|
Painting Tips
Beginnings
Prep work is everything! A beautiful
faux treatment will never be able to hide the fact that a wall was in
need of repair, or was not properly prepared for the faux finish in the
first place.
Unfortunately, many people tend to
neglect this critical area. Even if you have a new home, you should
always assume that 25% of the time required to complete a decorative
painting or faux finishing project needs to be spent on proper surface
preparation.
When faux finishing, the quality of
the basecoat layer can make or break the entire project. Many faux
finishes require the application of very thin layers of glaze over the
basecoat. Because these layers are so thin, any imperfections of the
basecoat or surface become amplified. Time and effort must be taken to
correct all cracks, bumps or other imperfections of the surface. While
faux finishes can be applied to any surface, including furniture,
ceilings, walls or floors, the desired effects from the faux finish will
only be as good as the weakest coat of paint. Flat, solid and well
prepared surfaces are the key to the future success of the project.
Surface Preparation
A filler is used to correct any
defects in the surface to be painted:
Spackle, Joint Compound or Mud is
used to fill any holes or cracks in sheet rock walls. Large cracks
may require taping as well.
A wood putty is best for use on
wood trim or furniture.
Primer is very important to ensure
a good adhesion.
Unfortunately you cannot assume
that because your walls are painted that a primer was ever applied.
Most times it was not (especially in new home construction). In either case it is a good idea to apply a
coat to help the new paint adhere. Primer is formulated to “grip”
the base surface and give the new paint something to form a strong
bond with which is important. Especially so with a faux finish that
requires working the paint around!
Sealer is necessary if there are
stains to prevent them from bleeding through and discoloring the new
paint.
Paint Types
Flat
works best on walls that are
imperfect as it’s lack of luster does not accentuate flaws. It is also
suitable in areas that have little traffic as it is the least
scrubable of all the paint types. Unfortunately, it is also the
least suitable as a
base for faux finishes & murals. It’s lack of a sheen causes it to
absorb the paint too quickly to allow adequate blending necessary in
faux work & mural production. Most new home construction uses this
type of paint.
Satin
is excellent for high traffic
areas, like hallways and childrens bedrooms. It has a low luster
finish and is scrubable.
Semi-gloss
has a higher luster than satin and
is usually used for furniture and trim work. Certain faux finishes,
like linen, require this for a basecoat.
Gloss
has the highest luster or shine and
is usually used for furniture and trim work.
Polyacrylic clearcoat
is applied to painted surfaces that
require additional protection. Furniture that will sustain a lot of
use, like cabinets, will benefit from this protective layer.
Polyurethane clearcoat
is also applied to painted surfaces
that require additional protection, however, it has a tendency to
amber over time and is used only when such yellowing is desired as the
piece ages.
All paint dries from the outside-in,
forming a “skin” first. Therefore, while the surface may appear dry to
the touch, it may very well be uncured below. Proper dry time between
coats is imperative to ensure a quality result.
Area
Preparation when the Faux Artist or Muralist will do the work
General
Prior to the arrival of a faux artist
or muralist all furniture should be removed from the room or placed so
that there is adequate space along each area to receive a faux finish or
mural. Typically a 4-foot wide space is required with some instances
necessitating greater clearance. It is imperative that the artist be
able to move freely with a ladder and/or scaffolding as well as with
their materials.
All moldings (crown, floor, cabinetry
and window/door frames, especially the top edges) should be wiped down
to remove dust and/or pet hair. Dust does not enhance paint or glaze.
Floors should be swept or vacuumed to
remove particles that may get kicked up into the work area. They should
be vacuumed daily to ensure cleanliness in the work area.
Pets
Pets should not be allowed to enter
the faux area as they will introduce loose hairs as well as run the risk
of brushing onto a painted, glazed or textured surface disturbing the
quality of the finish.
Walls:
All window treatments should be
removed along with any rods or brackets that may protrude.
All artwork, pictures, shelves, wall
hangings, etc. should be taken down and safely stored. All nails or
screws should be removed as well.
Ceilings:
For ceiling work it is best to remove
all furniture from the room to allow adequate mobility.
Woodwork:
Woodwork or cabinets should be washed
(possibly with TSP - Tri-sodium Phosphate) and rinsed to remove any
traces of grease or dirt.
Floors:
Floors should be vacuumed and/or
mopped & rinsed for cleanliness.
Planning
your Mural
Some suggestions when considering
having a mural painted in your home:
1. Give careful thought about where
the mural will be located, Consider where heavy traffic and furniture
will be. Some suggestions:
Consider painting the mural or accent
above chair rail height, high or in a corner.
In a bedroom, especially a child's
room, consider painting the mural on the Closet Doors (you'll never
worry about furniture being in front of the mural this way).
2. Although detailed murals covering
an entire wall or room are awesome, simple effects can be very
effective and impressive. Combining smaller Trompe L'Oeil with faux
finishing techniques can give your walls the artful pizzaz you are
looking for.
3. When picking a faux finish or a
mural theme/subject, stay clear of fads that might get dated. Some
colors and techniques loose their appeal faster then others.
4. If you want a mural for a child's
room, remember your child will eventually grow up. Teenagers will want
to invite their friends over, and a mural which is cute and desirable
for a 6-9 year old might be a little embarrassing for the emerging teen.
In Closing
These are general rules to be
followed in any surface preparation. However, every situation is unique
and may require extra steps for proper preparation. When deciding on
your faux finish, you must also consider the variables applicable to the
surface in question, such as surface condition, drying time, humidity
and temperature control, the size of the project and whether it is
indoor or outdoor. As well, budget considerations often come into play
Attending to these preparation steps
will help ensure that your decorative finishes achieve the faux
finishing effects you desire!
|
