Dt painted house

THE BEST OF THE ACCLAIMED

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T.V.

SERIES

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DEBBIE TRAVIS WITH BARBAR

S29.95 :

$44.95)

Debbie Travis' Painted House Paint has long been valued as a fast and creative

and

way

to give your

home

Debbie

series

House shares the

new

look,

host of the popular

for the first time, the

television

a fresh

Painted

Travis'

well-kept trade secrets that

have made her one of today's hottest paintedfinishes experts.

Based on her groundbreak-

ing philosophy that spectacular paint effects

need not be the product of messy

paints

oil

and complicated techniques, Debbie Travis' Painted House offers complete instructions for

more than

thirty-five incredible finishes, all

created using worry-free water-based paints

and glazes. In

the

learn

all

section, "Getting Started," you'll

first

you need to know about materials,

tools, surfaces,

and preparation, including the

pros and cons of different types of paint and

how

to

make

your

own inexpensive

tives to costly professional

alterna-

brushes and tools.

You'll also find inspiration for

choosing colors

and working around a specific theme, such as a Southwestern or English Country style.

The

next section covers finishes for walls and floors, offering patterned

The

final

and textured looks.

section demonstrates finishes that

work best with the smaller surfaces of

furni-

ture and decorative accessories, such as gilding

—from

and faux tortoiseshell. Each project

a simple colorwashed wall to an elegant faux

marble mantel, from a time-worn antiqued sideboard to a contemporary looking "sheet metal" table

—

is

accompanied by detailed

photography and step-by-step instructions, as well as suggestions for alternative looks

and

valuable tips to ensure truly professional results.

Lavishly illustrated and packed with impor-

tant information, precise

(continued on back flap)

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Debbie Travis'

Painted

House %

Debbie Travis'

Painted

House DEBBIETRAVIS with

BARBARA DINGLE

*/

\% **

**

*

%*

Clarkson Potter/Publishers

New

York

©

Copyright

1997 by Debbie

Travis

Principal photography by Ernst Hellrung; additional photography by:

Alain Sirois; Richard Poissant; Nicole Khoury; Jean-Luc Laporte;

All

rights reserved.

No part

of this

Stephane

Poulin;

and Christian Guay

book may be reproduced or transmitted

in

any

form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage

and

retrieval

system, without permission

in

writing from the publisher.

Published by Clarkson N. Potter/Publishers,

10022. Member

Random House,

New

Inc.

of the

201 East 50th

Street,

New

York,

New

York

Crown Publishing Group.

York, Toronto, London, Sydney, Auckland

http://www.randomhouse.com/

CLARKSON N.POTTER, POTTER, and colophon

are trademarks of Clarkson N. Potter,

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE and the paintbrush logo are trademarks Whalley-Abbey Media Holdings,

Printed

in

Inc.

of

Inc.

*A^i&\

China

DESIGN BY LISA GOLDENBERG Library of

Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Travis, Debbie.

Debbie Travis' painted house

:

Quick and easy painted finishes for walls, floors, and

furniture using water-based paints / by p.

Debbie Travis

;

text by Barbara Dingle.

cm.

Includes index. 1.

House 3.

Furniture painting—Amateurs' manuals. —Amateurs' manuals. Dingle, Barbara. decoration —Amateurs' manuals.

painting

Interior

2.

II.

I.

TT323.T73

1997

698M— dc21

96-37440

ISBN 0-609-60155-5

20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13

CIP

Title.

—

To the three males

my

in

life

Hans, Josh, and Max Hans, who made everything possible,

and Josh and Max

for their love

and understanding when my head

was elsewhere.

Acknowledgments Debbie

Painted House was written

Travis'

response to and success of the Debbie series.

The many

a large

demand

inquiries

because of the enormous

Travis'

Painted House television

from viewers seemed to point out the existence of

for a decorative paint

book that was packed with innovative

ideas and basic, easy-to-follow instructions.

It

thanks to the imagination

is

and talent of the team of painters who work on the show that

made

possible.

Amand,

Guay

for her

Many thanks and

I'd like

Pam

to Alison Osborn,

Elaine Miller, Valerie Finney, Bruce

Caroline

vision,

Huge thanks

vivid

this

book was

Debs Brennan, Pauline

St.

Emo, and Mai McSpurren, and to

endless efficiency.

to Barbara Dingle, who managed to put

all

my

thoughts,

imagination onto the written page.

to give particular

acknowledgment to my editor

at Clarkson Potter,

Krauss, for her faith and enthusiasm for this book. Also a special thanks

to her

dynamic assistant, Margot Schupf.

Special thanks to everyone at

my

first

network,

WTN,

for

Special thanks also to Maggie Drew at Canadian Manda,

mental

in

putting the project

in

motion.

all

their support.

who was

instru-

Contents Preface 8

Part One Getting Started 11 1 All

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

30

About Paints, Glazes, Varnishes, Brushes, and Tools 32 Preparation

42

Professional Tips for Painting

2

Rooms 49

FOUR MASTER TECHNIQUES

52

Colorwashing 55 Ragging

59

Sponging 63 Dragging

Part

Two

67

Finishes for Walls and Floors 70 3

TEXTURED FINISHES Frottage

76

Bagging

79

Flogging

81

Fresco

84

Painting Stucco

87

Colorwashing on Wood

4

PATTERNS Stripes

90

92

95

Squeegee Stripes 99 Stamping 101

Stamping Checks 102 Rubber Stamping 105

74

Combing 107

111

Terra-Cotta Tiles

Stone Blocking 115

Diamonds 119

121

Tartan

5

STONE FINISHES

124

Easy Marble 127

129

Carrara Marble

Sienna Marble 132

135

Faux Granite

Part Three Finishes for Furniture, Trim, and Accessories 139 6

ANTIQUE AND SPECIALTY FINISHES 140 Milk Paint

143

Antiquing

146

Crackle Finish

149

Aged Plaster 151 Faux Tortoiseshell

7

154

METALLIC FINISHES 156 Sheet Metal 158

160

Verdigris

Faux Rust

165

Gilding

8

163

STENCILING AND BLOCK PAINTING 168 Stenciling

171

Block Painting

177

Resources 182 Index

183

Preface I

have always loved decorating.

ber as a

girl

it

find ingenious

walls of

to

me

my

kept

Luckily,

free rein with

and wallpaper,

leftover paint, crayons, I

ways

depending on my mood.

had a mother who gave

vided

tiny

look either bigger, brighter, cozier,

or wilder, I

my

constantly rearranging

bedroom, trying to

make

remem-

I

pro-

efforts within the four

some

successful,

in

into a slightly grim

to cover food

that with a

hand

home

real

full

roommate and

first

room a pale

it

a

We

paint effect.

to our friends,

like

literally

I

room

who

money on

the room.

the whole family had gone for a walk,

I

gave the walls two coats, and by the time they

came

my room looked

back,

of the old English

fering constant

phone booths.

it.

we decided

to repaint

chose a dark ochre and

on a coat, but when

we stood

rolled

back,

we

decided the room looked too dark. Grabbing sheets

we

of newspaper,

remove the wet

to

tried

paint. To our great surprise,

a wonderful soft, creased effect emerged.

We

discovered that when

we

laid

the paper

To this day, a pink glow shows

off,

the wall looked

is

wasn't the fash-

shelter

turing the

(home

my

style)

skirt

heart racing,

magazines

fea-

newest design trends. Soon the

confines of

my room

left

more expansive spaces

me

hungry for

to conquer.

suede.

like

We

used

this effect

rooms ever that

it's

since. Of course

rub"

in

those early years

that paint

I

now know

comes from

French (see page 76).

tant lessons that First,

I've

other people's living

called frottage, which

frotter, "to In

in

it

finished

the room with squeals of delight, and

on the walls.

it

length or haircut that set

8

looked

on the painted surface and pulled

I

magazines flaunting the latest

was

it

flat

Throughout my teens,

it

it

liv-

painted

through whatever color

ion

After suf-

headaches and finding

hard to study or sleep at night over

one

like

We

had painted our

scrambled eggs. Thor-

of

full

stumbled onto

exclaimed

all

oughly disheartened,

when

my

and proudly showed

yellow,

weekend spent two weeks' saved pocket gloss paint. On Sunday afternoon,

I

and character.

never forget the exhilaration when

ing

a gallon of fire-engine red high-

soon discovered

lots of imagination,

of color

once

a book, and the following

enough money

could easily turn those drab rooms into a

first

with a picture of a red

and

furniture,

I

apart-

scavenged second-

paint,

little

our

I

rent,

my own and

basement

barely had

I

and

projects

better forgotten.

became obsessed seen

— some

struck out on

I

ment. Although

I'll

years of experimentation

I'd

moved

my bedroom.

That room would become a canvas for

room

At nineteen

is

I

still

learned two imporhold true today:

the most inexpensive

decorating tool around, and, second, that

persuading them that anyone can paint

has the power to transform any space

and decorate a room. The actual painted

it

own personal

into your

Although

I

studied fine arts,

valuable experience great

the

I

of

whom

painters

I

London. They taught

about the beauty of color and the

satility of all

in

my most

came from some

decorative

worked alongside

me

finishes are not what intimidates people,

vision.

ver-

working with glazes, but most of

learned not to be afraid to experiment

and to develop my own recipes and

style.

These are the most important lessons hope

I

pass along to you.

to

When

I

married and moved to Canada

resurgence

beginning to see a

getting started that's the trick. Over

and over colors?

in

in

am asked: How do choose my How much skill is necessary to I

I

achieve these effects? Can

I

paint over

wallpaper, or laminated kitchen cabinets?

This book

and more.

when

answer these questions

will

It

is

the guide

I

wish

had

I'd

started decorative painting

first

I

with lots of pictures to inspire you, and clear,

1986, the art of decorative painting was just

it's

step-by-step instructions to guide

you through each painted

The rooms beautifully

finish.

selected demonstrate

I've

how simple

paint effects can

North America. There were only a few

transform plain walls, floors, and furniture.

books or how-to magazines on the market.

Some books

As my career as a decorative painter

blos-

ing alongside

tech-

estly believe that

somed,

I

made up many

my own

of

niques and tried to simplify complicated recipes with

in

some

of the

previously worked

I'd

England. After teaching paint

ishes for several years,

I

fin-

produced four

decorative painting videos. These were a great success, and the public

demand

for

rules for

put a degree-of-difficulty mark-

each paint

effect, but

making a glaze and begin

ishes are easy

am

all

new ways

to decorate with paint.

home

full

my

spirit.

And never

Painted House. Now,

body has caught paint

it

seems

Travis'

that every-

As a result of my experiences teaching painting techniques,

demonstrating and

speaking at home shows, and answering questions on

call-in talk

shows,

I

feel

my

job has evolved from simply teaching people

how

of your

to paint to also reassuring

and

hope

let

living

fill

your

own personality and a few

"miscalcula-

bedroom

tions" like a fire-engine red

scrambled egg

fever!

I

that once you get started, you'll use this

painted finishes kept growing, which led to

Debbie

fin-

constantly learning and discovering

wonderful decorating medium to

series,

the

to

— and very rewarding.

simple instructions on versatile, durable

television

hon-

once you learn the basic

manipulate and play with paint,

I

I

or a

room stop you. Don't

miss the fun and exhilaration of transforming the

rooms you

live

in

every day into

spaces that make you smile.

*'*-

•'.

-

t

PART ONE

Getting Started Painted finishes are truly impressive— and they always look as they are a

lot

more work than they really

are!

if

think that's what

I

many people from painting or decorating their homes themselves. How many times have you said, "Oh, Z could never do stops so

I'm not artistic" or "I

that,

don't have the time." Believe

me, anyone can paint a room.

And armed with a

understand how paints and glazes work. this

have concentrated on water-

I

based paints and

little

book

—you may know them as

acrylic paints.

I

find

water-based paints

to be ideal for indoor projects

duce stunning paint effects. first

House

because they

are nearly odorless, dry quickly, and clean

up easily off brushes and hands with warm

section of Debbie Travis' Painted

water.

designed to provide you with

mend

is

all

If

you're truly a beginner,

taking a

little

I

recom-

time to get used to the

the information you need to begin creating

feeling of working with a paintbrush,

beautiful painted effects.

much

It

contains invalu-

able advice on everything from where to find ideas for different projects to

ishes

is

real

work with a

smooth.

how

self with

to

prime a floor to the correct way to paint a

The

paint to pick up at

choosing

the right colors for your home, from

chair.

latex

practice

and know-how, anyone can pro-

This

In

key to successful paint

fin-

learning a bit about paint so you

It's

roller

how

one time, how

to

so that your strokes are

important to familiarize your-

any new paint, glaze, or tool before

you begin a large project;

you'll

be more

relaxed and able to enjoy the experience

if

you feel confident with your equipment.

11

and exteriors

you've done yourself, because you've cho-

newfound freedom

sen the colors and finishes you love and

from traditional decorating rules. Don't be

combined them with personal belongings

Long reserved

for walls

only, paint is enjoying a

afraid

where

to

experiment with

— after

all,

every-

paint

walls, floors,

and

furni-

to create an environment that's uniquely

yours.

So

let's

get started!

ture are only surfaces that can be wiped

clean, or recovered with another coat of paint or a different finish.

heart

if

the

book

doesn't measure

final project

up to the picture you or magazine.

And don't lose

fell

in

love with

in

a

Remember, the most

successful decorating projects are those

I

iN>/

Finding Inspiration I'm often

ideas featured on

my

get

I

all

the great

television series.

I

work with an energetic and enthusiastic

team who are as taken as

> ?\L

&&"*>

Divide. iV j0fj

asked where

ivy

-y&ClK Cof

I

am

by the end-

less possibilities and creative solutions that paint offers the

here

I've

home

decorator, and

included a selection of the

sources that often provide us with a ing point

re-

start-

whenever we're facing a set of

blank walls.

One

of

my

favorites

is

a scrapbook that

contains swatches of fabrics, photos, and other bits and pieces

Why

the years.

own

—

it

collected over

I've

make one

not

of your

needn't be as elaborate as the

one pictured here, and can include any pattern or color that catches your eye,

in

any form. Remember, personal taste and imagination

are

count when

it

the

only

comes

home, and, with a

dictates

that

to decorating your

bit of paint,

you can cre-

ate any style you want, on any budget.

Here's where to look for ideas:

BOOKS AND MAGAZINES Wherever you

abundance

there's sure to be an

live,

books and

of decorating

style

magazines available, which are always chock

full

and advice on how to

of ideas

Tbese pages from my scrapbook contain swatches of fabric, photographs, and samples of paint finishes and colors — above, around a Swedish tbeme; opposite, in a garden room vein.

HOME SHOWS

create the room of your dreams. You'll

With more and more people now partici-

probably

pating

that

find

you

are

repeatedly

in

their

own home's renovation,

drawn to certain colors, patterns, and

many towns and

themes. Keep track of your favorites by

home shows which showcase new

starting a

file

scrapbook of rooms and

or

ideas that delight you;

it's

or photocopy a page of Also,

easy to tear out

rooms you

love.

look for the do-it-yourself projects

and workshops

in

these publications. Their

step-by-step instructions are another great

resource; even

if

you don't want to

re-

create one of the featured looks exactly, the information

will

no doubt prove invalu-

able for future projects.

cities

now

hold annual

ucts and decorating ideas. These

prod-

shows

often offer free do-it-yourself workshops,

and there are always plenty of demonstrations.

If

you go, you're

likely to

meet peo-

who have the same questions as

ple

and

it's

someone

always fun to hear about what else did with his tiny bathroom,

odd-shaped kitchens, or cathedral I

you,

ceiling.

always walk away with a new idea or

two

— even when

I'm the speaker.

GETTING STARTED

13

PUBLIC SPACES AND PRIVATE

gorized as a type of architectural design

HOMES

simply by their age.

Always keep your mind and eyes open

our

when

homes and

visiting friends'

public

places such as theaters, shops, restaurants,

to

museums

and even

—there's an idea

be found around every corner. For exam-

because restaurants

ple,

with the times, they

keep up

like to

change

decor

their

fre-

and offer a wealth of contempo-

quently,

many

rary design inspirations. Of course,

themes may be too dramatic but you can learn a

lot

for your

home,

by noticing the fun-

homes date back hundreds majority of us

but the

houses

or

some

we're lucky,

If

of years,

probably

apartments that were

of

live

built

in

from

the Victorian era through the present day.

