Materials:
eggshell or flat latex paints, one in a neutral color
water
Floetrol latex paint conditioner
large natural sponge
brush with thin, long bristles
small stencil brush
stencil to create a stone wall
rubber gloves
cardboard, wallboard, foam core or heavyweight paper
Steps:
- To determine how well a color will work in a room, make several sample pieces by applying a couple of coats of the base color to cardboard, wallboard, foam core or heavyweight paper, and let it dry. When working on walls, let the base coat dry for a few days to be sure the paint has cured enough so that it won't wash off when applying the French wash.
- Make a French wash by diluting a quart of latex paint with water to the consistency of milk. Add Floetrol per the manufacturers instructions.
- Wearing rubber gloves, dip a large dampened sea sponge into the wash, and wring it out. Wipe all drips off the gloves.
- Wash the samples with a circular motion. Work on one section at a time, and keep its edge wet. If the wash looks harsh, apply a wash of the neutral base coat over it. When using more than one color, record the order in which they were used. Put the finished samples in the room to be painted to get a good idea of how the wash will look.
- When the appropriate effect has been determined, wash the walls. Then, use a thin, long-bristled brush to add some cracks to the surface. Dip the brush into the wash color, and paint cracks coming from the ceiling and light switches.
- Stencil the wall. Overlap the stencils for added dimension.
- To give the stencils more depth and make the room look bigger, apply "shadows." Use a small stencil brush to pick up a color like Charcoal Gray, and apply it below and to one side of the design to make the design look as if it were floating on the surface of the wall.
Resources stencils and stencil supplies
Dressler Stencil Company has an extensive line of detailed laser-cut stencils, supplies and video instructions. A catalog is also available.
Dressler Stencil Company
Renton, WA
Phone: 425-656-4515
Toll-free Phone: 888-656-4515
E-mail:
customerservice@dresslerstencils.com
Website:
www.dresslerstencils.com
Floetrol Latex Paint Conditioner
Penetrol is a paint additive for oil and alkyd paint that improves penetration and adhesion. It improves the flow and leveling of the paint to minimize brush marks.
The Flood Company
Website:
www.floodco.com
Guests Jan Dressler
Stencil Expert, President, Owner Dressler Stencil Company
Renton, WA
Phone: 425-656-4515
Toll-free Phone: 888-656-4515
E-mail:
customerservice@dresslerstencils.com
Website:
www.dresslerstencils.com
Also in this Episode
)
