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Faux
Finishing and Flood
What
does it do?
Worldwide, Penetrol and Floetrol have long been recognised as
indispensable items for successful faux finishing. Now that this unique
finish is becoming more popular, we trust this information will help
to make you an expert in the art of Faux.
Imagine the possibilities
Here is your chance to use your imagination in the exciting art of
Faux and Fantasy Finishing.
We'll show you how faux finishing techniques can easily add beauty
and value to your home.
SPONGING
- RAGGING - COMBING
WOOD GRAINING - MARBLING |
Our step-by-step instructions and photographs make all of the faux
techniques easy to do. Now, you can breathe new life into a room or
to old furniture and explore your own creativity at the same time.
Before You Start
Take
a few minutes to familiarize yourself with finishing basics.
Positive Application
The easiest and most common technique involves applying the paint
to a surface with an applicator such as a sponge or a rag.
Negative Removal
This technique involves applying an even coat of paint and then removing
some of it, or working with it, using a rag or plastic or rubber comb.
It's important to remember that when you're using different colours,
the first colour applied will show the least, and the last colour
applied will be the predominant color.
Both finishing techniques start with the application of a solid colour
of paint (the base coat). This base coat needs to be a satin or semi-gloss,
either latex (acrylic) or alkyd (oil-base), and should be thoroughly
dry before you begin faux finishing.
General Tips
Creating Faux That Looks Real: It's In The Paint
Whichever faux finishing technique you decide to use, it's essential
that your surface is smooth and prepared correctly, and your paint
is 'workable'.
In other words, if the drying time of the glaze mixture is too fast,
and it "sets" too quickly, you won't have time to create
a successful faux finish.
That's why Flood's line of paint additives and surface preps are an
essential component in your faux finishing project. They not only
ensure that the base coat is smooth, but more importantly they increase
the working time necessary for faux finishing.
Floetrol
Floetrol, mixed directly into water-based (acrylic) paint, creates
a smooth base coat. Floetrol also increases the working time of the
glaze colour, giving you the necessary time to create your chosen
effect.
Penetrol
Penetrol, mixed directly into oil or alkyd based paint, will improve
the brush ability of your paint and leveling of the base coat. Penetrol
also keeps the paint from drying too fast thus increasing the working
time of your Paints and glazes.
Choosing colours
Start your project by first selecting colours from your local paint
dealer's paint chip chart.
Try to select colours that will compliment your furniture, carpet,
wallpaper or window treatments to help coordinate the look of your
room.
Most hues are arranged in values ranging from light to dark. After
selecting the correct hue within a given colour family, you will most
likely want to choose a lighter value for your base coat. A darker
value is then mixed for your glaze colour.
You can reverse the values for a softer effect using a dark colour
for the base coat and two to three shades lighter for the glaze.
That's why it's important to practice and experiment beforehand on
sample boards, so you can try out different combinations, see which
technique works best, and explore your own ideas.
Remember, the colour you apply last will be the most predominant,
so start with the colour you want to see least and end with the colour
you want to see most.
Surface Prep And Base Coat Application
You must have a completely sealed surface for successful decorative
painting.
Fill cracks, holes, depressions, etc. with a patch or spackling compound.
Then prime and seal the area with a primer/sealer. Your paint dealer
can help you with your choice.
Once the surface prep is complete, you can apply a base coat of any
interior satin or semi-gloss alkyd (oil-base) or acrylic paint in
the colour of your choice. Let it dry overnight.
Once the base coat has dried, you can mask off any areas you don't
want to decorate with a low tack painter's tape. Mask off adjacent
walls and ceilings. Remove the tape immediately after the glazing
step.
Sponging
is one of the quickest and easiest decorative painting techniques.
It gives a deep, textured appearance to walls, ceilings or furniture.
Sponging with different colours adds originality to any surface.
You can really be creative with the sponging technique so try
it with more than one colour.
Materials You Will Need:
Large sea sponge, paint tray, painter's tape, gloves (disposable),
paper towels, for blotting, Floetrol, Penetrol.