The age of your house, physical

the rooms'

its style,

dimensions, the height of the

walls, the slope of the ceilings

—

all

these

features can act as decorating cues to help to get you started.

homes

Victorian

offer superb architec-

reach ten to

tural detailing. Walls often

damental ways the designer sets the mood;

twelve feet

pay attention to the lighting or the color

adorned with deep plaster moldings, carved

scheme

window and door

in

addition to the food.

There's no harm ideas

when

comes

it

paint finishes

will

your home. Even her

if

carved panels.

yellow, your rasp-

will

have a charac-

in

lifestyle

of the fine

former beauty. But keep all

look spec-

tacular with a simple, fresh coat of white

such as Debbie

shows on

Travis'

Painted

House, walk you through the process of

room together. These shows are

packed with ideas and projects

ally

its

some

embellishment

as

the

ornate

is

unneces-

plasterwork

and

carved wood speak for themselves.

Many decorating and

home

to

paint. Further

TELEVISION

pulling a

you have the patience,

mind that these features

sary,

television,

If

wood down

own.

all its

boards. Most interior doors are solid, with

your friend has ragged in

and high base-

trim,

you may wish to strip

berry-ragged bedroom ter

because

to paint,

and are usually

height,

always look unique to

room walls

living

copying decorating

in

in

for

every

decorator, and the projects are usu-

VCR

shows and add these

will

these older homes, the plaster walls

no doubt be

dition

less than perfect con-

in

and lend themselves beautifully to

textured paint finishes such as colorwashing, ragging,

and fresco,

all

finishes that

uneven surface. You

easily disguise an

instruc-

can even play up the inevitable cracks and

to tape your favorite

repairs with a distressed plaster painted

accompanied by step-by-step

tions. So, set your

In

to your idea library.

effect.

And because

such high

ceilings,

Victorian

homes have

you can also do

inter-

esting things to enliven a large expanse of

Decades of Style Another place to turn for inspiration your

14

home

itself.

Most homes can be

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

wall space. is

to

cate-

Dadoes

or chair rails break up

the height of the walls, bringing them to

"human"

scale.

down

Here's a wonderful

In this Victorian home, the moldings and staircase have been highlighted with a Gothic stencil.

opportunity to play with color and different

leave

thirties

and forties

offer a scaled-down version of the architectural

found

features

in

century-old

homes. Walls are not quite so

high,

and

as

is,

The walls

paint finishes on the upper and lower wall.

Houses from the

it

and highlight only the walls.

will

often have layers of wall-

paper that have already been painted over

once or twice. Stripping away the paper

will

no doubt expose damaged plaster, which will

need some work to

repair. To

save time

present, are sim-

you can simply apply a couple of coats of

and moldings

in

paint.

these rooms look magnificent with faux

fin-

the moldings, while pler.

The doors,

Still

trim,

depth and character to the

ishes such as marble and tortoiseshell,

most

but can look just as good with a simple

all

dragged

the

finish.

often the case

If

in

the trim

homes

is

wood, as

is

of this period,

The texture of the wallpaper

likely a lovely

finish.

hardwood

will

add

There

floor

is

under

that wall-to-wall carpeting. The grain of

wood

will

come up

beautifully with an

interesting stain or paint design.

GETTING STARTED

15

Mass-market building from the fifties to the

seventies

duced a cheaper, houses.

intro-

no-frills interior to

dropped,

Ceilings

mold-

window and door

ings disappeared,

as well as baseboards, be-

trim,

came

purely utilitarian

these

rather

trick is to

awkward

plain

in

will

In

the

interiors,

draw the eye away from

or uninteresting features.

Paint low ceilings white color

form.

—a

dark

down on the

only press

room, giving you the feeling you're inside a box. Diminish the visibility of boring trims by painting

same

color as the walls.

homes, instead of

some form

are

them the In

these

plaster, the walls

of wallboard (gyproc

canvas

or drywall), the perfect

for

the spectacular paint finishes

all

that

demand

a

smooth surface.

Such rooms cry out

an exciting

for

paint technique such as stripes or ing,

wall,

comb-

which are inappropriate for a plaster

where the cracks and bumps would

stand out and spoil the If

Stencils are an easy 'way to add detail to plain walls.

way

to

add

detail.

make your

the ceilings are low,

If

floors a

feature. An old parquet floor might look

dated and yellow, but grid for

it

an exciting floor

makes

cases,

is

a perfect

in

many

dominated by the concept of

open indoor

living

space, where rooms flow

together with no physical barriers to separate sitting,

dining,

new set

and cooking areas.

of

decorating challenges. Where do you start to

one

throughout? One way to break the

finish

expanse of a

two stories

wall that rises

is

to create a visual break by running borders at a natural ceiling height.

You have now

divided the space into an upper and lower wall, perfect for

finish.

Contemporary construction,

This style also inspires a whole

and stop with paint? Must you stick

finish.

your walls have few moldings, then

stencils are an easy

ate an airy and refreshing environment.

complementary finishes

and colors. Another rary

in

contempo-

spaces concerns the proper way

divide

Here

common problem

is

an

open-plan

a technique

I

living/dining

to

room.

have used with great

Cathedral ceilings, walls of glass, and a

success: Paint faux panels onto the walls

continuous sweep of hardwood floor cre-

of both "rooms" using three colors from

16

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

the

same

Keep the "frame"

color family.

around the panels the same color throughout. Paint the panels a light living

shade

room and

a darker

in

the

complementary

the dining room. The

in

shade

same

design

while paint

makes

these looks cost

a powerful impression, little

rooms that

following pages are

On the

to achieve.

I've built

up around a specific theme, inspired by trips

abroad, furniture

picked up at flea

I

and background color keep the space con-

markets, a few yards of fabric, or a color

nected, while the change

palette

gives each space

own

its

in

panel colors

I

loved.

give you ideas.

character.

These rooms are here It's

to

not necessary to incor-

porate every finish and accessory listed or pictured here to capture the true spirit of

Working with

each theme. Use them simply as a guide,

a If

in

Theme

and

let

your imagination do the rest.

you're unsure of the look you want, keep

mind that one of the most interesting

ways

room

SOUTHWESTERN OR DESERT You don't have to

live

theme. The idea can come from anywhere

desert to have

warmth

a favorite piece of furniture or accessory, a

The look

particular color, or a look culled from the

den or any casual space, and

pages of a book or magazine.

one to

of designing

There

is

one theme,

a

no need to adhere

is

around a

rigidly to

any

style, or era of decoration; just

as rustic country pieces can mingle gracefully with

modern pieces, you may choose

to pair an elegant painted finish

such as

faux tortoiseshell with informal furnishings, or

warm up

a starkly

modern

interior

with rich medieval tones. Imagine a stan-

dard white vestibule

in

a

modern home;

even with some pictures and a mirror,

may always

it

look stark and plain. Try stone-

blocking the walls

in

brown, beige, and

is

pull

its

the heat of the

in

fun and relaxed, perfect for a

together

—

terra-cotta pots, wrought iron,

way. Color

is

all-important

Southwestern theme ochre,

in

continued the

spirit

rect colors,

even the most ordinary rooms

can take on new style and character. And

We

by adding a Navajo

border and stencilled Kokapelles lizards. This den

is in

a

modern home

tle architectural detail;

with very

luckily,

lit-

the floors

were wood, an important design element of

Southwestern

The

style.

was

brass with wood, and gave

With the right accessories and the cor-

punctuate

sun-bleached wood and sandy tones.

Southwestern colors and a few

vian tones with a pretty stencil border.

and com-

vibrant red,

and green

turquoise,

didn't

cool yellow and blue Scandina-

some

establishing a

— here,

entrance. Or imagine your bedroom with

in

an easy

fortable furnishings, you're well on your

place surround

painted

it's

you have

if

sandy tones to create a warm, welcoming

cacti, or

your home.

in

look

fit

in

fire-

brass, however, which

we replaced the

very well, so

it

by colorwashing with

paint. Like the

original

house

itself,

a faded, aged

some

white

the furnishings

are modern, but plain. Because the walls

were cathedral height.

I

created

my own

border with kitchen sponges and a stencil:

GETTING STARTED

17

COLORS

PAINT FINISHES

ACCESSORIES

SAND

COLORWASHING

TERRA-COTTA

ANTIQUING/AGING STAMPING FAUX PLASTER STENCILING VERDIGRIS

TERRA-COTTA POTS CACTUS PLANTS

OCHRE TURQUOISE DEEP RED

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

DRIFTWOOD

WROUGHT IRON BLEACHED WOOD NAVAJO PRINTS, BLANKETS, AND RUGS LARGE CANDLES, TALL CANDLESTICKS

into

human

a burgundy border. Incidentally, the walls

for a cozier den,

and by

were colorwashed with a

this brings the wall a

scale and

makes

throwing down

some

space

this inviting

little

is

more

roller,

the fastest

Navajo-inspired rugs,

paint finish you can do (pages 55-57). The

complete.

overall

ticated

look

is

— perfect

comfortable, yet sophisfor

casual entertaining.

CHEAP AND CHIC No money, most found

lots of style. Believe

of the furnishings in

in

this

it

or not,

room were

junkshops and transformed with on a budget

paint. Decorating

challenge, but

often the

always a

your imagination soar

let

most

is

interesting looks are cre-

ated by chance using only what's on hand.

Almost any paint instead

can be used, but

of choosing traditional

go wild and

try

some unusual

The mix of colors

—you

shades,

colors. This

room was great fun

living/dining

well

finish

to paint.

unusual but works out

is

just have to be brave; lay out

color chips from a paint store and play with

combinations

until

you get the

WOW factor.

The empty hanging picture frame, a cheap hardware store

find

covered

in

inexpensive

crushed velvet, helps divide up the space in

this large

loft.

are easy to find in

or

Old in

fifties

cabinet TV sets

junkshops, and painted

crazy colors, they

make

end tables. The table

great consoles is

yellow, black

and white faux granite (pages 135-137) and the walls are emerald and

indigo, with

COLORS

PAINT FINISHES

ACCESSORIES

ANYTHING GOES MIX STRONG COLORS WITH PASTELS

FLEA MARKET FIXUPS POSTERS, PRINTS

BURGUNDY YELLOW

COLORWASHING FAUX GRANITE OR MARBLE IN FANTASY COLORS FREEHAND PAINTING SPONGING RAGGING

BLACK EMERALD

BAGGING TARTAN

INDIGO

NO-SEW CURTAINS

GETTING STARTED

19

AFRICAN SAFARI The inspiration behind wonderful

the

Africa.

this living

textures

Although

tunity to visit,

polystyrene foam cut into a

I've

I've

and

comb

(see

room was

page 107). One or two bright accessories

colors

easily

of

never had the oppor-

always loved reading

books and watching TV shows about

this

great continent. As a background, we've

enliven

this

already

theme, and now most

cities

interesting

have ethnic

stores where you can find beautiful yet

inexpensive fabrics and

rugs.

Baskets,

boxes, trunks, cookware, or weapons that are

used exclusively purposes

intended

for

by

their

other

cultures can also be used for

decoration

in

spears stand

your home. Here, in

as curtain rods,

and cooking pots make great plant holders. African colors re-

volve around a palette of beiges,

taupes,

and browns, and are

brought to

life

with bright greens

and earthy reds.

SHABBY CHIC Combining and

soft,

crisp,

clean whites

muted colors with

worn furnishings

is

the keynote

of this popular theme. is

in

a

The idea

to collect objects in tones of

white, mixing

flogged (see pages 81-83) the walls

well-

good pieces and

restored flea market finds and put

them

soft grassy green. There

were no mold-

together against a pastel backdrop. The

my own

with a piece of

look

ings,

so

I

created

loose and

inviting, with

COLORS

PAINT FINISHES

ACCESSORIES

GRASS GREEN

COLORWASHING RAGGING

WOOD

BEIGE

TAUPE

BROWN DARK RED

20

is

ANTIQUING FLOGGING

STUCCO CRACKLE FINISH STAMPING COMBING

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

comfy old

AFRICAN FABRICS FURNITURE, EITHER MAHOGANY

OR TEAK FAUX ANIMAL SKINS

SPEARS BASKETS LARGE-LEAF PLANTS AFRICAN TRINKETS

COLORS

PAINT FINISHES

ACCESSORIES

SHADES OF WHITE, FROM CREAM, BEIGE,

COLORWASH RAGGING, DRAGG ING

SLIPCOVERS

GRAY, TO PASTELS,

FADED COLORS

FRESCO STUCCO ANTIQUING

CRACKLE FINISH STENCILING

BIG SOFT CHAIRS,

COUCHES ANTIQUES GARAGE SALE FINDS WARM CARPETS OLD LAMPS

COLORWASH ON WOOD

GETTING STARTED

21

chairs or couches re-covered textures, accessories

lace for a pretty accent

underfoot.

When

light

in

white

in

off-white

tones,

some

and a warm carpet is lightly

tinted with

other colors you can create a broad spec-

trum of "off whites"

—

literally

hundreds of

frames, and furniture.

homeowners

often find that

are afraid to work with dark

myth that the rooms

colors. There's a

look smaller. But

atmosphere

I

will

deep colors add wonderful

to any room. I've

added Asian

pieces and accessories which work beauti-

shades, from creams and beiges to pastel

fully with

the ragged walls and gold paisley

whites with a hint of blue, pink or yellow.

stencils.

The walls

room the pure white on the chair

this

In

rail

wallpaper which

I

originally

left

had a textured

on and painted over,

and fireplace anchor and frame the room, as well as highlight the beau-

duck egg blue walls, and

tiful

white tones

off-

the furnishings. The

in

old carved coffee table

was enlivened

with a coat of crackle and white paint,

and a new needlepoint carpet was flipped

to

show the more muted

palette underneath. This comfortable style fits every

budget

enough

for the kids

enough

for

—

it's

broken

in

and pets, yet chic

company.

EASTERN INFLUENCE demands

This ornate style

and detailed patterns.

Silk

rich color

cushions

and oriental carpets add much to the design, but this for

a

is

also the perfect setting

variety of paint finishes

such as

antiquing and stenciling. Touches of gold

can

be

added

everywhere,

to

lamps,

red.

to

Dramatic decorating

rooms we don't

is

"live" in,

better suited

but creates an

exciting setting for entertaining.

COLORS

PAINT FINISHES

ACCESSORIES

JEWEL TONES: RED SAPPHIRE BLUE OCHRE GOLD

RAGGING BAGGING

RICH FABRICS TRIMMED WITH GOLD, TASSELS ASIAN BOXES, TRUNKS

ANTIQUING

CRACKLE FINISH FROTTAGE PATINA GILDING STENCILING

22

using a dark red glaze ragged over a lighter

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

ORNATE MIRRORS AND PICTURE FRAMES

COUNTRY FARMHOUSE

effect. Of course,

Nowadays, country kitchens are popular and suburban homes because of

city

warmth and comfortable look

is

in

these heritage colors

also look great on their own.

