The great thing about faux painting is that it's a decorating technique that won't break the bank - especially in these recessionary times. If you've ever painted your home, you probably already have many of the necessary materials and tools. You don't need fancy accessories (except maybe stencils for some finishes). Your main expenditure will be the good quality paints that produce the best results.
Use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need before you start. Running out is frustrating and some paint finishes need to be completed in one session.
Getting Prepared
Paint Wear: Wear loose, comfortable clothes and shoes with non-slip soles. Headgear is advisable - paint has a way of getting into hair and staying there.
Drop Cloths: You could cover floors with old sheets and curtains, but close-weave canvas sheeting is best. Paint seeps through thinner coverings. Proper drop cloths absorb spills, are reusable and pay for themselves over time. Newspaper is a cheap alternative but has an infuriating tendency to stick to your shoes, and it easily shifts around, leaving gaps. Plastic sheeting doesn't absorb spills and is slippery.
Cavity Fillers/Spackling Compound/Putty: Preparing your surface is essential. Cracks and holes will need to be plugged with quick-drying filler (using a putty or palette knife), sanded to a smooth finish and sealed.
Masking Tape: This sticky-backed paper tape will help keep paint off areas like door frames and window glass and help you achieve a neat edge. For painting clean borders and straight stripes, masking tape is a must.
Tools and Equipment
Ladder: A light ladder is essential for high walls and ceilings. If you're buying one, go for one with a shelf to put your paint tin or tray on. You might also consider a 'painter's assistant' - a gadget that allows you to hook your tin to your ladder. (If the tin is big and full, decant before painting. Top-heaviness can topple the ladder.)
Paint Stirrers: These might be supplied with your paint. If not, make sure whatever you use for stirring is clean. Twigs may shed bits of bark in your paint and spoil your finish.
Bucket: Paint can be mixed in a bucket or tray, but a bucket also helps keep your painting paraphernalia organized in one place, instead of scattered over the floor.
Paints: The right type and quality of paint is fundamental to the success of your faux painting finish. This is one area where you can't afford to cut corners.
Applicators/Brushes: Paintbrushes are the other half of the equation. Bristles come out of cheap brushes, so don't skimp. The most versatile is a brush with a 2" (6mm) angle. For covering large surfaces, rollers are an essential item. You'll need to match the roller nap to the kind of paint you're using. They often come with a suitable tray, and you might consider roller skins (linings that mean you don't have to waste time scrubbing the tray). For color washing, soft sponges for washing cars are ideal.
Miscellaneous Accessories
You may need to unscrew light switch and plug plates so have a screwdriver handy. It will also help you lever open paint tins. Knives are necessary for applying filler and a utility knife or razor blade can be used to scrape paint splashes of window glass when your work is done.
Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning rags: Almost any old scrap will do as long as it's colorfast. Rags aren't just for brush cleaning - you might need them for spills and splashes. Don't worry about special brush-cleaning compounds. Dishwashing liquid will do the job, even on cream stencils that are partly oil-based.
You can go overboard buying all the fancy painting tools and kits out there, but keeping it simple is easy to do with this list. You may need to purchase sponges, stencils and other tools and special to create a certain faux finish, but these can be purchased individually for the unique needs of your project. - 16955
Use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need before you start. Running out is frustrating and some paint finishes need to be completed in one session.
Getting Prepared
Paint Wear: Wear loose, comfortable clothes and shoes with non-slip soles. Headgear is advisable - paint has a way of getting into hair and staying there.
Drop Cloths: You could cover floors with old sheets and curtains, but close-weave canvas sheeting is best. Paint seeps through thinner coverings. Proper drop cloths absorb spills, are reusable and pay for themselves over time. Newspaper is a cheap alternative but has an infuriating tendency to stick to your shoes, and it easily shifts around, leaving gaps. Plastic sheeting doesn't absorb spills and is slippery.
Cavity Fillers/Spackling Compound/Putty: Preparing your surface is essential. Cracks and holes will need to be plugged with quick-drying filler (using a putty or palette knife), sanded to a smooth finish and sealed.
Masking Tape: This sticky-backed paper tape will help keep paint off areas like door frames and window glass and help you achieve a neat edge. For painting clean borders and straight stripes, masking tape is a must.
Tools and Equipment
Ladder: A light ladder is essential for high walls and ceilings. If you're buying one, go for one with a shelf to put your paint tin or tray on. You might also consider a 'painter's assistant' - a gadget that allows you to hook your tin to your ladder. (If the tin is big and full, decant before painting. Top-heaviness can topple the ladder.)
Paint Stirrers: These might be supplied with your paint. If not, make sure whatever you use for stirring is clean. Twigs may shed bits of bark in your paint and spoil your finish.
Bucket: Paint can be mixed in a bucket or tray, but a bucket also helps keep your painting paraphernalia organized in one place, instead of scattered over the floor.
Paints: The right type and quality of paint is fundamental to the success of your faux painting finish. This is one area where you can't afford to cut corners.
Applicators/Brushes: Paintbrushes are the other half of the equation. Bristles come out of cheap brushes, so don't skimp. The most versatile is a brush with a 2" (6mm) angle. For covering large surfaces, rollers are an essential item. You'll need to match the roller nap to the kind of paint you're using. They often come with a suitable tray, and you might consider roller skins (linings that mean you don't have to waste time scrubbing the tray). For color washing, soft sponges for washing cars are ideal.
Miscellaneous Accessories
You may need to unscrew light switch and plug plates so have a screwdriver handy. It will also help you lever open paint tins. Knives are necessary for applying filler and a utility knife or razor blade can be used to scrape paint splashes of window glass when your work is done.
Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning rags: Almost any old scrap will do as long as it's colorfast. Rags aren't just for brush cleaning - you might need them for spills and splashes. Don't worry about special brush-cleaning compounds. Dishwashing liquid will do the job, even on cream stencils that are partly oil-based.
You can go overboard buying all the fancy painting tools and kits out there, but keeping it simple is easy to do with this list. You may need to purchase sponges, stencils and other tools and special to create a certain faux finish, but these can be purchased individually for the unique needs of your project. - 16955
About the Author:
Ready to start your faux finish painting project? Faux painting artist Debra "THAT Painter Lady" Conrad has seen and learned a lot in her 17 years of painting. Claim her free "Insider's Guide to Faux Painting" to help you avoid 7 common mistakes of beginner faux painters.
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