Tips:
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Sponge
one square yard at a time before moving on. |
| · |
Complete
opposite walls first, then adjacent walls to ensure you
are always putting tape on dry walls. |
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If
you're applying more than one colour, wait until the first
colour dries before applying additional colours. |
| · |
Using
an empty can or disposable cup as a measuring device,
mix 3 volumes of acrylic paint to 1 volume of Floetrol
or alkyd (oil-base) paint to one volume Penetrol. |
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| 1. |
Pour
some paint mixture into your paint tray. Dampen sponge
in water and squeeze out excess. Lightly dip sponge into
paint. Blot off excess paint on paper or paper towel. |
| 2. |
Press
the sponge lightly against the wall. Repeat this in an
overall pattern and texture, making sure some of the base
coat is showing through. |
| 3. |
Rotate
sponge (except when touching the wall) so you're not creating
repetitive patterns or marks. |
| 4. |
Work
the edges of the wall first. Balance the finish on the
wall to match the edges. Be sure to stand back every once
in a while to judge the uniformity of the pattern and
finish. You can make corrections by using the base coat
colour and a fresh sponge. |
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By
using a crumpled rag, you can get a softly textured, delicately
mottled effect, creating a backdrop finish for furniture and
artwork. Use this technique to add uniqueness to any room, or
to revitalize old furniture.
Materials You Will Need:
Lint free rags, paint tray, painter's tape, gloves (disposable),
Floetrol, Penetrol.
Tips:
·
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Work
on opposite walls first and let dry. Mask corners. Complete
adjacent walls in the same manner. |
| · |
Using
an empty can or disposable cup as a measuring device,
mix 3 volumes of acrylic paint to 1 volume of Floetrol
or 3 volumes alkyd (oil-base) paint to one volume Penetrol. |
|
|
 |
| 1. |
Pour
some paint mixture into your paint tray. Dampen sponge
in water and squeeze out excess. Lightly dip sponge into
paint. Blot off excess paint on paper or paper towel. |
| 2. |
Press
the sponge lightly against the wall. Repeat this in an
overall pattern and texture, making sure some of the base
coat is showing through. |
| 3. |
Rotate
sponge (except when touching the wall) so you're not creating
repetitive patterns or marks. |
| 4. |
Work
the edges of the wall first. Balance the finish on the
wall to match the edges. Be sure to stand back every once
in a while to judge the uniformity of the pattern and
finish. You can make corrections by using the base coat
colour and a fresh sponge. |
You
can be creative by:
| ·
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ragging
on more than one colour. |
| · |
ragging
on the same colour of a different sheen than the base
coat. |
| · |
ragging
clear varnish on a flat base colour. |
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These are approximate ratios. Surface conditions, temperature, humidity,
direct sunlight and application methods vary widely and may affect
performance. Experiment on samples using different ratios.
Combing
is a negative removal technique that consists of applying a
coloured glaze over a base coat and then "combing"
through it. You can create a subtle effect by using a dry brush
or create a distinct contrast by using a notched squeegee.
Materials You Will Need:
Painter's comb (available at most paint or art supply stores),
paint tray, painter's tape, dry towels/rags, gloves (disposable),
Floetrol, Penetrol.
Tips:
·
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Experiment
with different colour samples to be sure you have the
colours you want. Try using two values of the same hue
(medium green over light green). |
| · |
This
technique is easier if you have a partner. One person
lays the combing coat, the other combs through it. |
| · |
Using
an empty can or disposable cup as a measuring device,
mix 3 volumes of acrylic paint to 1 volume of Floetrol
or 3 volumes alkyd (oil-base) paint to one volume Penetrol.
|
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| 1. |
Be
sure your base coat is level and completely dry. Start
by pouring glaze made of paint and Floetrol (or Penetrol)
into a paint tray. The more conditioner you add to the
mixture the more open time you have, and the more lucent
the finish. Do not add too much conditioner for vertical
surfaces as technique may sag or vanish. Plan on combing
an entire section (wall) without stopping. |
| 2. |
Put
the combing coat on over the base coat, being sure you
cover the entire area from top to bottom. |
| 3. |
Starting
at the top, comb vertically through the coat immediately.
Pull the comb through the paint in one long stroke keeping
the pressure as even as possible. |
| 4. |
When
you've completed one stroke, wipe all excess paint from
the comb on dry towels. Begin the next stroke parallel
to the first one. (Don't worry about keeping a straight
line or steady pressure, irregularities create appealing
textures on the wall.) |
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Clean painter's comb or squeegee with water every few strokes
to get rid of glaze build-up. Continue glazing and combing until you
reach a corner or natural break in the room. Stand back away from
the wall often to be sure your technique is consistent. Start working
on opposite walls, and finish with adjacent walls.