This

their

is

actually a newly built kitchen

The country

with inexpensive pine cupboards, but by

also one of the easiest looks to

applying a dragged and ragged effect with

style.

whole room has a

reproduce, given the right paint colors and

historic paint colors, the

accessories. Due to increasing demand,

country

most manufacturers

nish applied to the surfaces, this

have

launched

a

series of historic paint colors; these lowkey, rustic

shades make marvelous

part-

kitchen tear.

style.

will

With a couple of coats of var-

homey

stand up to everyday wear and

Pots hang within easy reach; utensils

ners with complementary finishes such as

and crockery double as perfect decorative

ragging and

accents.

dragging,

or with

an

aged

COLORS

PAINT FINISHES

ACCESSORIES

RUSTIC NATURALS OLD GREEN RUSTY RED

RAGGING DRAGGING ANTIQUING/AGING

PINE HUTCH CAST-IRON COOKWARE

YELLOW OCHRE

COLORWASHING

TEAL BLUE

STENCILING STAINING

BARRELS BASKETS OLD TOOLS

GETTING STARTED

23

BL

J

v

vj

iJ

-^^D

^^s»^

-^^^^^^T^™

1

^^Uf ^-vSkB

Ion v

^r-^

w --~H

H^BKjf _^^^H

EH ^^&r-4^H

^^r^

^--'

COLORS A WIDE

ACCESSORIES

PAINT FINISHES

SPECTRUM

SPONGING RAGGING COLORWASHING DRAGGING

OF PASTELS AND RICH

DEEP SHADES

ANY TYPE OF COLLECTION BOTANICAL PRINTS ANTIQUES PLATE RAILS LACE, CHINTZ, TARTAN

ANTIQUING VERDIGRIS

STAMPING/BLOCK PAINTING

BOOKS FLOWERS

STENCILING

ENGLISH COUNTRY STYLE It's

painting technique works equally as well

the furnishings that lend English coun-

warm,

try style its

Couches,

and knicknacks, passed

tables,

chairs,

inviting look.

along through generations, have a well-worn comfort to them.

be used

in

Most colors can

ate any sharp contrasts. Layer tablecloths,

window treatments, and

play prints, photographs lect,

— anything you

wherever there's room. Here,

textured wall finishes

make

like

—

it's

dining

room

is

In

add a

to

bit of

— any-

whimsy

or

old-fashioned charm.

Scandinavian homes.

softly

daylight, this in

always loved the

I've

col-

colorwashes

fresh and sunny, but

SCANDINAVIAN INFLUENCE light-filled interiors of

the soft terra-cotta col-

ors that give this effect.

where you want

dis-

a perfect backdrop for this pretty,

welcome look

bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen

built-in,

this style, but don't try to cre-

carpets, and

a

in

the

Although

the

vary from

Sweden

Norway

and

Denmark

to Finland,

styles to

from

their

rooms are gen-

erally

simple and graceful. Colors are pure

evening, with the right lighting, the room

and cool, and

takes on an intimate, romantic glow. The

Scandinavians' love for painted finishes

charming wisteria (see pages 177-179)

goes back centuries, and

was easy

dent on their furnishings, from simple coun-

to apply

and gives a completely

different look than stenciling. This block

try

detail

is

often naive. The

is

especially evi-

pieces to highly decorated armoires,

COLORS

PAINT FINISHES

ACCESSORIES

GRAY BLUES TERRA-COTTA

STENCILING

DRAGGING COLORWASHING PAINTED STUCCO FRESCO

LOTS OF WOOD FURNITURE WITH SIMPLE LINES COUNTRY ANTIQUES PINE PIECES

ANTIQUING

RUGS

PALE YELLOWS SOFT GREENS WHITE

CRACKLE FINISH

GETTING STARTED

25

COLORS

PAINT FINISHES

ACCESSORIES

LAVENDER BLUE BRIGHT YELLOW ANY COLORS FOUND IN THE GARDEN

STENCILING

LOTS OF POTS OF

STAMPING

FLOWERS WICKER FURNITURE

RAGGING SPONGING

HAND-PAINTED FURNITURE SISAL RUGS

and bureaus. Here

beds, I've

COLORWASHING

chosen a clean, fresh and

blue

white

palette,

and set the stage by dragging (see pages 67-69) a

blue

over a

glaze

white

base coat on the walls. The homemade

and

stencil

crisp linens suit the

mood

Although

wall-

perfectly.

to-wall carpet cally

is

not typi-

Scandinavian,

already

in

was

it

this girl's bed-

room, and

its

and

work well with

fiber

natural color

this timeless style. It's al-

ways

important to

work

with

what you have

got.

This

simple

look

will last

yet

elegant

a long time.

A GARDEN

ROOM

Any size or shape room

will

make

a perfect

garden room, as long as there are windows large

enough

minimum

to let

of natural

in lots

of decorating

beautiful

potted plants and flowers. Here with a pretty round

from floor to

ceiling,

A

required, as this

is

theme revolves around

light.

rows of

we

started

room with wainscoting and

I

wanted

it

to be

bright

and cheerful every day, no matter

26

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

what the weather. To pick the took a look at

my

colors,

I

just

garden, and decided

on lavender blue and a bright buttercup yellow

— nature's

ration for

palette

is

a perfect inspi-

any room. The interesting details

of the

windows were highlighted by painting

them

lavender, and then applying a reverse

stenciled border. sive clay pots for

I

also decorated inexpen-

my

indoor garden, each

and onto some,

with a different paint finish; I

moss and

glued natural materials such as

as well as buttons

raffia,

have on hand

do. This

will

— anything

is

you

a good way to

paint finishes before

practice decorative

tackling a room. Even

if

out perfect the

time, with plants

them,

they'll

first

the pots don't turn in

look great!

I've

softened the room by ragging the

stripes.

The panels have been decorated

at the

end of

this book), which

been used on the window black highback chairs are

this look,

The

you need a plain room with few

combine

ors, simple stencil patterns,

Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1868-1928),

unadorned furnishings and

one of Scotland's greatest architects and

wonderfully.

typical col-

and sleek, it

will

work

the inspiration behind

is

dining

blinds.

modern pieces

MACKINTOSH STYLE

this

has also

based on Mackintosh's designs. To create

or no moldings. Just

designers,

Resources

with a Mackintosh stencil (see

room.

Arts and Crafts

Inspired

by the

movement, Mackin-

tosh was a great admirer of stencils

and stained glass. He loved clean lines

and simple shapes, and often

turned to nature as a source for decoration. His choice of color

was

un-

usual for his time; the Victorians

surrounded themselves with a dark, rather morbid palette and busy pat-

terns,

whereas Mackintosh chose

soft greens,

lilac,

and his signature

black as accents

against gray or

white walls. This dining room of the

Mackintosh

is

my

style.

adaptation

The gray

walls have been paneled with

lilac

stripes, but instead of plain paint,

COLORS

PAINT FINISHES

ACCESSORIES

BLACK WHITE GRAY

STENCILING

MODERN FURNISHINGS STAINED GLASS WINDOW BLINDS ANYTHING LINEAR

LILAC

RAGGING

PALE GREEN ROSE PINK

GETTING STARTED

27

The luxurious furnishings

Choosing Colors

speak

Another important element of your painted

point,

finish is color,

which seems to be one of

I

room but

themselves; they are the focal

for

and the

serve as a

plain white walls

muted background. But most

of us don't

have priceless antiques, so our rooms can

can't t&H you what color to paint your

be given character, passion, elegance, and

— a question

I'm

charm by choosing wonderful colors and

asked repeatedly

can show you what colors work well

I

these rooms

peo-

the biggest stumbling blocks for ple.

many

in

how you can choose

together, and

combinations that

will

simple-to-produce painted finishes.

color

COLOR AT YOUR

please you.

Don't be afraid to experiment with

dif-

FINGERTIPS

ferent colors as well as different finishes

You don't have to know how to mix colors

when you're

to

love, the

decorating; go with colors you

way you do when you are shop-

work with

ishes. Just

the different painted

all

choose the colors that you

ping for clothes. Bold colors are perfect for

want from a color chart

rooms

and the salesperson

in

which you entertain; washed-out

or faded colors provide soft, subtle back-

grounds

in

busy rooms

kitchens and

like

bathrooms. Bright colors

like

apple green,

the spot.

Most

at the paint store,

paint

companies

many as catch your eye free

darker colors appealingly reflect the

turers,

ences between day and evening

lighting,

their

—from

as dens and children's bedrooms, while differ-

all

and mix and match them

and your furnishings.

my

are afraid of putting color on their

living

love to put a dark green

room, but I'm afraid

the room too small" or

both

common

until

you

fits

with your

in

home, your

lifestyle,

how many peo-

I'm always surprised at

I'd

usually

get the combination that appeals to you,

and romantic

walls. "Oh,

—they're

the different paint manufac-

and

ple

offer large paint

paints are sold. Collect as

looking simple and elegant during the day at night.

you on

for

chips, about two inches by four inches,

perfect for what

happy rooms, such

it

worry-free.

It's

where

call

mix

will

primrose yellow, and cornflower blue are I

fin-

"I'll

it

will

make are

tire of it"

laments, and so

in

many

stay

SIMPLE SOLUTIONS The simplest and safest way color

is

to

match

carpet, or rug.

it

to

choose a

up to an existing

fabric,

you are starting with a

If

clean slate, pick the fabric for your couch

with beige, cream, or white walls. There's

or curtains

nothing wrong with these colors; on the

ors available, you can always find a match;

contrary, a

room painted

in

different tones

it's

first.

much more

With the

infinite paint col-

difficult to

work

of white can be quite beautiful. You've no

reverse, and a mistake with fabric

doubt noticed that

lier

terior

in

all

the high-end

in-

design and architecture magazines

the walls are consistently white or beige.

28

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

in is

the cost-

to correct.

Choose one

of the colors from the pat-

tern that you really

like,

then take a swatch

This hallway has been given new

life

with a painted diamond floor and apple green walls.

of the fabric to a paint or hardware store

and

among

find that color

cards. Each card

shades

will

the paint chip

display four to six

of a particular color, ranging from

light to dark; this is called

a color family.

If

called

If

and

color family, you can't go wrong.

trim, paint

lovely

frame

them

for the

fer a white ceiling,

height and

white;

will

it

room. And

I

make

a

always pre-

which adds a feeling of

openness

to

applied

generally they're

still

latex paint,

you are interested

If

home

want

or

surfaces,

small

to

economical.

to

its

in

returning an

historic decorating roots,

to give a

new home some

real

country charm, most paint manufacturers

now

carry a special line of vintage or his-

toric colors.

These natural earthy tones

are also found

any room.

acrylics

but because these special finishes are

older

you are unsure about the moldings

Artist's

acrylics.

may be more expensive than

you select one or two shades from the

same

artist's

paint sold

in

in

milk paint, an old type of

powder form that

is

becoming

SPECIALTY COLORS

increasingly popular due to the authentic

Even with the enormous color variety of

finish

water-based paint finishes

paints in

this

available,

for

some

book you may have

seek out special colors. A few finshes,

to

like

it

produces and

its

environmentally

safe ingredients. I

am

always delighted at how pleasantly

surprised people are

when they have taken

faux tortoiseshell, are a reproduction of

the plunge and added a bold color or spe-

the real thing, and for the most successful

cial

results

it's

always best to use true earth

colors, which are found

in

a type of paint

paint finish to their

trust your instincts love, you'll

home.

If

you just

and go with what you

be delighted, too!

GETTING STARTED

29

CHAPTER

1

NEED TO KNOW The world

of paint is constantly

which can create a great deal any paint

finish, it's

you'll need,

changing and improving,

of confusion. Before you begin

important to understand the materials

and the required preparation.

/Preparing

a surface for paint, whether

it's

walls, floors, or furniture, is critical to the life of

your finish. You don't want that beautiful painted pattern on your floor to

lift off,

or the seams of

wallpaper underneath the paint to

show through an elegant ragged wall. I

always find

it

better to split up the prepara-

tion time and the painting time. If you get

everything ready a few days before you plan to paint, then you can really enjoy yourself

when you

start.

1. oil-based glazing liquid; 2. oil paint; 3. latex paint; 4. primer; 5. universal tint; 6. spray paint; 7. metallic powder paint; 8. artist's oil color; 9. artist's acrylic color; lO. stencil crayon; 11. Japan paint; 12. fabric paint; 13. spill-proof stencil cream; 14 and 15. craft stencil paint; 16. latex glazing liquid; 17. milk paint; 18. metal primer; 19. paint color samples; 20. powdered yellow paint; 21. milk paint powder; 22. latex block painting glaze

30

n-ieusa..

an

Finding just the right paint color used to

extremely inexpensive way to add design

be a time-consuming, frustrating task. No

and character to your home. Most effects

more! Today there

don't take long to complete; everything

colors available

Decorating with painted finishes

this

book

ect,

and

no more than a weekend

is

you'll

in

proj-

enjoy your finish for years.

you do the job properly,

recipes and instructions,

you follow

If

know

I

If

ensure an

you'll

almost professional look.

thrilled with

is

of colors, so

one

at

store, look at the color chips for

be

color lines, as well as vintage colors for milk

you'll

paints. Dark colors are

the results!

all

finish or decorative

of white

with color, you

all

difficult to pro-

floors;

see

will

in

in

red

the pastel

hundreds of

yellow. Starting a col-

way

to

Once you get confident

may want

to experiment with

universal tints and artist's acrylics to cre-

own custom-blended

ate your

colors.

Glazing liquid, or glaze coat,

fur-

of us,

lighter

the vast range

virtually

and

as

popular

introduce yourself to the endless variety

types of

accent on

niture. It's readily available to

shades

are

that's available.

wood, cement, and even linoleum and as a

There

more

lection of paint color chips is a great

doors, moldings, and trims; over

walls,

colors.

can be

Painted finishes

applied to virtually any surface:

isn't

or dark blue that you

the most versatile decorating tool find.

as

aren't

shades, so there

Brushes, and Tools you can

you can't find what you want

another brand. There are heritage or rustic

About Paints,

is

if

my

Glazes, Varnishes, Paint

a variety of shades. Each

in

paint brand has a slightly different palette

duce and

All

an incredible range of

is

is

an essen-

When

ingredient for decorative painting.

tial

slows down the drying

usually as close as the neighborhood paint

mixed with

or hardware store,

time and allows you to work and blend the

and

inexpensive.

it's

There are two basic types of paint, water-based

you

visit

you

will

(latex)

and oil-based

(alkyd).

If

a local paint or hardware store,

be amazed by how many variations

of these paints there are on the market: interior

creams paints,

and and

sprays,

and even milk

powders,

paints,

exterior

stencil

acrylics, paint.

more people are doing

their

latex paint is tile

32

oil

latex or acrylic water-based paints.

new

a

technology,

now more durable and

than ever.

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

versa-

or

Because

professionals and amateurs alike prefer the

environmentally friendly properties of latex

and

now water-based glazes

acrylics,

turers. This

become

mediums

base, and thus could not be mixed with

own

free water-based paints have

glazing

extenders have been available only with an

available from

painting

it

Traditionally,

As more and

and decorating, the less-toxic and odor-

popular choice. Thanks to

paint.

paint,

means

paint manufac-

quite a revolutionary step

is

that

most major

most

are

paint finishes can

—

it

be

applied easily with nontoxic water-based paints, glazes,

For

all

and varnishes.

the finishes

in

this book,

I

have

used only water-based paints and glazes.

working with

After years

paints,

oil

glazes, and paint thinners,

oil

marvelous

it's

fumes and messy

to be free of the strong

primer.

Check with

person to make sure you are buying the right

primer for your project.

Shellac Shellac

cleanup.

knowledgeable sales-

a

is

an excellent primer for

foam

plaster and raw wood. Apply with a

PAINT PROS AND CONS

brush to seal

Primer Primer

throughout the wood but especially at the

finishes;

the key to most paint

is

creates a bond between the

it

surface you want to paint and the paint

you are applying. The

fin-

knots. The resins

is

ates a solid, nonporous surface for the

quickly.

It's

base coat by sealing new drywall, new

work

repairs you have

spackle.

job

uneven

with caulking or

and contains

and

unpredictable.

Primer should never be used as a base coat; however,

if

you want to apply a dark

base coat, your primer can be

tinted to half

the formula of the paint color. This

will

bleed through your

them

first.

so wear a mask and

a well-ventilated area.

Latex Paint

and

you miss this step, your paint

If

be

will

made

in

toxic,

any

wood,

raw

concrete,

plaster,

resins found

alcohol-based and dries very

Shellac

right

will

wood

paint finish unless you seal

primer cre-

ish

the

in

Latex paint vinyl

water-based,

is

more

better the quality, the

paint contains. Latex paint

acrylic the

tinted to your

is

color choice at the paint or hardware store

using a recipe of concentrated color

both water- and oil-soluble. The

same

are used to color both types of paint.

achieve the desired depth of color.

generally sold by the quart or gallon.

is

available

latex varieties;

alkyd,

in acrylic,

each one has

its

PROS

Fairly

It

is

odorless

Dilutes with water

new

Wash brushes and

soap

tools with

and water

drywall, as an oil-based (alkyd) primer will

make

tints

and

specific

uses. Latex primer must be used over

pig-

ments, called universal colorants, that are

reduce the number of coats required to

Primer

The

or acrylic resins.

