House Painting Tips - Do Life Time Paints Really Last?

House painting with life time warranted paint certainly offers some benefits that go beyond the capabilities of a 25 year paint. However, are you really getting the endurance you believe you are getting. I am frequently asked by my customers if I believe they should use a life time paint, and I usually respond by telling them that it depends on what their expectations are.

The first thing you need to consider is: what are your expectations from life time paint? Are your expectations realistic?

Paint manufacturers love to sell you on the idea of life time paint. It’s good business for them. It’s certainly easy for you to fall for this seemingly incredible warranty, considering the cost of having your house painted these days, but are you getting what you believe you’re getting.

There are 4 basic reasons you will need to repaint your home.

1. The paint you have now is faded and looks tired and dingy. 2. The caulked joints of your home have separated allowing water enter.

3. There are places where the paint is peeling.

4. You decide you are tired of the old color and want to change it.

Let’s take a closer look at these four reasons in relation to life time paint.

The truth is, life time warranted paints fade with exposure to sun light and weather, so if you are expecting it to look fresh 25 years from now, then you have been misled. First, you need to read the warranty of the life time paint. Most warrantees state that they cover excessive fading. Notice this does not mean “no fading”. It reads the same as a lesser grade paint. Life time warranted paints lose their clarity in color over time. Now your back to the 1st reason you needed to paint to begin with. Yes, it will maintain its fresh look longer than a lesser grade paint, but not a lot longer.

Paint really doesn’t play a role in caulk separation. Caulked joints separate due to expansion and contraction of the materials that constitute your home. Life time warranted paints can’t stop this movement; therefore, reason number 2 will still be in play if you paint with life time warranted paint.

For reason number 3 you have a clear advantage with some life time paints. Some life time paints are up to 70 percent ticker and have a greater ability to stretch. When it comes to peeling substrate, this is important, because a paint that is 70 percent thicker and more flexible will make it much harder for the underlying paint to peel and release. Most warranties do not cover inner layer peeling, however, most life time paints do give a limited warranty against peeling. It is possible that the inner layers of paint are so compromised that the problem extends beyond the capabilities of life time paint. This is especially true if the wood on the house wasn’t primed before the top coat was applied when the house was built.

Check the specification of the paint carefully. Some life time paints are not thicker than 25 year paints, therefore can’t offer the same protection as the thicker life time brands when it comes to peeling.

How many people want to live with the same color on their house for the rest of their life? I haven’t met anyone yet that could say they did, and I have been in this business for over 25 years. The truth is most people like change. The fresh new look of color change is important to most folks.

The strongest reason for using life time paints really may have nothing to do with the points listed above. It may have to do more with the fact you are planning to change the color.

Life time paints can save you money.

If you are planning on changing the colors of your home you may want to consider using the life time warranted paints. They can actually save you money, even though they cost nearly double the price of 25 year paint.

Consider this: If your planning to change colors, you probably will need two coats of paint, which will cost you an extra 60 to 70 percent on average. Often you will be able to cover with one coat using a life time paint because it is a thicker paint. The difference between the cost of using one coat of life time paints and two coats of 25 year paint is going to be between 1,200 and 1,400 dollars. That’s considerable savings.

Most manufacturers of life time warranted paints are counting on the average person moving every 6 to 8 years. The warranty is non transferable. If you do stay in the home long enough and make a claim on the paint, they will prorate any refund on the paint only, but not the labor.

Nicky Taylor Author

Posted by Capital Remodeling, Inc.

Life Time Paints from Capital Remodeling, Inc.

Author: Dan Calderwood

Paint is one of the most affordable and easiest ways to change a room. But choosing the right paint colors and right painter for your home can seem like an overwhelming task.

Paint, accessories, fabric, furniture, and flooring should all blend, so take a good look at the room you will be working on, preferably before you choose a paint color, and decide what will stay in the room, and what you may want to move out of the room.

The first thing you should do when choosing interior colors for your home, is look around at colors that make you feel good, happy, and relaxed. These colors are probably already in your home. A few examples are the colors you love to look at in your flower garden, the colors in your jewelry, or pottery, or they can be found in the colors of the clothes in your closet.

The second thing you should do is go to your local paint store and pick up a color wheel, and or sample cards, pick the sample cards that really catch your eye, and don’t be afraid to get as many as you want. Take these cards home and look at them at different times of the day and night, to see how the color will look when the sun shines in on them, or at night when you have lamps turned on, or candles burning. Study this for several days. Be patient when deciding which color feels best to you.

