Ten Things To Know: Decorative Painting
Photo by Rimas Zailskas
By and large, walls are considered to be finite things—they constrain, confine and define spaces. But in the hands of a decorative painter, they can represent infinite possibilities. Using color, imagination and skill, these artisans work their alchemy.
It’s an art of illusion, using stagecraft to create ambiance.
"We’ve put trick finishes on furniture, floors and ceilings—done everything from gilding and gold leaf to wall modeling to making a wall look like parchment or leather," says Christopher Barron of Sundance Interiors, who has been applying his paint magic for over a decade.
Several classic techniques are manageable for the detail-oriented do-it-yourselfer, but more refined work is usually best left to the pros. Either way, having an understanding of the basics can help you to transform everyday surfaces into something extraordinary.
1 Don’t Overstate the Case
When considering decorative painting, keep livability in mind—you’re going to have to look at it every day. Dramatic, theatrical finishes are best reserved for transitional spaces such as powder rooms and foyers. "It’s important to have a finish that is exciting enough to make you want to do it, but easy enough on the eyes that you don’t study it like cracks in the sidewalk. There’s a need for visual rest."
2 Check It Out
In establishing a color scheme and achieving the desired result, several variables should be taken into account. "Your biggest considerations are the current unchangeable elements of that room, such as the floor surface and light sources, as well as fabrics and furniture that may not be altered in the immediate future," says Barron.
"Light is a key issue," cautions Barron. "Test your samples in their actual environment. A sample is only as good as the light it’s seen in."
3 Color My World
Most paint techniques involve applying glazes over a base color to modify and enhance it. "The glaze is a paint-type medium that is translucent," Barron explains. "We build color into it and mix it ourselves using a universal tint kit—the same tints that come out of the computerized measuring machine into your can when you get your paint mixed at Lowe’s."
Off-the-shelf colors rarely offer the nuance of these custom blends, Barron explains. "I would equate it to cooking—the color is something that is very individual." Hand mixing allows the painter to control both the shade and opacity of the glaze are considered to be finite things—they constrain, confine and define spaces. But in the hands of a decorative painter, they can represent infinite possibilities. Using color, imagination and skill, these artisans work their alchemy.
4 Condition Counts
"A glaze is going to accentuate any imperfections," says Barron. While some techniques can mask subtle problems, "with a color-wash technique, your walls have to be in great shape. But we have other finishes that have huge hidden problems: architectural plaster and traditional trowel plaster techniques, for instance."
Ideally, any defects should be repaired and the walls cleaned and primed before you begin. Don’t cut corners on proper masking, either. "Decorative finishes need to be meticulously masked off," Barron cautions. "Very often, a great paint job is ruined by a poor masking job."
5 Use What You Already Have
If you are fond of your current wall color, adding a decorative treatment can give it some zing. When working over existing paint, Barron says, an eggshell or semi-gloss finish will usually provide adequate adhesion for glazes. Cabinetry and other lacquered or high-gloss finishes usually require de-glossing to create a workable surface and remove environmental buildup, particularly in kitchens.
6 Paint Techniques
Once the color palette has been established and the surface prepared, thin layers of glaze are applied with rags, sponges and brushes—even crumpled paper—to achieve texture and depth.
"The effect of ragging is somewhere between parchment paper and an adobe or clay-like feel on the walls," says Barron. "Brushwork, or color-wash, is a series of softening brush strokes where you can create a cloud-like effect, which is super relaxing. It’s something that we do in a lot of bedrooms. It has more of a dreamlike quality to it, while the ragging is more ‘in focus.’"
7 Darkness Visible
When applying glazes, most pros begin with the lightest color and add progressively darker shades in the ensuing overlays. "That’s how things naturally patina, so it’s the guiding principle of creating an aged look," says Barron. "In the reverse, it’s a pickling-glaze; a general term for using a lighter glaze over a darker base coat. It’s a good furniture look, but reverse glazing on walls or floors is fairly uncommon."
8 Time in a Bottle
Since most effects involve manipulating surfaces with layers of either glazes or plaster, it’s important that the edges remain workable to blend them into a seamless whole. This "open time" is a key element in a successful finish.
"Some of our finishes are six- and seven-step finishes," notes Barron. As each layer is completed, adequate drying time must be allowed before the next application to prevent the colors from bleeding into each other and becoming muddy.
9 Add a New Dimension
The application of architectural plaster can add rich texture to a wall finish. "By controlling the amount of sand that’s in it or how quickly it dries, you can go from a European look to a Southwestern look, depending upon your recipe. That, in turn, is given a base coat and then glazed to create a very old-world look."
10 Consider the Cost
It’s all done by square footage—that’s wall square footage, not floor square footage. "Some of the basic finishes we can squeak in for as little as $2 per square foot for labor and materials," says Barron. "We’ve done some gilding and metal leafing that can run up to $50 a square foot. But with a small space—even in a fair-sized powder room—you’re usually only dealing with 200 to 300 square feet."