Dries quickly; you can prime and

the drywall's surface bumpy.

new wood, use based primer

will

raise the grain,

Thanks

to

possible

alkyd

soak

specifically

primer,

as water-

into the

wood and

paint 2 coats

in

manufacturing,

its

to

cover

Hundreds

CONS

Dries too fast for

example, you no longer need to remove

all

the old varnish from a table or chair

before you repaint,

if

you use the proper

can

in

choose from

paint and

some

decorative

finishes unless a glazing liquid

is

added Will

of hard work;

for

it

hardware stores

surfaces. These primers are wonderful lot

so

Inexpensive

ceramics, laminates, and most other shiny

because they save you a

of colors to

Readily available

it's

metals,

elasticity is better

accommodate weather changes

to buy high-adhesion primers

designed

one day

in

Preferable for exterior painting as

making an uneven surface.

advances

now

For

not adhere to oil-based paint or

shiny surface

Oil

Paint (Alkyd) Due

this paint

is

to

smooth and easy

its

oil

base,

to apply

GETTING STARTED

and

33

covers the surface well.

It

is

tinted to your

PROS

color choice at the store using a recipe of

universal colorants.

available

is

It

pints,

in

CONS

quarts, and gallons.

PROS

Excellent coverage

Has the delayed drying time necessary for

some

You do your own mixing, and the color is pure Authentic colors for faux marbles and tortoiseshell Some colors are extremely toxic Can only mix with oil-based paint (alkyd) and oil-based glazing liquid Expensive

decorative finishes

Can be applied over water-based

Ceiling Paint

Ceiling paint

is

a less-

paint

Readily available

CONS

in

paint and hard-

ware stores Strong odor

expensive, lower-quality paint that in

Dries slowly, each coat takes

matte or

latex or alkyd, with a

comes

flat finish

perfect for ceilings. But marks and finger-

24

show up

prints

hours

easily,

so never use ceiling

Dilutes with paint thinner, never

paint on walls. You cannot apply a paint

water Cleans up with paint thinner

finish over ceiling paint is

Artist's Acrylic Paint

Artist's acrylics

because the paint

extremely porous, and the paint finish

will

sink into the surface.

are sold by the tube and have the consis-

tency of toothpaste. For decorative painting they are

more often used

to tint the

Spray Paint

and alkyd paints,

Acrylic

metallic finishes, faux stone finishes, lac-

glazing liquid. They are best used for pro-

quers, and urethanes are

jects such as a faux tortoiseshell finish,

spray cans.

When

where pure colors lend an

ing gives a

smooth

ity

air of

authentic-

in

applied carefully, sprayfinish, free of brush-

build

range of colors including burnt umber, raw sienna, cobalt blue,

up color one thin layer at a time.

Full

thalo green, and metallics

PROS

Good coverage

for difficult jobs such as wicker furniture Saves time when working on large

Dilutes with water

Dries to a hard, scrubbable surface

CONS

available

strokes, and the fine mist allows you to

to the effect.

PROS

now

Expensive Not economical for large areas Dries quickly unless added to water-

based glazing

stencils

CONS

Toxic

—the paint mist becomes

air-

borne; wear a mask, and keep

animals and small children away cover up areas you don't

liquid

Messy

—

want painted

Artist's tubes of

Oil

thick,

Paint

Artist's

oils

are

creamy, concentrated color.

Professional painters use these oils to mix their

to

own colors by adding small amounts

an oil-based paint or glazing

liquid.

Unless you are familiar with the basics of color blending, this

is

a difficult

way

the color you want.

34

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

to get

Powder Powders als to color

nish.

are used by profession-

any type of paint, glaze, or

The color

is

very concentrated, so

you don't need much. for

var-

I

use powders only

mixing metallic colors

like gold, silver,

and bronze. They are beautiful mixed with either

oil-

or water-based glazing liquid.

PROS

and also allows you

Inexpensive

stencil,

Endless variety of colors with any type of paint or

move the

to pick

up and

stencil along the surface without

Can mix

smearing the work you have just com-

glazing liquid

CONS

Toxic

—you must wear a mask when

mixing Difficult to

and add

pleted. You can also layer colors

shading immediately. Choose a quick-dry-

get the color you want

without a thorough understanding

ing paint, or

of the basics of color blending

sticks

some

made

of the

creams

purpose.

for this

or paint If

you're

stenciling with latex paint or liquid stencil

Milk Paint Milk

paint

is

a mixture of milk

and color

protein, calcium, limestone, clay,

pigments extracted from berries, coal, and seeds;

sold

is

it

in

powder form that

then mixed with water.

In

is

North America,

milk paints were blended by settlers with

paint, it's important to

keep your

brush as dry as possible. This

done by dipping your brush

is

stencil

easily

into the paint

and then swirling the brush on a paper towel to remove the excess paint.

The specialty paints and

listed

below are

all

the natural resources they had on hand,

available

and used to add color to wood furniture.

as many hardware stores.

Colors are limited to an authentic historic

Japan Paints These are a favorite with pro-

subdued greens, blues,

in

craft

stencil stores as well

reds,

fessional stencilers. They are oil-based but

browns, grays, black, and white. Milk paint

dry immediately, they're durable, and they

should be applied only to raw wood for

can be applied with brush or sponge.

palette of

best results;

it

is

not

recommended

for

PROS

exterior painting.

PROS

Durable

Good choice

of colors

Applies over

all

Nontoxic

Binds to wood fibers, giving long to the finish

life

CONS

can leak under used correctly

Liquid,

Gives an authentic historic effect to reproduction furniture Is available in pure vintage colors Limited availability through

is

not

high-gloss

Adds opaque color

CONS

types of paint as

long as the surface

stencil

if

not

Patience required to build color and

shading Cleans up with paint thinner

some

and hardware stores Does not cover up marks or stains

Creams and Crayons These are

Needs

with a semisolid consistency that trans-

craft, paint,

a topcoat of oil, wax, or urethane for protection Cannot be applied over other paint,

lates

into

no leakage under the stencil.

They should be applied with a stencil brush.

stain, or varnish

Creams and crayons dry Stencil Paint You can use most kinds of

diately,

so you

paint for stenciling, including spray paint.

shading

right

The key to successful stenciling

stencil

the color

in

prevents

paint from

oil-based,

is

to apply

a dry or near-dry state. This

seeping under the

may

to the touch

build

imme-

up colors and

away, and easily remove the

and replace

it

when

creating a bor-

der without smudging. They can take several

days to cure or dry completely.

GETTING STARTED

35

PROS

Nontoxic Spill-proof

A

little

oil-based.

Read the manufacturer's instructions

for

the proper application procedure and washing

of colors

Cleans up with paint thinner Take a few days to cure

Sold

Craft Stencil Paints

these are

some

are water-based,

goes a long way

Good range

CONS

Some

phosphorescent shades.

and

metallics

Durable once cured Can be applied to fabric Can be applied over any type of paint as long as it is not high-gloss

in

paint

on

a

Don't use water-based

fabric

normally

that

poorly to water, such as

reacts

silk.

craft stores,

water-based paints that

liquid,

instructions.

PROS

Ideal for stenciling

and painting on

fabric

dry faster than latex paint. They are the

Comes

most common paints used by

Washable

stencilers.

in

many

colors

(follow manufacturer's

instructions)

PROS

Use with stencil brush or sponge Good selection of colors

CONS

Paint can leak under stencil

CONS

Not removable once applied May fade after many washings

Dries fast if

GLAZES

not

used correctly Not good for scrubbable areas unless you varnish over

Glazing liquid, or glaze coat, has two pur-

poses. By adding a glazing

it

liquid to paint,

you slow down the drying time, so you can

Ceramic Paint onto

ceramic

Made

pottery,

tiles,

ceramic paints are sold craft

stores.

Some

must be heated

in

for

in

application

and

urns,

small bottles at

once painted,

tiles,

in

the

into

whatever design or

When

finish

you choose.

creating faux marble, a colored glaze

applied to a tabletop

will

give you time to

a potter's oven or kiln to

cure the color, and the paint colors

change

manipulate and blend the colored glaze

heating

process.

will

Other

ceramic paints do not require heating, but are not safe to use on dishes that you eat or drink from, and do not stand up well

washed

or scrubbed.

if

Read the manufac-

turer's instructions carefully.

PROS

Great decorative accent for ceramics, and can be used for painting and stenciling

Use

CONS

stencil

brush or sponge

Fairly durable,

but better for areas

away from moisture

Fabric Paint

Decorative fabric paints

come

in

36

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

a wide range of colors, including

for making a tinted glaze can vary, depending on the requirements of the glaze. A good guide is half paint and half glazing liquid, plus enough thinner to give the con-

The amounts required

sistency of syrup. If the surface is vertical (e.g., a 'wall), the glaze will need to be thicker than if you are working on a flat surface (e.g., a tabletop). If you add more glazing liquid, the mixture becomes more translucent; if you add more paint, the misture becomes thicker and more opaque.

In

WATER-BASED GLAZE

the past, double-boiled linseed

was most commonly used as

WATER-BASED PAINT (LATEX OR ACRYLIC) WATER-BASED GLAZING LIQUID WATER MIXING CONTAINER

medium, and

it

is

oil

a glazing

being used today.

still

Although beautiful to work with, there are

disadvantages with this particular takes a long time to

STIR STICK

days,

yellows, and

it

It

often several

dry, it

oil.

cannot be mixed

with water-based paint. Today's oil-based

glazing liquid has the look and consistency

whereas water-based glazing

of custard, liquid

looks

like milk.

pletely clear,

But both dry com-

and when added to paint

change the color

of the paint very

They are usually available lon

cans

at

oil

quart and gal-

in

hardware stores.

Commercial glazes were with an

little.

first

made up

base, and could be mixed only

OIL-BASED GLAZE OIL PAINT (ALKYD)

create the background drifts and veining

reminiscent of real marble. Glazing liquid

mixed with paint also turns the color from

opaque tinted

to translucent.

to

you apply a

glaze (glaze that has

or colored

been added

When

OIL-BASED GLAZING LIQUID PAINT THINNER OR TURPENTINE (TURPENTINE IS PURER AND MORE EXPENSIVE) MIXING CONTAINER STIR STICK

the paint color of your

choice) over a base coat, the base color will

show through

For example,

this translucent layer.

glaze

yellow-tinted

over a white base coat

will

give the surface

several shades of yellow. Not tive

paint finishes

example, finishes

require in

ragged

all

decora-

a glaze;

for

which the paint

is

applied directly onto the surface, such as

sponging and ragging on, need only latex paint and water. However,

if

the paint must

be manipulated to create the effect, as required

in

ragging

off,

marbling,

combing, you must use a glazing

is

and

liquid.

GETTING STARTED

37

with larity

oil

paints. Now.

of the

because

of the popu-

more environmentally sensitive

the can. but dries clear; oil-based varnish looks golden and

will

yellow with time.

water-based paint products, water-based

Varnish on Walls There

glazes are readily available. Most paint

need to apply a protective coat of varnish

fin-

On a

ishes can be achieved easily by using

to a painted wall.

water-based paints and glazes. Keep

orative painted finish on

mind that different brands vary

and

ing time:

ment and

it

in

in

their dry-

might be best to experi-

find the glaze that suits your

needs before you begin a

of the glaze

usually no

is

wall that

has a dec-

the properties

it,

used to create that

finish offer

adequate protection. the finish

If

has been created with

thinned-down latex paint instead of glaze,

big project.

as would be the case with colorwashing, a

VARNISHES

protective coating should be applied, espe-

There are many different types of varnish

cially in a

and many different names on the market,

able to use a water-based varnish.

which can lead to

may be more

some

familiar with urethane, poly-

varnish well with a stick; do not shake the

sake

I

will

use the term varnish var-

nish has two distinct purposes. First,

and scratches; second,

comes

in

it

adds a sheen to

Varnish,

effect.

it

bumps

protects the painted surface from

painted

prefer-

It's

Application Before using, always stir the

throughout this book. Adding a coat of

the

or kitchen.

confusion. You

urethane. clear coat, or topcoat, but for clarity's

bathroom

paint,

like

several sheens from matte to

high-gloss (see page

39

for descriptions of

the sheens available).

can or bubbles

form, which can cause

Use a

a spotty finish on your surface.

sponge brush

or low-pile roller to avoid

leaving brush marks.

Varnish on Painted Furniture and

Accessories tive

Furniture,

lamps, decora-

accessories, or any items that are

expected to withstand regular wear and tear

some-

require varnish for protection and

times

Water-based and acrylic varnishes are

will

for

sheen. For example, a table with a

faux marble top and ragged legs would need

suitable for finishes that have been cre-

at least

ated with water-based paint. They share

the top. for protection and to give

the best qualities of any water-based prod-

sheen of

—they dry quickly and are odorless. But

two coats of high-gloss varnish on

real

it

the

marble. The ragged legs would

uct

need just one coat of varnish

for protection

most important, they do not yellow as

and the sheen could be

semigloss, or

readily as oil-based varnishes, ability to

dry clear

makes

all

and

their

high-gloss.

the difference

Application

to your painted finish, as yellowing will distort the colors

sen

so

and shades you have cho-

carefully.

Water-based

varnish

cannot be used over oil-based painted

fin-

ishes. Water-based varnish looks milky

38

DEBBIE TRAVIS" PAINTED HOUSE

in

flat,

Working on small areas

like fur-

niture is relatively easy. There are special

varnish brushes available, but

I

prefer dis-

posable foam brushes, as they are easy to use.

come

sive,

and do not leave brush marks.

in

different sizes, are inexpen-

Keep the area you're varnishing

as

in

dust-free as possible. For a perfect finish,

Sheens and Finishes

sand the surface with the finest sandpaThe sheen

per or steel wool between coats.

If

you wet

down the area before sanding, you won't get scratch marks. This

is

known as wet

and dry sanding. Make sure each coat of varnish

is

completely dry before sanding.

Varnish on Painted Floors As are a high-traffic area,

all

floors

painted floors

come from

it's

paint, glaze, or varnish. Paint

for protection.

with three to five coats

Stained or painted floors

your last coat, whether

manu-

own names for difsheens, although most vary from

facturers have their ferent

matte or

flat to pearl or velvet to

semi-

and high-gloss. Note: The less sheen your finish offers,

the less you

must be varnished

on your surface

or gloss

will

will

see imperfections; a

high-sheen finish shows every

drip,

crack, and brushstroke.

look elegant and rich with a high-gloss var-

MATTE

EGGSHELL

whitewashes, and stenciling, use a satin

a flat finish

also called satin,

or semigloss varnish for protection. Water-

not very durable,

based and

marks easily

country-style

For

nish.

painted

floors,

acrylic varnishes are the best

for finishes that

have been painted with

water-based paint: They dry quickly, are

pearl, velvet

absorbs

subtle sheen

good

light,

very popular for

for hiding imperfec-

walls as

tions

too shiny, not

odorless, and do not yellow. Water-based

it's

not

too flat

used mainly on

varnishes cannot be used over oil-based

ideal for mixing

ceilings

with glazing liquid

painted finishes.

The topcoat you choose the sheen on your

floor:

A

will

determine

SEMIGLOSS

easy

flat

sheen

most commonly used for woodwork,

HIGH-GLOSS

will

disguise uneven textures or flaws better, a

trim,

sheen adds depth

high

and furniture

reflects light, so sur-

highlights a

Application

It

smooth surface. is

best to water down the

first

two coats of varnish, applying a very thin layer

Most varnishes were designed

go

to

over wood, and yellowing wasn't an issue.

