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FAQ 1

How do I prepare a surface for decorative faux painting?

We often get asked about how to prepare a surface for decorative finishing. Look

at these "Guidelines" and contact us directly if you have any questions. Note that it is

not always necessary to repaint as many of our faux finish wall finishes can be

applied over your existing wall paint if it is in good condition.

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Guidelines for Preparation and Base Painting

Prior to Our Faux Finish Painting Application

NEW INTERIOR WALLS: Should be primed with an appropriate primer, and finish

coated with a premium quality, washable flat latex, such as Benjamin-Moore Flat

Finish Wall Satin 215, Kelly-Moore Flat Enamel Latex #650, Fuller O'Brien Liquid

Velvet, or an equivalent. Please avoid inexpensive "contractor grades" which are too

absorbent and porous for base painting for our finishes. Important: Painting

contractors should not assume that the faux finish will hide or conceal minor flaws,

such as holidays (missed spots), drips, runs, brush marks, heavy roller stipple, etc.,

in their applications. In fact, the transparent nature of the faux finish glazing medium

tends to expose flaws that may have not been apparent before the glazing application.

We stress that high standards be maintained in the painting quality and that the client

inspect the final base paint finish with a critical eye.

COLOR OF THE BASE PAINT: We will specify a base color when required for the

particular finish in question. A general rule of thumb: base paint color should be a light

version of the color you want the faux-finished wall to look like. Again, when a precise

color is necessary for our finish we will always specify that in advance.

PREVIOUSLY PAINTED WALLS: Our finishes can be applied over almost any

previously painted wall in good condition. Some cleaning, hole-filling, and touching-up

can be performed by us if desired. The cost for this service may be quoted by our

artist on-site. If there is a painting contractor doing other painting on-site and the walls

in question were painted more than two years ago, we strongly recommend having

them repainted. During our consultation we usually make recommendations about the

walls in question.

NEW WOODWORK: Should be primed, sanded, and finish-coated in a professional

manner according to standard painting specification for high quality. Your painting

contractor should be very familiar with the 'trim' painting procedure. As with 'New Wall'

painting, do not expect the faux finish to hide poor quality base painting.

PREVIOUSLY PAINTED WOODWORK: Unless in very good condition, woodwork

should be repainted because of nicks and dings that naturally occur at baseboards,

doors, etc.

TYPE OF PAINT FOR WOODWORK: Can be oil or latex satin enamel. Depending on

the faux finish in question, brush marks may be a problem.

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FAQ 2

What about wear and tear? Can a faux finish wall be touched up?

Yes, faux wall painting can be touched up, even when previoulsy applied by others.

In fact, we provide faux touch-up services to building contractors for common building

materials, painted or not. For example, we are experts in touching up all wood finishes

(faux or real), as well as marble, granite, stone, or brick. Contact us

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FAQ 3

How long do faux paint finishes last, such as a faux finish kitchen?

Decorative wall painting is very durable. We use materials that are washable and

any nicks and dings can be touched up, just like any painted finish.

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FAQ 4

How do I know I'll like the decorative paint finish?

That's why we mix all colors ourselves--right there on the job site. Color is the

most important factor in a successful faux finish. By mixing them ourselves we have

100% control of this crucial element. As we like to say, "all the fancy faux techniques

in the world are useless if the decorative finish is the wrong color."

When designing faux colors, we pay attention to colors we see in the upholstery,

flooring, counter tops, wall art, as well as colors that might have been used in

other parts of the house.

For samples of wall finishes, we have found that doing a large sample of about 4' by 8'

right on your wall is very effective for seeing and evaluating the new decorative finish

accurately. A large sample exposes subtle nuances in color or pattern, and allows for

creating a small vignette of furniture, flooring, upholstery, etc. so the finish can be

evaluated in context. This sample is then approved by the client before we proceed

with completing the wall. Any changes that are needed are discussed and

implemented at this stage. This decorative painting sample process is guaranteed

to alleviate color anxiety!

We also can create custom faux samples in advance. See our Sample Board page to

see some examples of boards we have created for clients in the past of faux finishes.