Complimentary colors - are the colors that are directly across from each other on the color wheel.

Harmonious colors - are the colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. Like blue and purple.

Tints - are colors with white added.

Shades - are colors with black added.

Saturation - is the amount of color used. The more color, the more vibrant.

Color tone - is the degree to which it changes.

Pastels - use only a hint of color.

Decorating with Paint

When decorating with paint, Use the following ten suggestions for optimal results:

1. First consider the style or decor of your home. This will impact the color. Work out what sort of look or feel you are going for, whether it is urban, contemporary, modern or traditional. Once you know the look that you like and what look will work well with the other rooms in your home, the choice of color becomes much easier. So before decorating with paint, pick the look you are going for so that the paint you choose can help you meet that objective.

2. Decide on the mood you want the room to evoke. If you want a light happy feeling, dark colors will not accomplish that mood. On the other hand, if you want a mood that invokes intimacy, study, and cuddling up with a nice book in front of a warm fire, then darker colors are perfect. Os pick your mood and you will have a better chance of pickin your colors.

3. When decorating with paint you should know that some paints look differently in different lights; then look closely at the natural light exposure the room has. The amount of natural light and exposure to bright sunlight may influence you towards a choice of cooler shades like blues and greens. Less natural light may lend itself to warmer shades. So, when selecting your choice of colors make sure you check how it looks in daylight and artificial light.

4. Decorate with paint colors that compliment the rest of your home, and your things. The color chosen should especially be compatible with the fixtures which are difficult to replace easily, for example the fire surrounds, furniture, or carpets and curtains inside the home. Paint is a lot cheaper to change then furniture is, so choose colors that compliment what you have, or your money savings in using paint to decorate will go down the drain.

5. When decorating with paint, get sample cards and hold them up to your walls in all different lights, also compare them with swatches of fabrics for furniture, window treatments etc. If you collect samples of everything from carpet to curtains, and put together a storyboard, this will help inspire your creativity and make sure you are happy with your final selection, all before you spend any money at all.

6. Before you start your paint job make sure you have bought enough paint. This is especially important if you are having it custom mixed. It can be difficult to perfectly match colors later, so rather than deal with the hassle, know what you need before hand, and be sure to get a little more than you think you need for touchups etc.

7. Decorating with paint is fun, but cleaning paint off furniture and floors is not, so be sure to clear as many items out of the room beforehand as possible, and use drop cloths to protect your floor. Also, make sure the room is well ventilated throughout your painting job so you don’t hurt yourself.

8. Decorating with paint is fairly inexpensive, but you do not want to have to do it every few months, or even years, so spend a little more and make sure you buy a top quality paint. Don’t use poor quality materials, and put all your hard work and planning to waste.

9. Prep your walls well before painting, even the highest quality paints do not adhere well to dirty surfaces. 10. Paint color is one of the most profound and powerful ways to shape our surroundings. Don’t be afraid to go bold, you can always change your paint later if you find you hate it, but chances are you will wish you had used even more color.

Posted by Capital Remodeling, Inc.

Tips on Creating a Green Playroom for the Home

Author: Mike Taylor

No, this isn’t a treatise on how to paint your playroom walls green - although it’s certainly an option as well as a very nice, versatile color. No, this is how to create a child’s playroom using earth friendly alternatives. If you’re a parent who wants to go green for both the environment and your children’s health, here are some tips to help you decorate and furnish a playroom the eco-friendly way. Your children will be able to play in an area that is healthier for their bodies and a playroom done over in an eco-friendly format is likely to become a selling point if you decide to market your home in the future.

The floor of the playroom should be done over in an easy to clean, natural material, such as bamboo or cork, both sustainable alternatives. If you’re after a warmer touch, consider scattering natural fiber rugs around. They are both more sustainable than a new carpet (especially if you make or reuse them) and easier to clean.

The walls should be painted with a low- or no-VOC (volatile organic compounds – very bad for lungs of all sizes!) paint, or covered with earth friendly wallpaper, sustainable natural products or fabric One terrific option is painting with chalkboard paint, something that allows the kids to unleash their creativity on the walls without rousing parental wrath!

Lighting should be ample. Energy efficient compact fluorescent or low level LED light bulbs will give you the best bang for your buck. A playroom should have a mix of overhead and close lighting. A couple of good reading lamps will provide light for both reading and craft projects.