But

if

you are applying varnish over

light

color,

shade,

yellowing

will

distort

the

so use a varnish that dries clear.

and doors

ing

are very visible

because

of its

high durability

semigloss latex is

also used on

an ideal

base coat

interior doors,

for

painted finishes

baseboards, and

that require a great

trim

deal of manipulation such as faux

paint

for exterior paint-

face marks or cracks

paint

and building up from there.

wipe clean

commonly used

and

to your finish

to

marbles and toiseshell

;

tor-

it

is

reflects light, so any surface marks or cracks are very visible

easier to manipuNote: Because of its size, achieving a smooth finish is not easy on a floor. You may save time and money by having a professional do this final step for you.

late a glaze on a

adds depth

shiny surface

your finish

easy

easy to wipe clean

to

wipe clean

to

GETTING STARTED

39

Brushes and Tools PROFESSIONAL

ALTERNATIVE

DRAGGING BRUSH Long-haired brush about

or 5

4

long. Very thick bristles, usually horsehair, that

leave drag marks

in

long-hair bristle brush

(IB)

the paint. (1A)

BADGER-HAIR SOFTENING BRUSH Made from badger's extremely soft (the same bristles as used in men's shaving brushes). Very expensive, but ideal

soft bristle brush (2B)

fur,

for softening or clouding the paint faux marble. (2A)

in

finishes like

STIPPLING BRUSH Square-shaped, flat-ended brush with medium coarse bristles. The handle is set at a right angle to the brush, and rotates. Used to stipple large surfaces. Comes in a variety of sizes from 3 square to 8" square. Expensive. (3A)

wide bristle brush (3B)

VARNISHING BRUSH Long-haired, natural bristle brush. Designed not to leave brushstrokes in the varnish.

sponge brush (4B)

Expensive. (4A) FITCH Natural bristles, long handle, variety of widths from

W

to 2

comes

Used

".

in a

for detail

standard 1

paintbrush

(5E)

work and corners. (5A.B.C)

RUBBER COMB Triangular-shaped each side has wood

different-sized teeth. Originally used for

graining or faux bois.

Commonly used

for

homemade comb,

cut

from foam core (6C)

creating

combed patterns. (6A) METAL COMB Available in various sizes. Used woodgraining or faux bois. (6B)

for

flat-edged hair

comb

SEA SPONGE Large natural sponge with irregular holes that create a broken paint effect. Must be

kitchen sponge made irregular by tearing bits

damp when used. (7A.B.C)

off

SWORD

LINER Small brush, 4

long, with soft bristles

that are V2" wide at the base and tapered to V16" at

the

tip.

Used

feather, thin artist's

brush (8B.8C)

for veins in faux marble. (8A)

STENCIL BRUSH Flat-ended brush used for stippling or swirling the paint onto a stencil. Available in a variety of sizes. (9A.B.C)

kitchen sponge (9D)

RAG Soft fabric used for creating an imprint in the glaze. Be sure to use only lint-free material. (10)

old T-shirts

ARTIST'S BRUSH There are

many

sizes from 1"

down

to just a few bristles for fine work. Price varies

according to quality of bristles, sable being the most expensive. (11A.B.C)

40

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

make the

best rags

any narrow paintbrush

BRUSHES AND TOOLS

ever, for every specialty tool, there is

FOR THE DECORATIVE PAINTER

alternative that can be found inexpensively

While there are

many types

brushes on the market,

of tools and

surprisingly, pro-

fessional tools have changed very

over the years.

If

special brush,

it

I

had to invest

in

little

just

one

would have to be a bad-

ger-hair softening brush.

Even

never painted before, the effects

if

you've

you'll

get

from using this brush are just incredible. you can, in

definitely preferable to invest

it's

professional tools. They'll always

each job easier, and finish.

And

rectly,

they

If

if

will

make

give you the best

you clean and store them cor-

will

last

you a lifetime. How-

in

paint or hardware

your neighborhood

and

store,

I've listed

an

it

here alongside

its

professional counterpart. And often you can

make some sticks,

of the tools yourself.

also called sponge brushes,

cheap alternatives especially

away

good

to paint

are

brushes and are

for varnishing.

Throw them

after using.

Cleanup of the

Sponge

If

you're going to invest

in

some

marvelous brushes that are used

for

specialty finishes, or even ordinary paint-

brushes,

it's

important that they are looked

after so they will

have a long

life.

GETTING STARTED

After

41

being used

with

oil

or

alkyd

paint

all

brushes should be cleaned with mineral spirits (paint thinner),

thoroughly

is

washed

and when the paint

removed they should be

warm water and soap.

with

After

being used with water-based or latex paint,

brushes should be cleaned with soap

all

and warm water.

The professional brushes used

for soft-

ening finishes such as faux marble get hard very quickly

when you

are working

with a water-based paint or glazing liquid. If

you feel the tips of the brush getting

hard after about twenty minutes, rinse the

brush under running water, shake

it

out,

and carry on. If

you are not sure of the composition of

the product you are working with, check the label or ask a salesperson what sol-

vent

is

required to clean your brushes and

other equipment.

Storage When

the brushes are thor-

oughly cleaned and dried, they should be stored properly, either hung bristles

from a pegboard or in

newspaper or

that

all

laid flat

and wrapped

craft paper. This

the bristles

will

down

ensures

stay perfectly

aligned and that the brushes

will

be ready

for your next project.

Protect wooden moldings and trim with masking tape. Use low-tack tape over any painted surfaces. Cover floors and furnishings 'with drop cloths.

new

finish

could peel right

likes the preparation stage,

Preparation Preparation

is

sional results.

critical If

off.

No one

and you may

be tempted to skip over parts, but to

ensure profes-

you skip steps or take

long run you'll save time and

in

the

money by

being well prepared.

shortcuts along the way to speed up the job, final

you

will

only be disappointed with the

results. For

example,

if

you skipped

CREATING A SAFE WORK SPACE •

Take the time to create a safe working

the primer and applied latex paint over an

environment, giving yourself room to move

old oil-based painted wall, your beautiful

freely. All furniture

42

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

should be cleared out

•

Keep small children and animals

at a

safe distance. •

Whenever possible, work

light, in

or invest

most

natural

in

painter's lights, available

in

paint stores. Painter's lights are

available as clip-ons or freestanding. They

shed a uniform your progress

so that you can see

light

when you are creating

a

decorative painted finish. •

Remove

all

and hard-

electrical plates

ware before you

start.

your plates are

If

them out on

plain white, lay

a sheet of

newspaper and apply the same

much

the wall. They'll look in

with your

•

Always

new

use

available

as

finish

better blended

finish.

low-tack

tape,

painter's

hardware stores, when taping

in

onto dry, freshly painted walls. Masking tape

will pull

off the

base coat, and some-

times even the plaster. •

Wear gloves

•

save your hands. Med-

gloves are the best, and can be

ical latex

bought

to

bulk.

in

Have the

tools, paints,

and review

at hand,

all

and glazes close

instructions before

you begin. of the way. You'll

need space to move a

•

When

sanding,

it's

important to wear a

mask and goggles

ladder around the room, and you won't

dust

have time to push the furniture aside as

eyes and lungs from airborne particles.

you go.

•

•

Cover floors with painter's drop cloths.

When working

ders,

it

is

to

protect your

with spray paint or pow-

essential to wear a

mask

for pro-

These are a good investment as they are

tection from airborne toxic particles. For

reusable and paint won't seep through.

small jobs there are filtered

on the floor

Plastic

to walk on,

is

slippery and unsafe

and paint

will

seep through

Cover any furnishings

left in

with old sheets or plastic covers. •

Work

that

are effective for a short time (one day). For larger projects, or

when working

with toxic

fumes such as those released by some

paper. •

masks

in

a well-ventilated area.

the room

paint strippers, there are

more

sophisti-

cated masks with charcoal

filters

that you

can change as they

fill

up.

GETTING STARTED

43

PREPARING WALLS

you can see where the patch

composed

Interior walls are

one

of

or a

or

add more

els

smooth

wood

veneer, or

wood panels. You can

stucco to freshen

up,

it

wood,

stucco,

drywall,

paint over

sand down

Prepare wood wall pan-

and wood trim the same way you do

combination of the following materials: plaster,

filler.

is,

furniture (see

Sanding

It

is

pages 47-48).

important to sand any sur-

or intentionally

face that has a high gloss before applying

aged appear-

primer or paint. For an even finish, use a

give your stuccoed walls an

and work

ance (see Painting Stucco, pages 87-89).

sanding

block

Veneer paneling can be painted. But

motion.

Don't forget the trim

first,

any holes or cracks as you would dry-

fix

bond

in

woodwork. Sandpaper comes

a

in

circular

and the different

to dirt,

gauges. Your paint store salesperson

have to

be able to show you which gauges suit

prepare any surface before you apply a

your needs. After you have sanded, wipe

wall. Paint will not stick or

grease, or a shiny surface. You

paint finish.

The aim

is

existing surface so the

onto

will

to roughen up the

new

paint can grab

down the

walls with a

Cleaning Remove loose cloth or brush, or

with

To remove paper from walls,

dirt with a soft

vacuum

down greasy walls

or cloth.

Allow to dry thoroughly.

Wallpaper

it.

damp mop

will

gently.

TSP

Wash

(trisodium

phosphate), and rinse. Do not wash unpainted plaster or raw wood.

Repairs: peeling paint, cracks, and

holes Scrap away any

loose, peeling, or

bubbled paint with a scraper, stopping

where fectly

old paint is holding fast. For a per-

smooth surface, you

a thin coat of

filler

will

have to add

or caulking

compound

to the bare spots to eliminate the ridges

where scraped surface meets

Sand when

dry,

using

old paint.

medium sand

Finish off with fine grit paper.

paper.

Brush away

any loose paint and debris from holes and cracks. Moisten the edges slightly and with

caulking

compound. Apply two

three coats of caulking, allowing

between coats, as

when dry to

see

if

it

is

to dry

A good test

smooth

is

to apply

a coat of primer over the patched area.

44

or

can shrink. Sand

with fine sandpaper.

the surface

it

fill

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

If

Dark glaze was ragged over

'wallpaper to create

this unusual testured effect.

wet down the paper with hot water

enough moisture soaks through

until

to soften

scrape away the paper.

the glue, then

There are solutions you can buy that

will

speed up the process, and you can also steamer that

rent a

will

are tackling an entire

many a

cloths

protect

is

always

from the

your floors

Some papers

water.

removing

or

will

peel off dry, but

leave a thin paper backing on the wall. This will

peel as soon as you paint

be removed before you a

sponge and scrape

is off,

is

it

must

Dampen

start.

off. After all

with

the paper

wash down the walls thoroughly

remove any glue residue, and It

so

it,

to

let dry.

possible to paint over wallpaper, as

long as

is

it

it

take a few weeks to

will

Ask the salesperson for your surface. if

there

thick enough. Test first to

Painting or staining floors

design, this

see the

the wallpaper has a raised

will

make an

interesting pat-

manent than painted to

craft paper,

a

diamond

the

proportions

often

for

marked

plaster, or

wood, and the caulking or

compound used step,

this

you

for repairs. will

will

If

you miss

coat,

as the

be absorbed unevenly. There are

excellent primers on the market will

filler

get spotty coverage

when you apply your base paint

drywall,

now

that

adhere to almost any surface. Acrylic

primer

will

cover old oil-based paint, shiny

it

or fur-

cost. Paint

adds

damaged wooden

disguises repairs that

The easiest

wood

floor

life

to badly

floors

and

stains would

surface to paint

wood; you can also paint concrete and

subfloors, as well as linoleum, as long as

properly prepared.

is

not

or

un-

prepared linoleum floors as the paint

will

is

not adhere well. is

tile,

When

completed and

ceramic,

the painted design

dry,

have between three and nish for

It

all

floors

five

should

coats of var-

sheen and, most important, good

protection.

Sanding old

wood

Your

step when reviving an

first

floor will

be to remove any wax,

dirt, old paint, stain,

and varnish from the

and wood. You

planks. There are sanding machines you

within a couple of hours,

can rent that do a wonderful job and save

latex paint, vinyl wallpaper,

can paint over

is

can dramatically transform a

little

or

the

tackle

more work than painting walls

advisable to paint

new

you

and

Although painting floors

actual floor.

Priming The primer coat seal the porous surface of

of

a stenciled border,

before

the surface

applied to

it's

roll

give you an idea of the effect

will

ture and finishes over wallpaper. is

walls. It's advisable

pattern, a faux tiled floor, or

This

is

tex-

whether

per-

even a geometric design done with a stain.

washing, sponging, stenciling, or stamping

add interesting

needed,

draw out a plan of the design on a

intensify.

will

is

and decorated floors are often more

tern under a coat of paint. Ragging, color-

are techniques that

often a scary

is

prospect, as good preparation

room

if

no need to prime

is

PREPARING FLOORS

cause

seams, but

There

been done.

repairs have

niture, they

to peel off. You will always

for the correct primer

already a base coat and no

is

ensure that the weight of the paint won't it

cure.

fully

you

if

so put down canvas drop

job,

to

room

Removing wallpaper

layers.

messy

save time

but

GETTING STARTED

45

wear and tear on your knees. But read the

Use

instructions carefully. or you will

dent the wood. Generally, you

will

need

a gentle touch

to

go over the surface twice,

once with a heavy- and then with

a light-

is

a

messy

all

and window treatments from the

furniture

Keep cleanup

room.

Remove

job.

minimum by

a

to

rooms you are not working

closing off

and close the heating vents

in

on,

the room

Remember

painted finish. floor with

to protect your

two or three coats of varnish. As

long as you follow the instructions you can paint any design you choose.

Cement

grade sandpaper.

Sanding

proceed with your base coats and desired

floors You may paint over con-

crete,

cement, or stone floors

ments

or balconies provided you seal

first.

Sweep up any loose

base-

in

them

and dust,

dirt

then apply one or two coats of acrylic primer over the dry surface.

where you are sanding. Always use a mask

when sanding; the dust

particles can be

harmful.

Finishing a piece of furniture with a fresh,

Cleaning for a

Allow the sanding dust to settle

few hours, then sweep up dust and

damp mop.

wipe the floor clean with a

Al-

Repairs

Use wood

a wonderful

is

add personality to any room cost.

at very

There are stores that furniture

if

way

sell

to

little

ready-

you want to

any

buy new pieces. Or build your own tables,

Sand smooth

with

shelves, and storage cabinets using the

fill

sandpaper and wipe

down.

wealth of great ideas and materials

in

today's do-it-yourself marketplace.

Priming Apply an

Secondhand

alkyd or acrylic primer

to seal the

wood. Water

wood from

a latex primer and raise the

wood

effect

in

to

filler

large holes or cracks. or fine-grade

new painted

made unpainted

low to dry thoroughly.

medium-

FURNITURE

will

soak

into the

furniture

can

be

easily

found at yard sales, junk shops, and flea markets,

perhaps

or

you

have

some

pieces that you've inherited. These old

grain.

Linoleum floors

It

is

possible to paint

over old linoleum floors, but you must pre-

pare the surface properly.

I

recommend

it

finds are often well ally

a bargain.

It's

made,

solid,

and usu-

also great fun scouring

the streets and countryside for unusual

will

finds.

Here are some points to remember

only last for a few years, until you can

when

looking for

as a quick-fix decorating solution that

afford

to

replace the

remove any wax,

dirt,

floor.

Thoroughly

and grease from the

secondhand

furniture to

paint: •

The condition of the paint and varnish

—they are easily removed.

linoleum using TSP, a heavy-duty cleanser

doesn't matter

available at your hardware store,

•

The color of the piece doesn't matter.

•

Warped wood

clean with

warm

face to rough

it

water, then up.

When

rinse

sand the

the floor

sur-

is dry,

however

Check

well

it's

will

always stay warped

painted.

drawers and doors.

apply a coat of high-adhesion primer, one

•

intended for shiny surfaces. Let dry, and

not capable of mending any broken draw-

46

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

all

If

you are

This striking "rug" with a Navajo design was painted over an old white linoleum ers, legs, etc., don't bother with the piece. •

Small cracks are easily

cracks and holes are more •

Look

for a piece that

shape and

fits

in

filled,

but large

difficult.

has an interesting

well with your

home's

Stripping

If

layers

poorly applied, you

piece

down

to

its

of will

floor.

paint

have been

want to

original surface.

strip the

You can

take the piece to a professional and have it

chemically dipped. This saves time, but not always possible, and chemical dip-

decor.

is

Preparing furniture for paint Taking

ping

the time to prepare your surfaces properly,

you may have a repair job on your hands.

be they odd tables, chairs, or other small accessories,

will

how long your

make

all

the difference to

finish will keep.

will

break down the furniture glue, so

There are stripping products on the market that you brush on. They dissolve the paint so that you can scrape

it

away. These

GETTING STARTED

47

commercial strippers can be hazardous,

some

but there are

Always

toxic.

available that are less

wear gloves,

a

suitable

mask, and goggles to protect your eyes.

