palm. Dip the rag in
glaze and start applying on the wall in small circular motions. Then
blend the edges of the circles into each other (similar to polishing
furniture). Re-wet rag with glaze as required. Step back frequently
and examine your work to ensure the overall effect is even. For even
more texture, apply a second glaze coat in a different shade in the
same way.
To avoid your final finish from being too subtle, use a darker glaze
than normal. Use very little glaze on your rag at a time. Blot on
newspaper or paper towel if necessary. The more you rub the finish,
the lighter the shade will be.
Ragging Off
A quick way to create a refined, sophisticated finish.
This technique is easier with two people. One to apply the glaze and
one to remove it.
Apply base coat and let dry. Mix your glaze. With a brush or roller,
the first person applies a thin layer of glaze on the wall. The second
person dips a rag in water or thinner, (depending on the type of paint
you are using) wrings thoroughly and bunches the rag so there are as
many ridges as possible. Blot the rag on paper or a paper towel prior
to using the rag on the wall. Touch the surface to remove the glaze.
To ensure a random pattern, twist your wrist and re-arrange the rag
often as you are removing glaze. Be sure to keep a random edge to
avoid “bands” of color. Step back from the wall frequently to ensure
even coverage. When the rag becomes saturated, rinse in your bucket
and wring out. You can tell the rag is saturated when it begins
applying glaze instead of removing it.
Do not switch jobs. Application and removal of the glaze will differ
from person to person and changing jobs may leave noticeable
differences in texture. Avoid going back over previously finished
areas as this will remove too much glaze and leave the reworked
section much lighter than the surrounding area.
Sponging On
One of the easiest ways to create a granite-like faux
finish.
Paint on base coat and allow to dry. Mix glaze. Rinse sponge
thoroughly in water to soften, then wring well. The final sponge layer
will be the most dominant color so start with the glaze color you want
to show the least. i.e. usually a darker color to a lighter color.
Apply the Finish
Sponge surface, from top to bottom in 2 foot (60 cm) vertical strips.
Be sure to keep a random edge to avoid “bands” of color. Step back
from the wall frequently to ensure even coverage. Allow glaze to dry.
Clean tools and refill bucket with clean water.
Apply the next glaze color in the same manner as the first, but apply
this coat in 2 foot (60 cm) horizontal strips. This will also help
minimize banding. Allow glaze to dry. Clean tools and refill bucket.
The most appealing effects allow the base coat to show through the
sponge coats. If the effect has too much contrast, the final effect
can be toned down with a thin, transparent coat of the lighter color
or white.
Dimensional Stenciling
Add dimension to a simple stencil, quickly and easily.
Getting Started
In the mixing container, combine drywall compound, wall paint, and
polyurethane varnish 6:2:1 to make texture paint mixture. The
consistency should be like a thick milkshake.
Apply the Finish
Using stencil adhesive, apply the stencil to the wall. Apply the
texture paint with a spackle knife. Carefully lift the stencil from
the wall. Be careful not to disturb the relief.
Read all labels to be sure that products are compatible before mixing.
The mixture is tintable by adding colored paint. While random pattern
stencils are easier, continuous borders can be achieved with careful
use of the registration marks on the stencils.
General Decorative Finishing Tips:
Always start with a damp tool. (sponge, rag, etc.)
Be sure to blot your tool every time you load it.
Use paint sparingly, a little goes a long way.
Use random motions to distribute the paint in a big area when the tool
is saturated, and then fill in the area.
Continue until the tool is almost dry.
Pre-wet the wall surface before doing a subtractive finish.
Turn on a humidifier and block out direct sunlight.
If glaze is still drying too fast, try adding a bit of water or
extender. You may also try working in smaller sections. |
