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.
Before You Start
What to Wear: Paint can be messy, so wear old clothes that permit stretching. Some kind of hat will keep your hair paint-free and make sure your shoes are non-slip - you don't want to fall off your ladder.
Surface Protection: You can't beat a proper close-weave canvas drop cloth to protect floors and carpets. Old sheets and curtains are a cheap alternative, but a proper drop cloth will prevent paint seeping through in case of a spill and, since they can be endlessly reused, are truly worthwhile investments. Spilled paint on plastic sheeting invites slipping and newspaper tends to move around and stick to shoes.
Spackling Compound/ Putty / Filler: To plug holes and smooth out cracks or other imperfections, Go for a quick-drying kind. Apply with a putty or palette knife and smooth off with different grades of sandpaper.
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 & Accessories
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.)
Stir Sticks: If not supplied with the paint, avoid garden sticks unless you want bits of twig and bark in your paint finish.
Bucket: If you have to mix paints, a bucket can be useful. Alternatively, it's a useful container for bits and pieces, instead of having your workspace strewn with items you might trip over.
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 general purpose knife and a blade will be useful for various tasks, from cutting masking tape to removing unwanted paint from windows. You may need to remove wall fittings so have a screwdriver to hand (also useful for opening paint tins).
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 may have one or two additional requirements, such as stencils, depending on the particulars of your project, but you do not need fancy equipment to achieve your aims. Resist the gadgets and gimmicks and keep it simple.
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.
Before You Start
What to Wear: Paint can be messy, so wear old clothes that permit stretching. Some kind of hat will keep your hair paint-free and make sure your shoes are non-slip - you don't want to fall off your ladder.
Surface Protection: You can't beat a proper close-weave canvas drop cloth to protect floors and carpets. Old sheets and curtains are a cheap alternative, but a proper drop cloth will prevent paint seeping through in case of a spill and, since they can be endlessly reused, are truly worthwhile investments. Spilled paint on plastic sheeting invites slipping and newspaper tends to move around and stick to shoes.
Spackling Compound/ Putty / Filler: To plug holes and smooth out cracks or other imperfections, Go for a quick-drying kind. Apply with a putty or palette knife and smooth off with different grades of sandpaper.
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 & Accessories
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.)
Stir Sticks: If not supplied with the paint, avoid garden sticks unless you want bits of twig and bark in your paint finish.
Bucket: If you have to mix paints, a bucket can be useful. Alternatively, it's a useful container for bits and pieces, instead of having your workspace strewn with items you might trip over.
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 general purpose knife and a blade will be useful for various tasks, from cutting masking tape to removing unwanted paint from windows. You may need to remove wall fittings so have a screwdriver to hand (also useful for opening paint tins).
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 may have one or two additional requirements, such as stencils, depending on the particulars of your project, but you do not need fancy equipment to achieve your aims. Resist the gadgets and gimmicks and keep it simple.
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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