Work

a

final

buffing.

always sand

in

As much as possible,

the direction of the

grain; this helps to prevent scratch

wood

marks.

well-ventilated

a

in

you go with a tack cloth. Use steel wool for

area.

Another popular method is

heat stripping. You can

rent a heat gun for this pur-

pose, but be careful not to

damage

wood by

the

beneath the

ing the surface

Heat an

paint.

the

until

burn-

area just

begins to

paint

bubble, about 10 seconds,

then scrape off the paint

and

heat

the

direct

to

another area of paint. After

wood

clean the

stripping,

with mineral spirits.

Repair any loose

Repairs

wood

parts with

glue.

holes and cracks with

wood

smooth.

sand

and

filler

Fill

Apply a coat of primer over the

Any

repairs.

be more

spots

will

when

the

Remove clean

it.

primer

all

uneven visible is

hardware and

You may want to buy

new handles, as the ones might not

new

on.

fit in

There

finish.

is

old

with the

a large

selection of hardware on the

market that facelift at

Sanding

will

little

For

add greatly to your furniture

tough

fine or extrafine.

Don't press too hard or you

dents or gouges

cost.

jobs,

medium-grade sandpaper and

48

This yard sale find was transformed with a dragged effect and some freehand painting.

start

with

finish with

Clean away the dust as

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

in

will

cause

the wood.

Primer Apply one or two coats of acrylic primer,

sanding

between coats.

lightly

with

steel

wool

Priming

Professional Tips for Painting If

one step you

a bit daunting, but

at a time

if

you take

it

section for the correct primer to use.

it

haven't done so already,

and don't rush the job,

PREPARATION OF THE SURFACE

Paint

not adhere to

will

you

furniture

drop cloths. Give yourself as

painter's

to

move around as

possible.

Professional Tips for Painting Furniture

and cracks must

or a shiny surface. Holes

be

grease, wax,

dirt,

move

If

and carpets out of the room, and put down

much space

every project, follow these steps.

1.

sur-

painted finish. Refer to the Preparation

be delighted with the results. For

will

ensure that you have a uniform

it

face over which to apply the base coat and

Rooms

you have never painted a room before,

may seem

will

an important step because

is

and sanded smooth, then the

filled

must be cleaned. Refer

entire surface

to

how

Preparation, pages 44-45, for tips on

BEFORE YOU BUY Secondhand

furniture

is

a great

way

to

home inexpensively. But make sure any damage is repairable. Paint

furnish a

to

prepare different types of surfaces.

Repair and prepare the surface well, and the rest of the job

go smoothly and

will

your finished effect

have a profes-

will

sional look.

won't cover up large gouges and cracks or replace a missing leg.

PREPARE BEFORE PAINTING Refer to the section on preparing niture (see

PRIMING

are

When you have completed you

will

need

the preparation,

to apply a coat of primer

your surface

if

is

is

to go over shiny surfaces, so

no need to sand off

nish or paint if

if

it's in

all

the old var-

good condition.

(a)

you are painting onto raw wood, plaster, or drywall, or (b)

made

there

fur-

Note that high-adhesion primers

to paint.

2.

wood

pages 46-48) before you begin

oil-based,

and you are going to be working with water-

CHAIRS For best results, turn the chair upside

and paint the legs

first,

down

working toward the

seat, and then paint the seat bottom. You

based paints. You cannot put water-based paint over an oil-based paint

not adhere and

will

—the paint

peel off

when

will

it's dry.

can use either a

bristle or

but a bristle paintbrush

sponge brush,

will

get into

crevices and around spindles better. Once

the legs are dry, turn the chair right side up

Here's a

tip

base coat

on how to judge is

oil-based

if

your original

and paint the back, then the seat

last.

or water-based:

Apply a small patch of water-based paint to

CHEST OF DRAWERS Take out the drawers and paint them

the wall

in

question and

let

it

dry overnight;

then, with your thumbnail, try to scratch off

the paint.

If

base coat

is oil,

it

lifts

off easily, your original

separately. in

the holes

will

need

to apply

if

the handles, and

fill

you are replacing the hard-

ware. Either buy new handles or renew the old

and you

Remove

ones

to

enhance the new painted

finish on the chest.

a coat of primer.

GETTING STARTED

49

BASE COAT

3.

This

step 1

is

boards after sanding, painting, or staining in

the instructions for most

of the painted finishes. You

the walls are white already, you

If

may be tempted

to skip the

base coat and

apply a finish such as colorwashing right

over the old paint. But

remember

that you

will

be using a tinted glaze or diluted paint

for

the

painted

and these are

effect,

translucent, so any dark

smudges

or lines

show through.

will

lowing this method you

will

onto finished work. Here

is

when

5.

PROTECTIVE TOPCOAT

You must apply varnish to walls only

when

diluted water-based paint has

fol-

avoid dripping

the order to

fol-

painting an entire room:

(a)

been

applied as a painted finish, for example,

colorwashing or fresco, and traffic

areas such as hallways, or

with lots of moisture like

kitchens. Unless you

high-

(b) in in

rooms

bathrooms and

want a shiny surface,

always apply a matte varnish which

Always work from the top down. By

low

floor.

want to

will

apply two coats of latex paint for best results.

the

invisible

when

dry. It's there only for pro-

tection. Floors always

need three

protective coats of varnish. to leave

them

is

for a

week

And

after

it

to five is

best

you have

fin-

ished the job before moving furniture back

ceiling walls

doors and trim floor

PAINTED FINISH

4.

Complete the base coats on the and walls ish.

If

first,

ceiling

then do your painted

fin-

your doors and trim are to be plain

paint, apply a fresh coat of paint to

areas when everything else

is

these

done.

If

you are applying a finish to the doors and trim, for

example, faux marble or drag-

ging, apply the

base coat

at the

same

time as the base coat for the walls. The last

stage

will

be the painted effect on

the door and trim.

The is

the

last floor.

This unusual faux finish door has been pro-

surface to be painted or stained If

the floor needs to be sanded,

do this after the walls are painted, as

it's

tected with two coats of varnish. into the

room, so they can dry thoroughly

and harden. They

will feel

—within

dry to the touch

a few hours, but the

far easier to dust off the finished walls

very quickly

than to protect a newly sanded floor from

first

ladder scrapes and paint drips.

cure because varnish dries from the top-

Note: Be prepared to touch up the base-

50

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

coat (varnish) takes several days to

coat down.

PREPARE When

PRIME

BASE COAT

painting, always

1.

Repair and sand

2.

Prime

all

all

TOP COAT

PAINTED FINISH

work from the top down. the surfaces: ceiling, walls, trim, and doors.

areas that have been repaired and any raw surface

—wood

or drywall. 3.

Paint and finish ceilings

4.

Paint base coats and painted effect on walls.

5.

When

6.

The

HOW You

walls are completely dry, paint trim and doors.

last

surface to be painted or stained

TO APPLY PAINT want

will

to

use a

If

cover large

it

the

difficult to paint a

floor.

rolling a floor,

to the other,

clean edge,

and move toward the door.

TAPE There are different types of tape available

masking

off selected areas you

then tape off the side you want to protect

for

with a suitable tape (see below).

protect from paint.

Don't overload your brush or paint.

and

It

roller

Although

marks when the paint it's

will

Working

thinner.

be smoother

more perfect with two

rather than

is

tempting to get the job over

with quickly, your surface

and

roller with

easier to avoid drips and brush

is

thin

coats

one thick coat. in

in

parallel

bands

using slightly crisscrossed strokes so that roller lines

are eliminated. Work from the

center of the section out so that the edges aren't repeatedly being loaded with fresh paint.

Smooth out the

ter point

When

paint from the cen-

toward the edges. rolling

Low-tack painter's tape paint

when tape

must use for in It's

is

will

not

when

any of the instructions

when you

pull off

to

fresh

being removed. You

painter's tape

makes

reusable, which

want

it

in it

is

called

this book.

economical

are doing a large room, and

will

give you a professional finish.

sections of approximately 3

feet by 3 feet, apply paint

work from one side

painting a

in,"

next to trim and corners with a brush.

you find

is

When

roller to

areas. But begin by "cutting line

first.

the ceiling,

use a pole

Regular masking tape painter's tape, and

is

is

much good

stickier than

for protecting

the edges of floors or shiny woodwork or glass, will

where the low-tack

painter's tape

not adhere.

If you can't find low-tack tape, use masking tape but remove some of the stickiness by pressing a strip of tape onto a carpet or your clothing.

TIPS:

Smear some petroleum jelly around the of window glass or mirrors before you paint. Paint drips will wipe away easily, as the

edges extender. You falling

will

on you, and

be able to avoid drips it's

easier to

make

long

paint won't stick to a greasy surface. This step will

even strokes.

save you from taping

off

each pane

of

glass.

GETTING STARTED

51

C

H

A

P

T

F

R

FOUR MASTER TECHNIQUES Although hundreds

of effects

can be produced

with paint, most are created by using one or

a combination of the four basic finishes that follow: colorwashing, ragging, sponging, and dragging. Once you've mastered them, you will be able to produce any of the exciting effects in this book, from elegant faux marble,

which

on the ragging techniques, to aged plaster, which colorwashing.

If

you're

new

is

is

based

based on

to paint finishes, try these sim-

ple yet striking painted effects first. Start with colors that

are similar in shade and tone for your base coat and glaze coat, so the effect will be subtle,

and any

mistakes invisible. Soon you'll see how easy

it

is to

paint, glazes,

manipulate and work with

and different

tools,

and be

ready for more challenging projects. The walls in this inviting room have been painted with a simple colorwash over a cream base coat.

52

of yellow

ochre

r

Colorwashing r

2

Colorwashing

1

tressed

PART 5 LATEX domly onto a base coat, a

PART WATER soft textured effect

technique that creates the faded plaster walls.

It's

illusion

of

most commonly

imperfect walls to

disguise

cracks and bumps, but can also be used to

p e

broken-color

or

used on

i

PAINT rAINI

a dis-

is

e c

add interest to smooth drywall

faces. Colorwashing

is

sur-

one of the easiest

ated.

Keep

in

mind that diluted paint

very runny, so this

Make sure well

may be

a

messy

covered

before

you

begin.

will

brushed on

loosely, resulting in a

room, but walls

marks and a gradual

buildup of color. The watered is

translucent, so each coat

one below.

If

one color

is

down

paint

shows the

brushed

ran-

And

splash on the work you've just done,

Colorwashed walls are perfect

variation of brush

job.

always work from the top down, or you

wall finishes: Diluted

is

is

the floors and furniture are

and most effective paint

is cre-

in

in

any

kitchens, bathrooms,

and hallways should be given a coat of matte varnish

for protection. Left, pale

yellow and pink were applied over a white

basecoat.

PAINT AND TOOLS BASE COAT:

PAINTED FINISH:

white latex paint, flat or satin roller, brush, and paint tray

latex paint, satin

1 mixing container 3" or 4" latex brush

paint tray

GETTING STARTED

55

M

Step 3 Working in sections of about 3' x 3' or 4' x 4', apply the diluted paint in random crisscross brushstrokes, keeping a wet edge (see page 72).

Continue to add the wash until

CO

crisscross strokes

in

there are no areas of the base coat showing.

Let dry.

Step 4

If

you're working

in

a bathroom, kitchen, or

hallway, protect your colorwash with a coat of clear

varnish.

TIPS: When you are painting on a large wall, keep a wet edge (page 72) so that you don't

o

o

get join lines. When starting the next section, overlap your strokes by about 1". Always complete one wall before answering the phone or resting.

Colorwashing with Two Colors If

your

want

to

first

colorwash appears too bold, or

add more texture to the

a second colorwash

Shown pink,

INSTRUCTIONS For the best results, prepare your surface following

the Preparation section (page 42).

the guidelines

in

Step 1 Base

coat: Apply 2 coats

to

and

let

dry for 2

4 hours.

Step 2

Dilute the paint for the

with water until

56

mixed

in

a mixing container

well,

and pour

colorwash paint as indicated,

into a paint tray.

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

stir

here:

layer

if

you

simply apply

a

different color.

first

colorwash pale

in

base coat white,

finish,

second colorwash cranberry.

ALTERNATE TECHNIQUE

W>

Colorwashing with a Roller For a large wall this

is

fun,

and very

fast.

short pile roller to apply the colorwash

in

Use

a

criss-

cross strokes. For a subtle effect the base coat

<0

O

u should be only a couple of shades

lighter

than the

colorwashed coat. For a more contemporary and lighthearted look, try bright colors over white. Here

colorwashed the walls in emerald green, and I've added a burgundy border with freehand gold swirls and dots. I

PI

t

GETTING STARTED

57

Ragging Off e c

r

i

p e

PARTS LATEX PAINT SAME SHEEN AS THE BASE COAT) 2 PARTS WATERBASED GLAZING 2

(THE

Ragging off

is

LIQUID

probably 1

the most popular of

base

all

the painted finishes. A glazing liquid

must be added

to the paint

ragging off as the surface

when

you're

must stay wet

long enough for you to manipulate the

glaze with the

rag.

The most subtle

effects are created by using soft free rags

Chamois

— old

T-shirts are

my

lint-

favorite.

leather (used for waxing cars)

gives the effect of suede, while crumpled plastic gives a

The key

color combinations of the

PART WATER

more defined

to successful ragging

finish. is

the

coat

and

glaze. Soft colors over a white

colored

base

will

give the appearance of old walls. Dark

colors over a lighter tone of the color

will

create a dramatic,

same

elegant

effect. It's best to avoid mixing totally

different colors, as these combinations

usually look too sharp.

Use

latex paint with either a satin

or semigloss sheen; on the opposite

pages, a dark forest green was ragged over a soft sage base coat.

PAINT AND TOOLS BASE COAT: latex paint, satin or roller,

mixing container

semigloss

brush, and paint tray

PAINTED FINISH: latex paint, satin or

paint tray and medium-pile roller 2" brush

approximately 12-inch-square pieces

lots of rags torn into

semigloss

glazing liquid

GETTING STARTED

59

INSTRUCTIONS

TIPS: Never stop halfway down

For the best results, prepare your surface following

the middle, or you

the guidelines

Step 1 Base and

the Preparation section (page 42).

coat: Apply 2 coats of latex paint

dry for 2 to

let

Step 2 Mix pour

in

into the paint tray.

QJQ QjQ

Step 3 Apply the

{Q

the wall and cut

0^

4 hours.

the colored glaze as indicated and

it

is

x

3'.

If

whole wall. Always work from the top down. Tape along the corners of alternate walls, and rag those walls first. When dry, transfer the tape and rag the other two.

colored glaze: Start at the top of in

the edges with glaze, using a

brush. Next, apply the glaze with a roller to an area of about 3'

lines of color.

a wall or in

get dark overlapping this does happen, redo the will

Make sure 100%

of the surface

ALTERNATIVES You can vary the

finish by ragging off the colored

glaze with a variety of tools such as plastic bags,

covered.

chamois

cloths,

and cheesecloths. Practice

ing with the glaze to

are

some examples,

touch

is

different.

exactly the

of

see which look you

same

like.

play-

Below

but remember, everyone's

No two people

finish. That's part of

will

create

the beauty

it.

Ragging with plastic (violet panel) Ragging with chamois leather (dark green panel) Ragging with cheesecloth (cherry panel)

Step 4 Crumple up the rag so it looks like a rose. Step 5 Dab the rag over the wet glaze surface. Keep turning the as

it

rag,

and replace

it

with a dry

one

gets loaded with glaze. Do not overwork the

ragging

—dab about 70%

of the surface.

Step 6 Move

to the next section

glaze with the

roller.

previously ragged area.

Rag

Step 7 Repeat the process ragging

it

and apply more

Overlap the wet edge of the off.

of rolling on glaze and

off until you reach the corner.