Furniture should be mixed for big and little users. Re use old couches, chairs and tables – they can be made to fall in with a room’s décor with a coat of paint. You can repurpose old clothes and leftover fabric to make pillows and patches for old upholstery. Consider making your own bean bags and filling them with recycled Styrofoam bits that come in packaging of various items or may be got cheap or free from local stores. Plenty of bins and shelving will help contain toys and craft supplies and lessen clean up time.

While toys, craft supplies and books are important parts of a playroom’s appeal, don’t rush out to buy them new. Many popular books can be found in secondhand shops. Stuffed toys can be found in secondhand stores as well – run them through the washer before giving them to children.

Crafts are another area where you can go green. Instead of buying construction paper, consider reusing things that already come into the home, such as cardboard boxes and newspaper. There are a number of instructions on the Internet that will teach you how to make a nontoxic “play-dough” from household baking ingredients.

After expending a lot of time and effort to make your playroom eco-friendly, it doesn’t make much sense to use a bunch of chemicals to clean it. Most cleaning can be done with water, rags, a broom and a mop. For more serious cleaning, consider natural products like enzyme or orange oil cleaners. Many natural cleaners leave behind a pleasant scent as well.

Congratulations on choosing the green alternative for your children’s play area! You are helping out the environment and creating a cleaner, healthier atmosphere for your children. With more parents looking for earth-conscious living spaces, a playroom done over in an environmentally friendly way will also be a good marketing point if you choose to sell your home in future.

Posted by Capital Remodeling, Inc.

Green Capital Remodeling, Inc. Playroom

Author: Matt Barker

Picking which colors to paint the interior of your home can be a stressful venture. Following trends can make your home look fashionable one season, but completely outdated the next. What you want is to choose colors that will satisfy you now and in the future.

So how do you choose? In reality, there are no right or wrong colors, but there are poor color combinations. Pairing lime green paint with red accents would look terrible, whereas combining lime green and white looks cheerful and clean. One place to start is to look at what colors and textures are already present in the room, and go from there.

After looking at what you already have, consider what function the room will serve, and how you want to feel when you spend time in it. Don’t be too limited by so-called color rules. If you read a magazine article that you should never use red for a bedroom, you’re going to miss out on a rich array of options. Go with your gut, and select shades that make you happy.

Colors affect us. They can lift our spirits, make us feel tense, or make us feel at peace.

The kitchen for instance, is typically a place where family and friends gather, snack, and engage in friendly conversation. This is a great area to use bright, cheery colors that promote feelings of well-being. Yellow has long been a popular choice for this room, but be mindful of the shade you select. Lighter shades of yellow are associated in our minds with happiness and freshness, while on the other hand, a dull shade of yellow reminds us of sickness and danger.

The bedroom is your place of refuge from the rest of the world. If you want to give the room a sensuous feel, light red paint can envelop you in feelings of passion. Pink is the classic color for romance, but can be too feminine and overpowering for many people. Blue is a great choice for the bedroom if you want to create an area of stillness. The color blue promotes feelings of tranquility and has a calming effect on the mind. Blue also acts as an appetite suppressant, so be mindful of this when painting your dining room area!

When you’ve decided on what mood you want to create as well as the color family you want to use, be sure to paint a fairly large square on your wall. Don’t rely on paint chips, as the color can end up looking different on your walls. A paint chip also can’t give you an accurate idea of how the room as a whole will mesh with the new color. Your furniture, the amount of natural light in the room, and the type of flooring you have, all play a part in how color will look in the room. So you need to have a fairly large sample area to properly judge.

Selecting paint color can be intimidating, but remember to go with your gut. If you love a color and it evokes the feeling that you want, then chances are good that you will be happy with your choice for many years to come.

Posted by Capital Remodeling, Inc.

Author: Build WriteWell

How To Paint Home Painting Tips

Color is used to influence how the size of the room feels

The desired Effect
Your Color Choice
Expand space? Use cool, light, or dull colors; minimal contrasts
Shrink space? Include warm, dark, or bright colors; maximum contrasts
Lower ceiling? Try warm colors and dark tones
Raise ceiling? Use cool colors and light tints
Shorten room? Best to use warm or dark colors
Lengthen room? Cool, light, or dull colors; limited contrasts
Hide an undesirable feature? Surrounding color

Tip: Prime Mistake With 5 coats of paint on the wall a person asked his paint supply store why he couldn’t cover the stains on the wall. ” Did you prime” he was asked? “Yes - I used some leftover latex from the garage”. It was explained that latex paint isn’t primer. Primer provides bonding and stain blocking. Paint provides durability and color. Both are needed for a good job. Original “Kiltz” primer dries quickly and has been found to be one of the most stain blockers. Stain Blockers absorb instead of covering up the stain - so be sure the primer is completely dry to prevent bleed through.

