Faux finish painting?

Question

I want to try my hand at faux finishing on my interior walls starting one room at a time. I've seen DVD instruction from Lowe's and You-tube instructions on it's procedure. They help however has anyone ever tried and has some tips or warnings to give? With different steps it looks like it's quite expensive, true? Should a professional paint crew be hired instead? Thanks.

Answer 1

Depends on which type of faux finish you're going to do. I've done the negative ragging, where you mix the 2nd color with a glaze, roll on a section and then rag OFF what you don't want. I would caution you to practice first on either scrap wall board or on a wall that you don't mind painting over later.  And make sure you keep a wet edge. If you stop and start again after your edge has dried it is almost impossible to get it to look decent. It is also very important to tape off your floor and ceiling.  You'll get a nice straight edge to your finish and it will look professional this way. So to review: practice, make sure you keep a wet edge, and prep really well before you start (tape, tape, tape).

Answer 2

yes, you should try this...i want pictures...

i need a good laugh

i get alot of calls to re-do these kinds of projects

people say it's easy, o.k. its easy you can do it

*snikker*

Answer 3

use lots of glaze (but not directly on your device) and remember not to overload your device

i like to keep damp paper towels nearby because they're always always useful. i also like to keep cardboard scraps nearby for blotting my device (doing so on cardboard makes sure my device is not overloaded)

as for a professional crew, i advise against it.

Answer 4

It isn't hard and doesn't need to be too expensive but it can be time consuming and messy.  Definitely start one wall at a time.  I usually start in a small area and try out different color combinations til I figure out what I like.  Best if you have some old wallboard to practice on.  To avoid buying lots of cans of different paint colors while you decide what looks good you can get the little sample paints for about $3 each at the big hardware stores.  You will probably need glaze - get the clear kind so you can tint with whatever color you want.  

The brushed technique that is supposed to look like linen was one that I found to be too hard to do in on a whole wall.  You have to keep the lines very straight.  Easiest are techniques using sponges or rags or plastic bags.  

Good luck and have fun.