Ragging On

recipe Ragging on

one of the

is

2 1

parts latex paint PART WATER

simplest effects there is.

It

off,

but the advantage

is

can be applied without a glazing This

on

is

its

makes ing.

that

it

liquid,

a textured effect that looks great

own

overall appeal in

this celestial

creates a less subtle effect than

ragging

add to the

use a

lighter

the walls.

bedroom. Just

touch than you would for

When

ragging,

usually

it's

best to choose colors that are

fairly

close to each other, and the base color

rooms and

should be a few shades lighter than the

a perfect background for stencil-

ragged color. For example, rag yellow

in

children's

You can stencil

right

over the ragged

band as a border around

wall or paint a

the room and decorate the border.

Ragging on ceilings

is

easy and does

over a white base, or dark blue over a light blue.

sheen

It's

for the

best to use the

same

base coat and the paint

you rag on.

PAINT AND TOOLS BASE COAT: brush,

roller,

tray

PAINTED FINISH: latex paint,

—

cotton or T-shirt fabric mixing container rags

sheen and paint

latex paint, any

is

best

paint tray

paper towels

same sheen as base

GETTING STARTED

61

o

INSTRUCTIONS For the best results, prepare your surface following

the guidelines

in

Step 1 Base and

I <0

let

the Preparation section (page 42).

it

Step 3 Crumple up Step 4 Dip the rag

the rag so

it

looks

into the paint

like

a rose.

and dab off the

excess on paper towel.

Step 5 Apply the

rag to the wall

second

80%

Ragging on

in

to this finish,

color.

2 colors,

for

example, yellow over blue.

random marks

of the surface, keeping the

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

and can soften the

overall look

if

you

aren't satisfied with the appearance of the single color.

in

pattern as uniform as possible.

62

the effect looks uneven, apply a second a different shade of the same color or

Ragging on a second color adds even more texture

into a paint tray.

covering about

in

ALTERNATIVE

Dilute the paint according to the recipe

and pour

in a

If

coat: Apply 2 coats of latex paint

dry for 2 to 3 hours.

Step 2

TIP: coat

Sponging On

recipe 2

Sponging on

PAINT KAINI

the applica-

is

1

tion of latex paint with

sponge fairly

PARTS LATEX

a

directly onto the surface.

It

is

inexpensive because you are only

80 percent

covering about

of the sur-

face with diluted latex paint.

technique,

fast

quickly and the

as

the

It's

also a

paint

dries

second coat can usually

be applied as soon as you have finished the

first,

It's

if

you start

in

the

same

place.

important that the colors you

choose contrast

well,

and

I've

start

better

to

lighter

color

with

the

PART WATER

found

it

is

The easiest method colors

to

as the base,

make

complement each other

two colors from the same a or

medium

sure your is

family,

to pick

such as

blue sponged over pale blue,

two colors that have the same depth

or tone, like pastel yellow over a pastel

blue base. Using the

base coat as provide a different

in

same sheen

in

the

the sponged colors

will

more subtle sheens

will

effect.

Using two

add depth.

PAINT AND TOOLS 1 container for each CO or to be

BASE COAT: latex paint, flat, satin, or roller

,

semigloss

brusl l, an d paint tray

PAINTED FINISH: latex paint,

same sheen as base

sponged sea sponges disposable plates or pa paper towels

nt trays

GETTING STARTED

63

I

I

V

Š E m%

"Sb

fist

INSTRUCTIONS

c o

*VÂť"'*dfc

B^.

: .

'.

For the best results, prepare your surface following

the guidelines

in

the Preparation section (page 42).

Step 1 Base latex paint

and

coat: Apply 2 coats of

dry for 2 to

let

Don't forget, this coat

V

J

will

4

hours.

be one of

and the surface

is

dry,

first

color

use a clean sponge and

repeat the process with the second color, and then third color

as your pattern requires.

the colors seen on the surface.

Step 2 Mix

paint and water

containers as indicated

in

in

the

the recipes.

Pour each color onto a separate plate or tray.

are

Step 5 When you have completed the

damp, not

Step 3 sponge

Wet the sea sponges so they

dripping.

Start with

first color.

into the diluted paint

Remember that the base coat will always be the least seen color, and the last sponged color will be the most dominant. When you are working in the corners or along trim, break off a small piece of the sponge to avoid splotches or sponge marks.

TIPS:

Dip one side of the

and

blot the

excess

on paper towels.

Step 4 Dab ing about

the sponge

70%

in

an.

even pattern cover-

of the surface.

ALTERNATIVE The same three colors can give very different effects,

depending on the order

in

which they are

applied.

GETTING STARTED

65

Sponging Off e c

r

i

p e

PARTS LATEX

2

PAINT

Sponging off

is

2

a technique

whereby a colored glaze

is

PARTS WATERBASED GLAZING

a softer, more subtle effect

LIQUID

than sponging on. As the

PART WATER

1

applied over a base color;

the textured look

drying time

created by sponging

is

over the wet surface. Sponging off gives

slowed down to sponge

needs

off,

to

a glaze

be

must

be added to the paint.

PAINT AND TOOLS BASE COAT:

water-based glazing liquid mixing container sea sponge water 3" brush disposable plate or paint tray paper towels

latex paint, satin or semigloss roller, brush, and paint tray PAINTED FINISH: latex paint, same sheen as base

coat

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 5 Repeat step

For the best results, prepare your surface

lowing the guidelines

in

fol-

the Preparation section

(page 42). coat: Apply 2

coats of latex paint and

let

dry

2 to 4 hours. Step 2 Mix the colored glaze

for

recipe

in

a container.

Step 3 Working on an area of about 3' x 3', apply the colored glaze over

100%

surface. Always work

of the

in

small

sections to keep a wet edge.

Step 4 Dampen the sponge

with water.

one side of the sponge over the glaze.

66

with the sponge. full

Step 1 Base

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

Dab

3,

overlapping the previ-

ously sponged area slightly, and dabbing off

When

the sponge

of paint, rinse out with water.

becomes

Dragging Dragging ated

when

recipe

the effect cre-

is

a dry brush

PARTS LATEX PAINT PARTS WATER-BASED

2 is

2

pulled through a colored 1

glaze, revealing the

color

fine

in

monly

When

effect ful

or is

a

It's

is

most

effective

in soft,

is

fairly

doors,

the features and blends well with tex-

This

tured walls. Stencils work well over a

living

pas-

ideal for vin-

tage colors. You do need a

on

silk

colors over a white base coat. An off

white or cream base

used

most com-

moldings, and trim. This

a beauti-

painted finish for a bedroom or

is

are

walls

wallpaper.

also called strie.

room, and tel

silk-look

the job faster

Dragging

base

lines.

make

and easier.

GLAZING LIQUID PART WATER

dragged, they give the impression of fabric

will

steady

dragged

wall,

will

and by painting a border

around the top of the room color

highlight

in

the base

and stenciling over the top of

border, a clean

Dragging furniture,

is

edge

is

this

produced,

also an ideal finish for

and works well with other

fin-

height of the wall

ishes; for example, ragged walls look

from ceiling to baseboard, but using a

great with dragged baseboards. Use a

very wide brush, such as a wallpaper

semigloss paint, as you need a slippery

brush or even the end of a wide broom,

surface for this technique.

hand

to drag the

full

PAINT AND TOOLS BASE COAT: latex paint,

mixing container

semigloss

paintbrush

PAINTED FINISH:

3" brush 4" dragging brush or any long-bristled

paintbrush

latex paint, satin

rag

latex glazing liquid

varnish (optional)

GETTING STARTED

67

INSTRUCTIONS For the best results, prepare your surface following

the guidelines

in

Step 1 Base and

let

the Preparation section (page 42).

I

coat: Apply 2 coats of latex paint

dry for 2 to 4 hours.

Step 2 Mix the colored glaze as indicated. Step 3 Apply the colored glaze to a workable length of the surface. (For small areas like table-

tops, cover the whole area.)

Step 4

Starting at one end,

pull

the dragging

brush straight through the wet glaze. Repeat several

times

until

you get the effect required.

ALTERNATIVES White base, yellow dragged (fresh look)

White base, vintage blue dragged (country or heritage look)

Step 5 Clean the dragging brush on the rag. Step 6 Repeat on the next section of surface. Step 7 Apply a coat of varnish for protection if the finish is on woodwork or trim.

TIPS:

you are working on a door frame, angle where the side and the top frames meet. Drag the adjoining area when the first dragged piece is dry. Always drag in the direction of the grain.

mask

If

off the

Opposite, a cornflower blue glaze has been dragged over a white basecoat with a wide brush.

V

<L

9

PART TWO

and Floors

s

Although they've been around for hundreds

of years, painted finishes

applied to walls and floors are one of the fastest-growing trends in

decorating today; their revival in the last fifteen years, first in

Europe and now asked

if

in

North America,

this trend will

wane, but

interest in decorative painting will

remain strong. The cost

of

decorating surfaces with paper,

is

quite remarkable. I'm often

in fact

and stone

is

high, and

although we may admire the rich look of silk or leather and the

believe today's newfound

Painted finishes are also ideal for camouflaging flawed surfaces or for adding

new

life

floors.

fabrics,

I

and character to old walls and

For

cotta-tinted glazes to a wall that or cracked, you

tically these materials are not

within

many

bit of paint

budgets. But with a

and a few inexpensive

and appeal to

are available to everyone.

marred

can produce a textured

will

add instant warmth

plain white stucco.

Applying painted finishes to large sur-

faces using water-based glazes

and gives better results together. Usually

tools, all of these elegant looks

is

look reminiscent of ancient frescoes; a

simple colorwash

refined polish of marble, realis-

by applying terra-

instance,

colored

glaze

if

is

faster

two people work

one person applies the

while

the

other follows,

removing or manipulating the glaze. To get

71

—

clean, professional corners on walls, work

one

at a time,

and mask along the corner

of the adjoining wall with low-tack tape.

This

way you can work

right into

the corner

without getting paint on the other wall.

top of a wall and work your way down. Brush or

roll

the glaze onto an area of about 3 feet

by 3 feet, then work the glaze to achieve

the desired effect (ragging, flogging,

Immediately apply the

next

etc.).

section

overlapping about. an

glaze,

along

inch

edge

the

is

as the wet edge;

this

dries,

if

seam forms

a

just

known

worked. This edge

edge the

in

paint, creating a line. This

correct

difficult to

do appear,

—

can

and

spoil a painted effect,

lines

of

if

is

seam

best to

it's

redo that wall.

A paint

that

finish

truly professional

looks

never shows

the tools used to create

When

your

com-

are

walls

it.

pleted, the impression should

be of added texture or pattern, not of brush strokes or

sponge blotches. The

floor is

an important

room that

part of a

often

is

overlooked when decorating

we tend

either to put

carpeting

wall-to-wall

down or

to

and varnish the wood

stain

in

a plain honey or oak stain. But floors

your

are important,

home has few

moldings

make

The walls

of this study have been softly colorwashed in two colors with yellow ochre over a cream base coat.

Leave the glazed wall to the tape (low-tack'tape

dry,

is

then transfer

reusable) to the

dry glazed wall and continue.

Always start by applying the glaze to the

72

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

described

Many in

this

if

interesting

trim,

why

not

the floor a focal point? of the

paint

finishes

book can also be applied

to floors.. Character

wooden

or

and

can be added to new

floors by colorwashing

and then

adding a decorative stencil; damaged old

An

old linoleum floor has

been transformed

floors or unattractive imitation parquet

be easily disguised, and the look of simulated

—

all

to look like

can

tiles

with paint. Try painting a

a Mediterranean stone

about when

I

was

floor.

correcting a mistake.

If

you're not happy with your results, for

example, you've ragged a

rich terra-cotta

rug directly onto the floor (see Combing,

over a cream base, and the contrast

page 107);

a great idea for children's

great, try ragging over the terra-cotta with

needs a

the base color. Everyone's touch varies,

rooms lift.

it's

or for a long hallway that

Read the instructions (page 45)

for

preparing the floor before beginning.

Painted finishes

are

becoming more

and more interesting and sophisticated as

new techniques

Some of finishes came

are discovered.

my most stunning

paint

is

too

which makes each paint finish fresh and unique.

It

won't take you long to perfect

these simple effects, and you inventing your

Creating

will

soon be

own remarkable designs.

new looks

is

the best part of dec-

orative painting.

FINISHES FOR WALLS AND FLOORS

73

C

H

A

P

T

F

R

TEXTURED FINISHES The interesting painted

effects found in this chapter are all

quick and easy to do, yet each one gives a distinctive look to

any wall or

floor.

Frottage, bagging, and flogging add tex-

ture to a plain surface by the application and

then partial removal of a tinted glaze. Each technique uses a different material — paper, plastic bags, or a long-bristled brush— to produce unique

when pressed

designs and textures

into the glaze.

With fresco and painted stucco, a tinted glaze

is

applied randomly to the surface and then lightly

rubbed

off to imitate the

appearance

of

worn, weath-

ered walls. By colorwashing wood you have the

advantage

of

adding color without hiding the natural

wood grain. Plain wainscotting can be enlivened with a few coats of colorwash in interesting colors, and color-

washed

floors

make a

perfect background for stenciling.

Yellow has been painted over a rough stucco wall to create a softly textured finish.

74

i

I

Utftfc

l»

Frottage

recipe 2

2

1

ter,

meaning

is

the

glazed

is

a beautiful

remarkably easy to

surface

rubbed, then removed

in

rich

and gently

—the technique

is

ance that looks for

like soft

an entrance

hall,

suede

— perfect

dining room, or

even bedroom. On the walls of this

room

accented with touches of faux

more sophisticated.

tortoiseshell (page 154).

is

PAINT AND TOOLS BASE COAT: semigloss brush, roller, and paint tray PAINTED FINISH: latex paint, semigloss or satin, about 3 shades darker than the base coat water-based glazing liquid latex paint,

76

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

mixing container 3" brush paint tray and roller a

roll

or sheets of craft paper cut

approximately 3' x 5'-inch sheets semigloss varnish (optional) into

print

at right, ochre frottaged over pale

yellow

looks best ap-

A

frottaged finish has an elegant appear-

similar to bagging, but the results are It

dark colors

over a lighter base coat.

do. Sheets of craft paper are pressed

onto

plied

PART WATER

frot-

"to rub." This

painted finish that

LATEX PAINT PARTS WATERBASED GLAZING LIQUID

The name frottage stems from the French verb

PARTS SEMIGLOSS OR SATIN

r~-

ÂŁ)

INSTRUCTIONS

fofl

For the best results, prepare your surface following

mm

the guidelines

in

^1 ^J }J

Step 1 Base

coat: Apply

_

and

let

the preparation section (page 42).

2 coats of the base color

dry for 2 to 4 hours.

Step 2 Mix the recipe and pour

colored glaze as indicated it

in

the

into the paint tray.

Step 6

Roll

more colored glaze onto the next secthe glaze onto the edges of the

tion, overlapping

previously glazed area. Don't stop working until you

have finished a whole

wall,

keeping a wet edge the

page 72). Step 7 To add to the depth of

this paint effect,

apply a coat of semigloss varnish

when the

entire time (see

paint

is

dry (optional).

TIP: Each sheet of craft paper can be used several times. Work with a friend, one person applying the glaze, the other working with the paper.

ALTERNATIVES Frottaged painted finishes

Step 3 Work

in

sections slightly smaller than the

sheets of paper. Apply the colored glaze to the

edges of the section with a brush and then using a

roller.

fill

in

The glaze should cover 100% of the

work section.

Step 4 Immediately

lay a

the wet glaze. Smooth

Step 5 Remove

78

it

sheet of

craft

paper over

out with your hands.

the paper.

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

in

green and red.

Bagging recipe PARTS LATEX PAINT PARTS WATER-BASED GLAZING LIQUID 1 PART WATER 2 2

Bagging

is

a

technique

that can

produce many

different

effects,

Here, the red glaze

depending on the

color combinations of the

and the glaze color used. process of

rolling

smoothing out the

lines cific

a simple

laying on

large

plastic.