These are approximate ratios. Surface conditions, temperature, humidity,
direct sunlight and application methods vary widely and may affect
performance. Experiment on samples using different ratios.
The
rich pattern and colour of natural wood can be achieved through
the wood graining technique. This timeless look can make furniture,
walls, doors, and even floors look beautiful without the high
price of purchasing, installing and finishing natural wood.
Materials You Will Need:
Wood graining rocker (available at most paint or hardware
stores), 3" paint brush, 2 colours of paint (a low luster
enamel as a base coat and an acrylic paint in your desired wood
graining colour), paper towels, paint pail, gloves (disposable),
painter's tape, Floetrol, Penetrol.
Tips:
·
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Familiarize
yourself with this technique before starting a project.
Practice and experiment on a large sheet of cardboard
until you feel confident with the technique. |
| · |
Treat
each section separately. Work one section you feel you
can finish comfortably in about 10 minutes. |
| · |
Using
an empty can or disposable cup as a measuring device,
mix 3 volumes of acrylic paint to 1 volume of Floetrol
or 3 volumes alkyd (oil-base) paint to one volume Penetrol. |
|
|
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| 1. |
Apply your
base coat of low-luster enamel, stroking in the direction for
the wood grain. Allow your base coat to dry thoroughly (follow
manufacturer's suggestions) before applying the wood graining
coat. |
| 2. |
Mix your
acrylic paint with Floetrol, or your alkyd paint with Penetrol,
and apply a thin, even coat to a small section. Make sure it
is in the direction you want the wood grain to follow. |
| 3. |
Using a
wood graining rocker, pads, or brush, slide it through the wet
paint to create the grain effect. Move the rocket or brush in
a continuous motion through the small section you're working
on. |
| 4. |
Add straight
grain to either side of the heart grain. |
Use small dry brushes for detailing small areas such as the molding
around a window so the wood grain is continuous for the length of
each area.
For more interest, vary techniques so that the grain does not run
perfectly parallel to adjacent areas.
Wood graining may take some time to get used to, but it does get easier
with each project.
These are approximate ratios. Surface conditions, temperature, humidity,
direct sunlight and application methods vary widely and may affect
performance. Experiment on samples using different ratios.
Marbling
adds a luxurious feeling to any room. Many different colour
combinations and techniques can be used to add an air of sophistication
to any interior surface.
Materials You Will Need:
1 Natural sea sponge, pointed artist brush (available at
art supply stores), goose feather, 1 paint tray, plastic plates,
paper towels, gloves (disposable), Floetrol, Penetrol.
Tips:
·
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You'll
want to choose three colours for this technique: two colours
for sponging, and one accent colour for veining. |
| · |
The
paints look best when they are from the same colour family.
Experiment with samples to choose the best colours for
your project. |
| · |
Using
an empty can or disposable cup as a measuring device,
mix 3 volumes of acrylic paint to 1 volume of Floetrol
or 3 volumes alkyd (oil-base) paint to one volume Penetrol. |
|
|
 |
| 1. |
Start
with a light sponging coat, allowing the off-white base
coat to show through. |
| 2. |
Apply
the second coat over the first coat, in the same manner,
but allowing the base coat to show through. |
| 3. |
Put
a small amount of veining colour into a plastic plate.
Dip the tip of the artist's brush into the paint, and
drag, push or roll it across the surface to suggest marble
veins. Then drag a feather through the veins while they
are still wet, shifting the feather's position across
the surface to create interesting patterns. |
| 4. |
Add
finer veins last, crossing over larger veins in different
directions. Be sure to step back occasionally, to survey
the overall look of the piece. It is better to understate
the veins rather than overdo it with too many veins. The
same applies to choosing colours. Less is more! Colours
and patterns will amplify their effect as you increase
the surface area over an entire piece of furniture or
wall. Roll the handle of the artist brush between your
fingers and thumb to get contrasts in your veining. |
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These are approximate ratios. Surface conditions, temperature,
humidify, direct light and application methods vary widely and may
affect performance. Experiment on samples using different ratios.
Faux Finishing
An easy, inexpensive way to add texture, depth and
interest to walls, ceilings and fixtures. All you need is the right
tools, the right paint, FLOETROL or PENETROL to make the faux finish
job easier and let your imagination run free. |
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