Tip: Don’t like the Dust from sanding drywall Mud? Use a drywall wet-sander (Sponge with abrasive on one side) . With a damp sponge - use the coarse side for sanding and the fine side for smoothing. Wood Window painted shut? Try applying the paint to the window and the sash in separate processes. It is recommended to remove the sash when possible. Use a utility knife or sash knife to cut the paint before opening the window.

Tip: Break Time? Place Brush or roller in a plastic bag.

Break Time overnight? Double Bag and place in your refrigerator.

Tip: Painting a large area like a entire home? Sprayer Rentals are available for minimal $.

Tip: Paint Roller extension handle. It extends and is adjustable.

Brushes and Rollers
Selecting the right brushes and rollers is a crucial step in making your paint jobs look better while helping you to do your work more easily and efficiently.

Brushes : So many sizes and styles - How Do I Choose?
Like anything in life knowledge is they key. If you are like myself this might seem like too much information. However - It is the little things that make the work go smoothly. Much of what has been learned here has been learned the hard way. I will try to share with you what has been learned from my mistakes along with tips from painters and the help of Sherwin-williams.

A paint brush is an ideal choice when painting trim, corners and small areas. Also, a specialty paint brush should be used for projects like painting furniture, decks and railings.

When selecting a brush, you will want to consider the following :
Bristle Type -
Nylon and polyester bristle: These synthetic materials are designed to hold their shape with todays popular latex paints. A good quality nylon and polyester blended brush is the best choice for all latex paints and coatings. Many painters prefer a synthetic brush for oil coatings as well.
Natural China bristle:High-quality natural China bristle brushes have qualities that control oil-based coatings for better flow and leveling for the smoothest finish. A natural China bristle brush is the best choice for oil-based paints, stains and varnishes

Brush Styles:
Angle sash: Bristles are precisely trimmed at an angle that allows painters to hold the brush more comfortably while painting trim and corners. Brush ends are rounded for a smooth , gradual paint stroke.

Trim:
Trim brushes have a straight cut-line and are also used for painting trim and corners. They can also be used for larger areas. Some painters prefer a straight edge versus an angled cut. Trim brushes also have rounded ends.

Wall: A wall brush is a larger brush with a straight cut-line. It is better used for larger areas like walls or side paneling. A wall brush has square ends.

Brush Size : Personal preference is always a factor in choosing a brush width, but a good rule of thumb is For small spaces, tight trim areas, touch-ups and detail work 2 1/2 to 3 inches: For any trim and corner work 4 to 5 inches: For larger areas like walls or side paneling a roller may come in handy or use a good Brush Quality.

You made it this far! You are incredible! Thanks for reading - really hope this helps.

