Faux Finish Secrets , livre ebook

Faux Finish Secrets from Brian Santos, The Wall Wizard
Editor: Ken Sidey
Contributing Writer: Dan Weeks
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Meredith Corporation
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In Memoriam: E. T. Meredith III (1933-2003)

Copyright 2006 by Meredith Corporation, Des Moines, Iowa. First Edition.
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
Library of Congress Control Number: 2005929395
ISBN: 0-696-22548-4
All of us at Meredith Books are dedicated to providing you with the information and ideas you need to enhance your home and garden. We welcome your comments and suggestions.
Write to us at:
Meredith Books
Home Improvement Books Department
1716 Locust St.
Des Moines, IA 50309-3023
NOTE TO THE READERS: Due to differing conditions, tools, and individual skills, Meredith Corporation assumes no responsibility for any damages, injuries suffered, or losses incurred as a result of following the information published in this book. Before beginning any project, review the instructions carefully, and if any doubts or questions remain, consult local experts or authorities. Because codes and regulations vary greatly, you always should check with authorities to ensure that your project complies with all applicable local codes and regulations. Always read and observe all of the safety precautions provided by manufacturers of any tools, equipment, or supplies, and follow all accepted safety procedures.
dedication

This book is dedicated to YOU!
Within these pages we will explore the mysteries, mistakes, and magic of faux finishing and reveal that Wall Wizards aren t magical, but just people with a lot of tricks up their sleeves. Now that you have my secrets, don t be afraid to use them. It is my hope they will serve you well. Every time you apply them, you prove Dorothy was right: there really is no place like home!
Thank-yous
It takes a village to raise a Wizard. My special thanks:
To my mom, for her artistic influence. To my dad, for his work ethic. To my grandfather, for instilling me with the power of why.
To the Meredith Corporation, especially Ken, Dan, and Doug, for their belief in the magic of the Wizard.
To my children, Paul, Scott, and Kelli, whom I love, and who are the future.
And most of all, to my wife and partner, Virginia, who shares all my dreams. Thank you for all your love and support throughout our journeys together.
Table of contents

1. Introduction
Meet the Wizard

2. Faux Showcase
Combing
Wash
Ragging
Rustic
Texture
Stripes
Bands
Diamonds
Blocks
Nature

3. Contrast and Color
Color variations
Color and light
The right amount of color
Controlling contrast

4. Preparation
Prep makes perfect
Solvents
Protect youself
Protect the room
Tools that rule
Paint grades
Latex or oil?
Behind the sheens
Tool care
Storage solutions
The dish on disposal

5. Faux Like a Pro
Ready the room
Working with a contractor
Cleaning
Masking
Sealing walls
Prepping paint
The three laws of paint
Readying the paint
For safety s sake
Handling a brush
Handling a paint pad
Handling a roller
Working a room
Hit the walls
Faux get it
How faux fits
The right tools
Cool tools
That glazed look
Clean as you go
Positive thinking
Negative finishes
Working with a professional faux finisher

6. Faux Effects
Sponging
Ragging
Combing
Flogging/whacking
Washing
Chambray
Rustic
Stripes
Block wash
Leather
Clouds
Wood grain
Marble
Diamonds
Texture
Index
Notes
chapter 1
introduction
That s so cool! How do you do that? is an exclamation I hear all the time as I demonstrate faux finishes, such as rag-rolling, graining, marbling, stri , and many more, in my workshops at home shows around the world. The question that inevitably follows my demonstration is Can I do that?
My answer: Sure! With the proper understanding of how to achieve each finish, almost anyone can create beautiful faux effects. And once you know and master these basics, you can use your imagination to create a variety of results.

Meet the Wizard
As a fourth-generation painting contractor and faux finisher, my philosophy is simple: Knowledge is power. The magic is in you!
One obstacle lies between you and all the wonder of faux finishing: fear. You re going to make a few mistakes, but what are you really risking? A can of paint! So go ahead, dive in and try. I ll be with you every step of the way.
First, you ll learn what a faux effect is and which effect to use where. Each faux technique produces certain results: Some, such as sponging or textured plaster, make for great backgrounds. Others, such as marble or wood grains, create focal points. Some effects work better with one type of architecture than another. So before you learn how to faux finish, you need to learn how to read a room and decide which finish to use. That s why we ll start with a Faux Showcase in Chapter 2 . In it we ll take a tour of some wonderful examples of great faux finishes. I ll help you look at the rooms through a professional s eyes, explaining how each finish works with the room s architecture, furnishings, and accessories to create its look, mood, and feel.
Second, you ll learn how to apply paint neatly and efficiently. That s why the middle chapters of this book are devoted to techniques that will turn painting from a hair-pulling, stressful mess to a smooth, efficient process that creates great results. Within this book are dozens of tips on tools, techniques, and materials that many professional painters don t even know about, but that you can master easily and effectively.

Finally, in the last chapter, you ll learn how specific faux effects are achieved. More than that, I ll help you understand the why behind the how-to -which is something most other books, classes, and workshops on faux finishing never tell you! How can you know what to do if you don t understand why you re doing it? I ll reveal the science behind the art so you can create your own wall magic.
What are you really risking? A can of paint! So go ahead, dive in and try !

You ll learn the principles all faux finishers use to create the illusion of depth and dimension, highlight and shadow, texture and grain begin with a few basic insights about light and perception. You ll become aware of the basic tools and techniques needed to apply these insights and create gorgeous effects.
By the time you finish this book, you ll have all the information you need to produce finishes that convincingly imitate granite, marble, exotic woods, and even puffy white clouds.
Discover how to create these effects by trial and error, experimentation and failure-but with no fear! In my 25 years of faux finishing, I ve made every kind of mistake you can think of and some you can t even imagine! I ve created a few simple tips and tricks that will help your project go smoothly.
All you need are a few basic materials, a little common sense, and a bit of patience. Welcome to the Wizard s Workshop!
Let s get started!
chapter 2

Welcome to the gallery of effects! In this chapter you ll discover some beautiful examples of finishes you can achieve with the help of this book. More importantly you ll learn you HOW each effect works to bring out the best in the room in which it is featured, as well as WHERE, WHEN , and WHY you might want to use the same effect in your own home. Finally I ll point out WHERE TO TURN in this book for step-by-step information on how to create a similar finish.
combed out
Combing can add visual texture, color play, and either an offset freshness or a rhythmic symmetry to a surface depending on how it is applied. It can also mimic or suggest other materials, such as wallpaper, fabric, or grass cloth. Traditionally a vertical effect, it seems to add visual height to a room. Unlike precisely painted stripes or machine-printed wallpaper, however, it has the subtle imperfections of handcraftsmanship and generates interest and character on otherwise plain walls.

Mixed marriage

A fusion of French and Asian influences, the bath above uses a combed moir pattern on the walls. This weaving finish creates an interference pattern similar to that seen on fabrics by superimposing wavy lines on straight ones. The effect also adds a visual luster to the room. To complete the room, the organic Asian influences, seen in the