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How To Become Great At Decorative Painting, Faux Finishing, and Venetian Plaster

If you like the color, creativity and moods of faux painted walls, here is an incredible opportunity to learn simple and easy techniques. There are many types of faux finishing: ragging, add/subtract sponging, combing, brushing, glazing, leather-like, suede-like. There are also many popular old world finishes and glazes you can use to decorate the walls and other areas of your home. It's easy to learn simple tricks of the trade and many tips designed to make you look like a professional.

The expensive new trend is Venetian Plasters. You can purchase materials at your local hardware stores or splurge and import them directly from the source, Italy. These Italian plasters have been developed for generations dating back to ancient Rome and have most recently become some of the most sought after finishes.

A Venetian Plaster finish can range in sheen and texture from a smooth highly polished marble-like finish to a distressed, stone-like Tuscan appearance. Using actual ground limestone and marble dust in a lime putty, walls can have the authentic feel of stone. You can apply this special plaster in an infinite number of color combinations to coordinate and enhance your décor. Venetian Plaster is applied with a trowel in multiple layers, which determines the color and dimension of the finished wall. The surface is literally a layer of stone more durable than drywall and up to 1/8" thick. The result is an allergy free, mildew resistant, and long lasting durable finish. A very protective and fun solution for those with allergies!

Much like fine red wine, your sealed Venetian Plaster finish will not fade, but will become more beautiful with age, adding to the uniqueness and value of your home or business.

Faux finishes are the hottest thing in wall covering since pre-mixed paint in a can. Instead of flat painted linen white, choices can include a soft-sponge cloudy texture in sage greens, or crisp wide stripes in neutral tones, or a scholarly stippling finish in leather browns. The choices are endless and the results can be beautiful when done right. Here are some of the key choices you'll need to make to ensure a great result.

Color: Before choosing the main color, consider: any color other than off-whites that you see on a color chip at the paint store will intensify significantly when painted over an entire wall. For instance, a color chip of light aqua green might appear to be screaming turquoise when applied to a wall. With that in mind, try picking a slightly lighter or more subdued version. For the base color you will need the tint that is 2-3 shades lighter on the color chart.

Add at least 2 layers color for your faux finish. The first layer should be the main color chosen and applied consistently over the walls in the technique desired, making sure to get all the way to the edges of base board, moldings and trim. The second layer of faux finish should be slightly lighter than the first and made from opaque paint. Therefore it will soften the first layer and hide any blemishes. Always keep the differences in the colors suitable and avoid high contrast combinations like the plague (such as royal blue on top of a white base coat). After you've mastered a suitable approach to color choice, try experimenting with complimentary colors such as a golden yellow base coat and light terracotta textured layers on top. Or try a lavender blue base coat with chalk blue "washed" decorative paint finish on top.

Have you always wanted to faux finish your home but were fearful of the process? Now you can with classic faux finish designs. Before you start it is good to buy Non Toxic Paints and benefit all involved! In the past these paints were not available and could cause harm to the applier/painter. Ask when in question.

This free-form finish is known for its subtle variations of color and natural, soft glow. Supremely versatile, it can be adapted to any living environment - from modern to traditional. It imparts a peaceful, tranquil feeling that adds to the comfort of any room of your home.

Before base coating, make sure your surface is in good condition. Patch holes and cracks with spackling paste, and wash any dirt from surface using a mild soap. Mask all windows, baseboards, and moldings using 2? painter?s tape. Evenly apply paint with roller. Base coat should always be a satin or semi-gloss latex finish. Two coats may be necessary depending on coverage. Let dry 24 hours.

Before you faux, prepare your glaze/paint mixture(s). A 5:1 ratio (5 parts Faux Like A Pro glaze to 1 part paint) is highly recommended. This ratio will allow you time to work the finish and prevent it from drying too fast.

Colorwash is a wet-on-wet technique in which transparent strokes of color blend together seamlessly. Dip tip of 4" latex brush into glaze A, then apply with long criss-cross strokes, swinging your arm freely from the shoulder. Place strokes randomly, leaving portions of the base coat showing through. Work in 3 sq. ft. areas until each wall is complete. Do not stop in the middle of the wall.

Work over the same area, brushing on glaze B as in step 1, filling in the blank spots, but still leaving hints of the base coat showing through.

While the glaze is still wet, pass over it with a clean, dry, bristle block brush, using powerful sweeping strokes to melt the two colors together. Work your surface until you have achieved a soft cloud like effect.

A badger softening brush can be used as a final step to further soften the surface and eliminate any visible brush strokes. Move the brush in light figure-eight patterns over the entire surface.

When applying colors keep your strokes random, yet balanced. Avoid creating dark blotches of color.

Remember that blending requires long brush strokes and a lot of pressure. This is an energetic process. Keep your upper body free and open, constantly making contact with the wall.

If your finish turns out looking too dark or too bright, you can soften the wall by dry brushing over it with a touch of the base color. Put the base coat into glaze using the 5:1 ratio.

- two 4" latex all purpose brushes
- paint roller
- medium nap roller
- roller tray
- 3" latex cutting brush
- large bucket for water
- 2 containers to hold glaze/paint mixture
- blue painter's tape
- paper plates for off loading paint
- latex gloves
- paint brushes
- rags for clean up
- drop cloth

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