Better brushes bring better results.
High Production Brushes: These brushes are recommended for painters looking for superior paint pick-up and release. High Production brushes deliver great results in less time. They pick-up and release more than 25 percent more paint than any other brush on the market. High Production brushes are available in a nylon/polyester blend for latex coatings and in a white China/polyester blend for oil-based coatings.
Nylon/Polyester and 100% Nylon Brushes:
A specific blend of nylon and polyester filaments make this brush a fine finishing tool that is very durable and easy to clean. The white nylon tips are precisely flagged and tapered for a sharp cut-line. These characteristics have made this line the most popular choice for latex paints for the past 15 years. Although nylon is a soft material, it is also the strongest and most expensive material in a paint brush. 100 percent nylon brushes offer extreme durability, even when used on rough or abrasive surfaces. 100 percent nylon brushes are finished using several hand-trimming steps to create a superior cut-in paint brush.
Black and White China Bristle Brushes:
By nature, Black China bristle is stronger and thicker coarse hair, which makes it the perfect bristle to use with oil-based paints and epoxies. The highest quality Black China bristles available are used in the Contractor Series line. White China bristle, by contrast, is soft and thin. A white China bristle brush is the perfect tool for stain, varnishes, polyurethanes and clear coatings. It lays these topcoats on with a glass-smooth finish. White China bristle brushes are suitable for oil-based paints if a softer flex tool is desired.
Black China / Ox Hair Blend Brushes: Ox hair is extremely fine and soft, creating an exceptional tool for fine finish work.
Roller Covers: Rollers help you paint large, flat surfaces in much less time than a brush. They are also excellent for use on all walls, stucco, concrete or any other flat surface.
Here are some options to consider when purchasing a roller cover:
Roller Cover Materials:
Nylon/polyester:
Synthetic roller covers are ideal for applying latex paints, They resist matting and hold their shape for a smooth finish.
Natural fiber covers: Roller covers that are made from natural fiber include mohair and lambs wool. They are ideal for oil-based coatings.
Blended covers: Roller covers made from a blend of natural and synthetic fibers are excellent multipurpose covers and can be used with all paints.
Roller Length: Standard roller length is nine inches.
For smaller areas, a four-inch or seven-inch roller cover. Larger area - walls & floors, 14-inch & 18-inch rollers may increase productivity.
Pile Depth : Roller covers vary in nap length.
The nap is determined by the SuRfaCe TeXtUrE to be painted.
1/4-inch, 3/16-inch: For very smooth surfaces like metal doors and plaster. 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch: For smooth and semi-smooth surfaces like drywall. 3/4-inch: For semi-rough surfaces like wood or a textured ceiling. 1-inch, 1 1/4-inch: For rough surfaces like stucco or a heavily textured ceiling. 1 1/2-inch: For extremely rough surfaces like concrete block.
Roller Quality As with brushes, the initial extra investment in higher quality rollers and covers will pay off in the final look and ease of application. Lesser quality roller covers may leave streaks or nap fibers on the painted surface.
Polyester Knit: Specially formulated for today is latex coatings. The highly crimped fibers offer the best protection against matting. Soft Woven: Rivals polyester knit in popularity. Recommended for both latex and oil coatings, they do a fine job with gloss and semi-glass coatings. Wool/Polyester Knit: Fifty percent of the roller cover fiber is natural wool, which allows for greater paint pick up and delivery. Fifty percent is polyester, which helps the roller keep its shape during prolonged use. The blend results in an excellent balance of productivity and low matting. Merino Sheepskin: Pick up and release more paint than any other roller cover. Many painters use Merino Sheepskin exclusively for any type of coating, claiming it lasts a long time with proper care. Mohair: Features a blend of soft natural angora mohair with synthetic fibers to produce the smoothest finish possible with a roller cover. Recommended for use with gloss and high gloss coatings. Brushes & Rollers Portions of above material was edited material from Paint Supplier

Tip: Painting Straight Lines is one of the hardest things to master. A Painting Edger may be used. When this edger is used two problems often occur. Bumps of Ceiling Texture are hit making a crooked line or paint gets on the edge of the roller. To prevent both of these problems place a painters metal shield or a straight trowel with tape over the edge against the ceiling. Your roller now rolls freely and if paint was on the roller it will go onto your trowel instead of the ceiling! (Stiff Paper or thin cardboard may substitute the trowel)
Tip 2: Using tape instead of the above method. Place the tape down the wall one eighth of an inch. When the tape is removed it will look like a caulk line and will not be noticed! If the paint is on the ceiling however It stands out! Remember to remove the tape immediately. Painter Friendly Tape is very deceitful. Seven Day tape should really stay on Seven minutes. One day is the max for any tape.

There are periods when to dare, is the highest wisdom. William Ellery Channing

By all means, do not say, If I can; Say, I will. Abraham Lincoln

You may wear out, but never give up.

Posted by Capital Remodeling

Article Written and Prepared by: Barbara Thorp

Let’s admit it, whatever our reasons for being attracted to a real estate property for sale, whether they be location, size, price, proximity, etc, etc, whatever they are, it still boils down to one thing: We are still primarily motivated by what we see.

Which is why the paintwork is very crucial when you’re considering putting up your home for sale. Indeed, paint spells the difference between a house that gets sold for a winsome price, and one that gets ignored.

Whether you need a major paint job for your home or just some minor touching up, only you can decide. But whatever you do, painting should be approached in a systematic manner.

The Basics in Painting.

If you have rooms that are on the small side, paint them with a lighter colour. Lighter colours make a room look larger. Conversely, dark colours make a room seem smaller.

Before you selecting colours, experiment with small patches of your house first. Colours in samples often translates to a very different appearance on your walls. To save money, time and frustration, buy a small amount of the colour of your choice and apply it to a small part of the wall in question. Let it dry and decide whether it is what you really want. Often, experimenting with colours can lead to spectacular results you didn’t plan on. So don’t be shy.

Remember to record the mix of the paint on the can so that whenever you need to re-order, you can effortlessly duplicate the right shade of colour.