By

plastic that's stuck

you create interesting

and creases. By choosing specolors

and smoothing out the

plastic in particular ways, you

ate

bagged over a white base coat,

base color

It's

bags or sheets of

to the glaze,

was

on glaze over a dry

base coat and then plastic

leather and even marble.

can

bagged finishes that look

PAINT BASE COAT:

like

Af *

\J

\J v/

L.

O

mixing container 3" brush

latex paint, satin

brush, roller, and paint PAINTED FINISH:

tray

latex paint, satin

water-based glazing

cre-

paint tray and roller

several garbage bags, sheets of plastic, or dry cleaning

bags

liquid

FINISHES FOR WALLS AND FLOORS

79

INSTRUCTIONS For the best results, prepare your surface following

I

the Preparation section (page 42).

the guidelines

in

Step 1 Base

coat: Apply

and

let

dry for 2 to

Step 2 Mix the Step 3 Cut the

4

2 coats of the base color

hours.

colored glaze as indicated. plastic

bags down the sides to get

very large sheets of plastic.

Step 4 Cut

the cor-

in

ners of the area to be painted with a brush, then

apply the a

with

colored

roller.

area about the

as the sheet of

Step

5

glaze

Cover an

same

size

plastic.

Immediately

place the plastic over the

Finish

one

wall before stopping or you will create

dark lines along the wet edge.

— —

TIP: Bagging is a very fast technique a whole room can be completed in a morning but it is much easier to work with a friend, one person applying the glaze, the other bagging.

wet glaze and smooth the

bag

out. This

forms the

creases.

Step 6 Remove the bag. Step 7 Repeat over the rest

of the surface over-

lapping the glaze slightly to maintain consistency.

ALTERNATIVES deep colors such as dark red, tan, or brown over a base coat that's a couple of shades lighter. Smooth the plasTo create the look of leather, use

tic

out so the creases run

Press

in

some

in

ors found black,

drifts,

£*

^^B

^L

80

this border.

in

real marble,

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

^H

col-

such as ochre, white,

and green. Smooth out the plastic in one so the creases and lines run in

direction only,

ik

1

in

To reproduce simple faux marble, start with

m^ i

different directions.

upholstery tacks for an updated

look that mimics leather, as

Ill

rich

emulating the veins of

real marble.

Flogging r

e c

i

p e

PARTS LATEX PAINT PARTS WATER-BASED GLAZING LIQUID 1 PART WATER 2

3

The term flogging derives

sides of the bristles. The

base color should

from the tool used to ereate this effect, a long-hair bristle brush

be a few shades

known as a

color, or

"flogger" that

is

similar to a

dragging brush. A real flogger sive, but

is

expen-

as a substitute you can use

any 3" painter's brush with long ties. Flogging is a

used

in

bris-

technique that can be

several different ways, from pro-

wood

lighter

ideally

than the glaze

you can apply the colored glaze

over white or cream for a more distinct pattern.

Flogging

on

large

surfaces

with

water-based paint and glaze takes practice,

and you need to work

fast.

Always

to

complete one wall before stopping, and

creating a silky textured effect on walls,

always keep a wet edge or dark join lines

A flogged

will

viding a background for faux

finish is

produced by applying

appear between the areas painted,

a colored glaze to the wall and then flog-

Shown on the

ging, or striking, the surface with the

flogged over a white base coat.

following page: soft green

PAINT AND TOOLS BASE COAT:

4" brush

latex paint, satin or

brush,

roller,

semigloss

and paint tray

PAINTED FINISH: latex paint, satin

water-based glazing

mixing container flogging brush or any long-bristled brush rag

liquid

FINISHES FOR WALLS AND FLOORS

81

INSTRUCTIONS For the best results, prepare your surface following

the Preparation section (page 42).

the guidelines

in

Step 1 Base

coat: Apply 2 coats of the

and

let

dry for 2 to

Step 2 Mix

base color

4 hours.

the colored glaze as indicated. Work-

ing an area of about 3'

x

3' at a time, apply the

colored glaze to the base coat

in

a crisscross

brushstroke.

Step 3

Pull

the brush vertically through the glaze

to create a dragged effect.

Step 4 Hold lel

the flogger so the bristles are paral-

to the surface

the glaze and

lift

and then slap the brush against up.

Keep repeating

wet glaze, keeping the brush

this over the

straight. This

breaks

up the dragged strokes.

Step 5 Repeat

by applying more glaze to the next

section, overlapping the sections slightly. Let dry.

TIP: Keep the flogger as dry as possible by continually wiping any glaze off on a rag.

I

ALTERNATIVES Pink glaze flogged over a white background.

Create an interesting pattern by flogging different directions, horizontal

The walls

in this city

and

in

two

vertical.

apartment were flogged

in a soft green.

FINISHES FOR WALLS AND FLOORS

83

Io

Fresco e c

r

Fresco

is

the ancient art

of painting on

i

p e s

2

wet plaster

2

using pigments and wa-

make

also

For colored glazes:

PARTS LATEX PAINT PARTS WATER BASED GLAZING

grounds

perfect back-

for stenciled or

-

block-painted designs.

LIQUID ter,

which

technique

a

produces soft subtle

col-

1

Although

cient art,

it's

an

new and

now one

older

glazes randomly to the

PART WATER

an-

ular finishes for walls

both

finish first apply colored

PAINT

ors that possess great

depth.

To create a frescoed

PART WATER For whitewash 2 PARTS WHITE LATEX 1

most pop-

of the

and ceilings of

homes. With the

fol-

them together

blending

surface,

wall

slightly with a soft brush,

After the glazes have dried, brush on a thin coat of diluted white paint.

When

lowing recipe, this aged look can be

some

achieved with the simple application of

revealing the colors underneath, the gen-

flat

latex

paint.

If

you choose

warm

tie

of this

whitewash

face

an authentic frescoed wall

used two tones of pale

seen

in

those

old Italian villas. Frescoed walls

rubbed away,

look of a time- and weather-worn sur-

Mediterranean colors, you can create like

is

is

created.

In

this living

room,

gray, instead of

the more traditional terra-cotta colors.

PAINT AND TOOLS BASE COAT: creamy white

water-based glazing latex paint, satin

roller, and paint PAINTED FINISH:

brush,

tray

pale orange/terra-cotta latex paint, satin

pale pink/terra-cotta latex paint, satin

84

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

I've

creamy white

liquid

latex paint, satin

3 mixing containers several 3" brushes paint tray soft rags

— pieces

of T-shirt fabric

are best, each approximately

12-inches-square

O ^

INSTRUCTIONS

(/)

the guidelines

in

Q}

Step 1 Base

coat: Apply 2 coats of

^^"

For the best results, prepare your surface following

latex paint

and

the Preparation section (page 42).

let

dry for 2 to

Step 2 Mix the glazes as coat

4

creamy white

hours.

indicated: First glaze

orange/terra-cotta; second glaze coat

is

is

pink/terra-cotta.

Step 5

Fold the rag smoothly so there are no

creases, and dab onto wet surface to blend the colors and

Step 6

remove any

Pull

visible brushstrokes.

a dry brush horizontally and vertically

through the glaze to create random patterns. The look should be soft, with no brush marks. Let the

walls dry completely.

With the 3" brush apply the

Step 3

glaze (orange/terra-cotta) to about face, with a brush using

about

30%

70%

colored

of the sur-

random strokes.

Step 4 Apply second colored cotta) to

first

glaze (pink/terra-

of the surface.

Step 7 Whitewash

coat:

Dilute

creamy white

paint with water as indicated. Brush whitewash

randomly over the surface.

Step 8 With

rag folded smooth, dab out brushRub away some of the white paint to more of the color underneath. Let dry.

strokes. reveal

TIP: As the white paint dries, more of the base color will appear. For a a

86

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

second coat

more subtle

effect, try

of the white colorwash.

Painting Stucco recipe I

am

get

how

often asked of

rid

those

to

thick-pile roller

PARTS LATEX

2

PAINT

pointy 1

texture the surface with a

PART WATER wide spatula.

stucco ceilings that look like icing

sugar and how to camouflage

unsightly stucco on walls. Stucco

moval

is

expensive;

I

find

and then

re-

sanding down

are

in

If

your walls

bad condition, new stucco

will

hide the imperfections and provide a great surface on which to work.

the points and plastering over the top

smoother stucco

with a

to be a good,

inexpensive solution.

Stucco on walls

is

now once again

in

vogue, but the new stucco has either a

more polished, sophisticated look seen

restaurants) or

in

is

highlight its texture; a soft

diluted paint

works

well.

(often

painted to

colorwash of

There are many

A brands of stucco on the market, each with

different

instructions.

Ask your

hardware dealer about the proper cation.

I

like to

appli-

apply the stucco with a

stenciled border combines beautifully with stuccoed wans.

Because stucco

is

must be sealed before

plaster-based,

it

painting: Apply a

coat of shellac with a short-pile

roller.

PAINT AND TOOLS PAINTED FINISH: latex paint, low

4" brushes

sheen

rag

mixing container

FINISHES FOR WALLS AND FLOORS

87

INSTRUCTIONS

o o o

Step 1 Seal the

plaster stucco with a coat of shel-

lac using a short-piled

roller.

Previously painted

plaster should be given two coats of white latex paint.

Step 2 Dilute the paint with water as indicated. Step 3 Working in an area of about 4' x 4' at time, apply the diluted paint randomly over

the stucco with a 4" brush.

goes

a rag, blend

over the stucco so that

the crevices and

some

is

of the paint

is

more

fitting to

wall.

bronze for a contemporary look.

Fuchsia pink for a glamorous setting.

\

/

/

88

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

is left in

brushed away. This

ALTERNATIVES Dull

of

and spread the paint

some

add an aged look, which

coed

70%

the paint

into the crevices.

Step 4 With

Q.

Make sure

a

will

a stuc-

Colorwashing on Wood e c

r

PART LATEX

1

PAINT, FLAT

Instead of applying coats

opaque

latex

clean

of

paint.

If

stain

paint,

the

been stripped with chemicals,

nique of washing diluted

be

patterns of the

wood

to

Staining floors with paint nique,

common

onto

paint

wood allows the

natural

show through. is

an old tech-

country cottages.

in

Colorwashing

is

similar

to

staining, but less expensive,

washed down

water, then

left

more

subtle,

first

with blue paint, then with a

coat of green.

pro-

ors available, as

compared

*****S*mm~ 'mtaiis*!*******

finish.

There's also a huge range of paint

col-

to a rather

limited choice of colors for stains. Col-

orwashing

is

also effective on furniture

and wainscoting, and makes a perfect

base

for stencils.

Make sure the wood

is

thoroughly

PAINT AND TOOLS PAINTED FINISH:

lint-free rags

latex paint, flat

matte varnish

4" brush

90

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

and

second

wood

and

aged

vinegar

must

The walls below were colorwashed

y

a

with

it

to dry completely.

*»**miim>**»»&*** A

duces

old

wood has

which hide the grain of wood, this tech-

stripped bare

and

PART WATER

1

of

p e

i

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 4

For the best results, prepare your floor following the

want

the Preparing Floors section (page 45).

guidelines

in

Step 1

the

If

prevent resins

wood in

the

new, seal

Step 5

with shellac to

varnish.

wood and knotholes from seep-

washed

is

it

ing through your paint.

Apply a second coat of colorwash

to build

up the

color, or to

Protect your

A matte

new

finish

see less

finish with is

if

you

grain.

3 or 4 coats of

preferable for color-

floors.

TIPS: Colors will look less intense when they are watered down and rubbed into the wood. The depth of color will vary with the number of

1

o

I

c o

applications.

Any stenciling should be applied when the paint >

t,

!

is

completely

dry.

ALTERNATIVES

|

Three different colors: •

pale pink 9-

.

historic blue

1

sea green

Step 2

o

o

Dilute the latex paint according to the recipe

and brush onto the wood floorboards of the grain.

Work on several boards

to cover the whole length of

in

the direction

at once, but try

each board. ..

^-

-

Step 3 Wipe the

floor lightly with a rag folded

so

there are no creases, exposing the grain of the

wood

while the colorwash

is still

wet. The idea

rub the paint into the wood, leaving a

so you can

still

of paint, discard

see the it

grain.

When

light

the rag

and use a new dry one.

is

to

coating is full

ÂŁ

APT

H

E

B.

PATTERNS Creating patterns and designs on surfaces with paint

is

a great alternative to

wallpaper or floor coverings. Paint

is

far cheaper, you can

more easily than you can with wallpaper, and you need just a roller and some primer to create an entirely new look when you want

match up colors

to

to furnishings

change the design or colors

of

your room. Patterns

can be applied to walls, floors, or even furniture in

many

different ways; for example, borders can be cre-

ated with stencils, stamps, or household tools such as

a comb, a kitchen sponge, or a bottle cork. Architectural

features

can be added, or

existing features highlighted by combining a

pattern such as a stripe, done below a chair

rail,

with a paint finish above. Any pattern applied to a floor,

from diamonds to tartan,

is

a simple, inex-

pensive way to add character and charm.

With a ruler and masking tape you can create crisp stripes and plaids; combs or sponges give a softer effect. This simple staircase bas been "countrified" witb a yellow and green diamond dado and a faux rag rug runner.

92 ^m

94

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

Stripes Stripes are a clever decorating tool and a quick solution to give the

room an extraordinary

make

izontal stripes

a

feel. Vertical stripes will

make

the walls look higher, while hor-

room look more spacious. Although the preparation, marking,

and taping take time, the actual painting of the stripes

member, the ple,

if

most ordinary

base color

color you use as the

will

accomplished

is

quickly. Re-

be one of the stripe colors. For exam-

you're painting yellow stripes over a white base coat, you'll end up with

yellow-and-white striped walls.

Although there are

many ways

to experiment with stripes, there are

rules that always apply. Walls should be

The wider the tips

stripe, the less taping

smooth

some

basic

or your stripes won't be straight.

and measuring there

is

to do.

Here are a few

on painting stripes.

Measuring and Marking the Stripes •

Stripes should be between 3 inches and

walls •

If

will

be too busy, any wider and the stripes

your room

mate width •

is

a standard shape,

size or

will

all

number

look heavy.

four walls and divide the approxi-

until

you get a width that

shape so choose a width

measuring opposite from the least-seen corner.

when you get back •

measure

of the desired stripe into this

Most rooms are not an exact

start

14 inches wide; any narrower and the

When

to that corner,

it

If

fits

evenly.

and

for your stripe

you have a smaller stripe

won't stand out.

you're working around windows and doors, just ignore

them

exactly as

if

you

were hanging wallpaper. •

After deciding on the width of the stripes,

pencil

and a

ruler or

perfectly straight.

measuring tape.

It's

mark around the top

of the

room with a

important to ensure your guidelines are

The professional (and easiest) way to do

this is with a

plumb

line.

FINISHES FOR WALLS AND FLOORS

95

A plumb the wall, in

line is

tie

make

simple to

yourself. Take a length of light string the height of

a weight to one end, and tie a knot

the other end; place a thumbtack

in

the knotted end. Stick the thumbtack the

into

first

and the string

of the wall cally.

the

at

will

hang

top verti-

Pencil lightly along this line every foot

reach

you

until will

mark

pencil

baseboard.

the

always get a straight

Repeat

at

following the

line,

directions but omitting the

marks. press

this way.

each pencil mark. You can also

use a chalked plumb

same

line

Pull

it

You

the string so

it's

pencil

taut,

then

against the wall leaving a chalk residue on the surface. This can be easily

wiped away

later.

When

you've worked your way around the room, you're ready to tape.

Taping the Stripes Always use low-tack tape so you won't

when you remove the

tape.

Most low-tack tape

the room, paint, and then use the

same tape

is

pull off

the base coat

reusable, so you can tape half

again on the second half. Press the

tape down along the pencil marks on the outside perimeters of each stripe to be

When

painted.

you

will

you're finished taping,

have the

illusion of

two different

widths of stripes. The wider stripe

is

the

one to be painted. To be safe, mark a light

X

in

each

"thin" section, the stripe

not to be painted.

It's

easy to erase

these marks. Don't mark the strips to be painted: You can't erase a pencil mark

once the paint that yellow

96

we used

is

here,

covering it

will

it

is dry,

and

show through.

DEBBIE TRAVIS' PAINTED HOUSE

if

you've used a