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.
If you're a beginner - or to make sure you're properly prepared - this checklist will help you take stock before you embark on your faux painting project.
Preparation for Painting
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.
Flooring Protectors: If your room is carpeted, make sure the floors are covered well against splashes and spills. Newspaper and plastic are a less desirable option. Plastic is slippery and sheets of paper shift about and stick infuriatingly to the soles of your shoes. Fabric coverings absorb paint and though old sheets might do, your best bet is a closely woven canvas drop cloth designed for the purpose. They are reusable and well worth the investment.
Filler/ Putty/ Spackling Compound: Before you apply any paint you'll need to fill holes and cracks in your surface, using a palette or putty knife. Quick-drying fillers are your best option. Wait till properly dry before sanding to a smooth finish.
Masking Tape: This sticky paper tape is handy for protecting areas from paint and for making sure you get a good clean, straight line (vital if you're painting stripes).
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.)
Sticks for Stirring: If they don't come with the paint, find a smooth piece of wood, plastic or metal. Garden twigs tend to deposit dirt and specks in your paint.
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: Probably your most important purchase if you are embarking on a faux painting project. Buy the right paint for the job and go for the best you can afford for maximum results.
Paint Applicators: You may need different brushes for different tasks, but a good multi-purpose brush is one with 6mm (2") angled bristles. Bristles shed from cheap brushes so this is another area where you shouldn't skimp. Other applicators are necessary for some techniques. Sponges are used for color washing. Car washing sponges are ideal for this task. Paint rollers, with the nap matched to the task in hand, help you cover large surfaces quickly. Skins - liners for your paint tray - are disposable and will save you cleaning time.
Misc. Accessories
A utility knife and/or a flat razor blade come in handy for cleaning paint splashes on glass, cutting painters tape and various other tasks. A screwdriver helps with levering open tins and unscrewing wall fittings if necessary.
Cleaning It Up
Rags: Scraps of colorfast fabric are useful for mopping up accidental spills and splashes and are necessary for cleaning your brushes. You can buy special brush-cleaning products but dishwashing liquid will be adequate for most tasks, and will even clean brushes used for some oil-based paints, such as cream stencils.
You will rarely need fancy extras, except for stencils or perhaps the odd special brush. Most of the essentials for faux painting can be found around the house so don't give in to the temptation to splash out on gimmicks. - 16492
If you're a beginner - or to make sure you're properly prepared - this checklist will help you take stock before you embark on your faux painting project.
Preparation for Painting
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.
Flooring Protectors: If your room is carpeted, make sure the floors are covered well against splashes and spills. Newspaper and plastic are a less desirable option. Plastic is slippery and sheets of paper shift about and stick infuriatingly to the soles of your shoes. Fabric coverings absorb paint and though old sheets might do, your best bet is a closely woven canvas drop cloth designed for the purpose. They are reusable and well worth the investment.
Filler/ Putty/ Spackling Compound: Before you apply any paint you'll need to fill holes and cracks in your surface, using a palette or putty knife. Quick-drying fillers are your best option. Wait till properly dry before sanding to a smooth finish.
Masking Tape: This sticky paper tape is handy for protecting areas from paint and for making sure you get a good clean, straight line (vital if you're painting stripes).
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.)
Sticks for Stirring: If they don't come with the paint, find a smooth piece of wood, plastic or metal. Garden twigs tend to deposit dirt and specks in your paint.
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: Probably your most important purchase if you are embarking on a faux painting project. Buy the right paint for the job and go for the best you can afford for maximum results.
Paint Applicators: You may need different brushes for different tasks, but a good multi-purpose brush is one with 6mm (2") angled bristles. Bristles shed from cheap brushes so this is another area where you shouldn't skimp. Other applicators are necessary for some techniques. Sponges are used for color washing. Car washing sponges are ideal for this task. Paint rollers, with the nap matched to the task in hand, help you cover large surfaces quickly. Skins - liners for your paint tray - are disposable and will save you cleaning time.
Misc. Accessories
A utility knife and/or a flat razor blade come in handy for cleaning paint splashes on glass, cutting painters tape and various other tasks. A screwdriver helps with levering open tins and unscrewing wall fittings if necessary.
Cleaning It Up
Rags: Scraps of colorfast fabric are useful for mopping up accidental spills and splashes and are necessary for cleaning your brushes. You can buy special brush-cleaning products but dishwashing liquid will be adequate for most tasks, and will even clean brushes used for some oil-based paints, such as cream stencils.
You will rarely need fancy extras, except for stencils or perhaps the odd special brush. Most of the essentials for faux painting can be found around the house so don't give in to the temptation to splash out on gimmicks. - 16492
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.