What to Paint With.

Choosing the right paint depends on the particular area you’re painting. Generally, there are two paint types: water based or solvent based.

Go for water-based paints when doing walls and ceilings. They’re easy to apply, touch dry in 20 minutes, can usually be re-coated in two hours, and clean up in water.

A semi-gloss or satin finish acrylic, on the other hand, gives a hardy surface in high traffic areas, such as kitchens, family rooms or children’s rooms.

Flat or low sheen acrylic or vinyls are better suited for more formal areas like dining rooms, bedrooms and lounge rooms.

For ceilings, try a special ultra flat plastic known as ceiling white that helps mask imperfections. But choose one that doesn’t drip.

For areas that need constant cleaning, such as doors, windows and furniture, or walls subjected to frequent dampness, you can’t go wrong with solvent-based enamel paint. It gives hard-wearing surfaces a tough finish. Kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms are popular with enamel paint.

At the end of the day, the physical appearance of your home will be the reason a prospective buyer will make an offer. Paint your way to a successful home for sale then.

Posted by Capital Remodeling, Inc.

Author: Julie Lohmeier

In the last 10 years, faux painting techniques have gone from obscure to popular, from the realm of professionals to do-it-yourself projects. These techniques are not difficult although they can be time consuming (what decorating or remodeling project isn’t though) and require quick hands.

Called “faux” painting because these techniques mimic or create a false look of stone, texture, leather, and more, you will find that the styles fall into one of two types: additive or subtractive. Additive (also called positive) techniques simply mean that you add color onto the wall. Sponging is the most common of this type. Conversely, subtractive (also referred to as negative) techniques means you take paint off after it has been applied. Ragging is a common subtractive technique. Most negative techniques use glazes and require that you move quickly before the glaze dries.

When it comes to glazes, there are two types: latex (water based) or oil based. Latex is by far easier since it cleans up with soap and water, but oil based glazes provide longer working times and generally provide a harder, more durable finish. However, for do-it-yourselfers, I recommend latex glazes and working in small areas at a time. I have also seen solutions that you can add to the glaze to lengthen the working time. For your first glazing job, you may well want to consider using this additive available at finer paint supply stores.

Here are the various type of faux painting techniques:

Sponging: Probably the easiest method, you apply paint to a wall with a natural sea sponge. It provides a richly textured look. In addition to good looks, it’s a simple way to camouflage an uneven or repaired crack wall. Use a couple of colors over the base paint to add greater depth. Be bold or subtle; it’s up to you. You can use glaze or paint just as easily with this technique. I’ve seen this done in a negative manner, but it is most commonly performed as a positive method.

Ragging/Rag rolling: Typically a negative technique, you paint a tinted glaze over the base painted walls. The glaze should be tinted darker than the base coat, keeping in the same color family as the glaze allows some color through it as well. Either use a wadded up dry rag or twist a rag into a cylinder. Then dab or roll the rags to remove the glaze. You can use one or two colors over the base coat. You may also do this in a positive method like sponging for a softer look and texture.

Color Washing: In this additive technique, you apply the tinted glaze mixture over the base coat using a circular motion as if you were washing the wall. Use rags for a very soft look or a natural sea sponge for a more textured appearance.

Strié: Create a historical and aged texture to the wall, with this negative method. Roll tinted glaze over the base coat, then use a wall paper brush to make fine lines from top to bottom. The glaze should be darker than the base coat to allow the lighter base to show through the fine lines.

Striping: The only difficult part of this positive technique is getting your stripes straight. Be sure to use a level or drop a plumb line. Tape off your stripes, then paint every other one with glaze. If you use a bold color, you do not need to tint the glaze to get a delightful two-tone effect. For softer colors, you may wish to slightly darken the glaze although it is not necessary. This technique may also be combined with color washing as you color wash the stripes for more interest and texture. Of course, for a more dramatic look, you can use paint in complementary or various colors.

Dry Brushing: This is a positive method in which you use a small amount of paint on a brush in herringbone patterns to create the texture. You will need tow or three colors to achieve the best results.

Frottage: Using plastic sheets for this negative method, tinted glaze is applied over the base coat and then plastic sheets are applied and smoothed over the glaze. Once the wall is done, the plastic sheets are removed for a marbling effect.

Faux finishes can provide interest and texture to your rooms - and less expensively than wall paper. While you may need to block out a full day to do the work, by the end of the day, you can sit back and admire the rich, luxurious look of your new room.