Decorative
paint finishes are a simple and inexpensive way to add elegance
and beauty to walls, furniture, cabinets and more. In most cases,
the process consists of putting a transparent color glaze over a
solid base coat of regular paint.
The
colors you choose, the opacity of the glaze, the number of paint
and glaze layers, and the way you manipulate the glaze coat all
combine to create different effects. Some of the techniques work
well on large surfaces while others create a pattern better suited
for smaller objects. Test your method on paper before beginning
an actual project. This will give you a chance to perfect your technique
and to make sure you like the way the colors look.
WATER
& OIL-BASED GLAZES:
The glaze used as the transparent color layer is similar to regular
paint except that it has much less pigment. Like paint, glaze comes
as oil-based or as water-based latex. Use oil-based glaze over oil
paint or latex paint.
Water-based
glaze can only be used on latex paint. Both oil- and water-based
glaze can be bought at home center paint departments, hardware stores,
paint stores and art supply stores. Water-based glaze is an opaque,
gel-like acrylic medium that is mixed with water. It gets its color
by adding artist's acrylics, universal tints or thinned latex paint.
Oil-based
glazes get color from artist's oil paints, universal tints or oil-based
paint diluted with thinner. You can make your own oil glaze by mixing
three parts turpentine with one part boiled linseed oil and then
adding a few drops of paint drier or similar resin. Mix in your
own artist's oils, universal tints or thinned oil-based paint. Experiment
with colors in small cups before mixing z large quantities. Add
color a few drops at a time as it is concentrated. Be sure to remember
the ratios used when you find a color you like.
Surface
Preparation-
It is very important to prepare surfaces correctly before any painting
project. Paint will not bond correctly and surface f Sponging is
the easiest finishing technique and creates the illusion of depth.
Sponging-for walls, ceilings, flat surfaced heavy start. Begin moving
tine sponge in vertical if inadequately prepared. Decorative finishes
usually have a gloss that will emphasize cracks and holes.
Surfaces
need to be non-porous for the glaze to stand out, therefore priming
is an essential step.
APPLYING
THE BASE COAT:
When the surface is prepared and primed you are ready to apply the
base coat. Remember that the overall effect depends on this color
so you must apply it to the surface evenly and without brush or
roller marks. Use long, overlapping parallel strokes of the roller
or brush. If you are brushing wood work, be sure to stroke with
the grain. Allow adequate drying time between all layers of paint.
Paint may feel dry on top but could be wet beneath the skin and
will bleed through when you begin dabbing the surface.
