Faux Painted Crown Molding

                                                        Faux Painted Crown Molding

Having very high ceilings calls for a larger profile crown molding. Here is a great trick to achieve the look of  larger crown molding and save money, two moldings were used with the trim molding applied 4 inches below the crown. The crown molding size increased from 5 1/4 in. to around 12 inches. The wall area was base coated and faux painted to give the illusion of  one large molding.

The space below the crown molding needs to have a smooth finish for the faux wood technique. The sheet rock area which is in the center of the two moldings may need to be skim coated with compound, to remove any texture which was produced by a past paint finish. Once the compound has dried and smoothed out clean all dust with a damp cloth. Apply a primer, let dry completely and apply the base coat to all pieces which make up this new extended crown.

Note: all brush strokes most go with the grain direction from start to finish. That means the primer too.

Base coat - Benjamin Moore # 1110 eggshell finish

1st glaze - BM - Charleston Brown - 1 part paint to 3 parts glaze, this glaze will be brushed on randomly applying heavier in some areas and lighter in others. I recommend this to give the look off real wood. Your brush strokes need to go left to right lot form a grain pattern.

Note: A quart of paint goes a long way especially when glaze is added.

2nd glaze - BM - # 2107 - 10  - 1 part paint to 3 parts glaze, this glaze will be applied lighter than the first keeping in mind of a flowing grain pattern.

Step 3 - This faux wood shown above has the look of deep scratches and some of the scratched areas are moving diagonally across the grain. With a 1 to 2 in brush apply the scratched areas with a dry brush and use straight paint ( no glaze ). If the lines come to heavy wipe them off with a damp rag and try using a lighter touch.  Note: Adding worm holes with an artist brush gives more realism to your work.

Step 4 - apply glaze # 2107-10  into the areas which have groves or designs in the molding. Wipe the excess off with a clean damp lint free rag. When this is dry follow last step

Last step - I use this step to give a believable glow to the faux wood. Over time the poly will age and amber. Brush on satin polyurethane with a 2 1/2 inch china bristle brush, move with the grain. Add a small amount of poly to your brush so it does not sag or run on your hard work.

I recommend practicing on some crown moldings so you get the hang of it and work out any issues
before you tackle the real thing.