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. 

Painted Distressed Stripes

                                                         Painted Distressed Stripes

This is a great finish if your looking to add an old world affect to your decor. Painted distressed stripes can be applied to doors, walls or accent areas. This technique resembles old wooden boards and is filled with character.
Basically anything goes to produce this look, the lines of these stripes are not perfect, there meant to be irregular. Several earth tone colors were used in an alternating pattern of lighter stripes and then darker.
 The stripe pattern seems to be normal at first and then the fun begins. Applying opposite tones of color to each stripe with a dry brush creates a wood grain with an erratic design, just perfect for a distressed look. Now, you could get carried away with this project so keep from going over board, no pun intended.  

Red Textured Ceiling

Wow! Add a red textured ceiling with gold crown molding and you get a powerful combination that equals one thing, Opulence! This ceiling is located in the dining area which co ordinates wonderfully with the surrounding furnishings. The room is warm and inviting with an old world touch.

Red a color of strength and passion also is known to enhance conversation and appetite, the dining room is just the right place for this color.

Hand painted gold crown moldings adds the sparkle of jewelery to enhance the dining experience.
The textured ceiling was lightly textured with a 6 in. blade and compound, primed and then base coated with a light tan latex eggshell finish. A sea sponge was used to apply the red glaze which was allowed to build up in the texture and also create a mottled affect.

The crown was base coated with a tan color and then coated with gold latex metallic finish. When the gold paint was dry a chocolate brown glaze was applied to enhance the design and leave an old world patina. Can't wait to see whats on the menu, bon appetit!

Faux Painted Marble

                                                              Faux Painted Marble

Faux painted marble can be used in many areas of your home. Boarders of painted faux marble in your bath room are a great way to enhance the architectural lines. Applying this finish to fireplace surrounds, table tops and accent walls will create an air of sophistication at a fraction of the cost of real marble. Follow the steps below and please practice this technique until your comfortable with your results. Examine real marble, this will be time well spent.

Latex paint was used to produce this faux marble shown above. The base coat a blackish green was applied with a muslin roller with a low nap. A dark green glaze is applied randomly with a sponge .   Blend this glaze threw out the surface without it becoming a solid color, leave breaks in the finish. Allow the base coat to come threw while sponging. Keep in mind that each application of paint or glaze needs to have its own shape and size to keep it from forming a pattern.

Before this coat dries apply a lighter green glaze randomly and sponge in to create a 45 degree flow which most marble have. Let this dry before adding the off white. I use an artist angled brush to apply the floating drifts of minerals which you would find in marble. The drifts should be applied over an area of water lightly applied to the surface. Now, you can add color to accent areas of your marble to create a more realistic piece. I use artist acrylic paint to add accent color glazes to add interest.

 Use a cotton swab to move the glaze around and or remove glaze as needed. Veining is not necessary for this project. When all is completely dry apply a couple coats of gloss urethane. Gloss urethane will produce the look of polished marble and become more believable.

See more marble ideas at  http://arrayofcolorinc.blogspot.com/2012/02/marble-faux-boarder.html

Sponging with metallic paint

Are you searching for a paint finish that has a shimmering glow and amazing depth that you can get lost in? Metallic paint can achieve this. Sponging with metallic paint is one of my favorite painting techniques, the possibilities are endless. As you move around the room reflections of light seem to move with you. Either an accent wall or an entire room can be painted with metallic's, in each case it will deliver a wow factor to your decor. Here is a sample of sponging with silver and gold metallic paint.

I used a dark gray base and applied silver first with a glaze and then straight silver paint, this creates depth. To achieve this sponging technique it is applied heavier with a tight pattern.  Adding straight gold metallic paint over the silver added more depth which gives the impression of water splashing about.

Practice this technique on a board before applying to the walls. This will give you a chance to work out any issues that may arise. Use a sea sponge which is slightly damp and dip the sponge into the paint, blot the excess from the sponge on a side board and then apply to the wall.

There are many other types of metallic paint to choose from, copper, bronze to name a few. Use the right color base for any of the metallic paints and your on your way to creating a beautiful addition to your home.

Note: Sea sponges have different patterns, choose the side of the sponge which creates a pattern which pleases you. Change the direction of the sponge each time it hits the wall, think of a clock and change your hand position with each tap. Try not to cover all of the base color.
 Adding to much glaze to the metallic paint will thin it's consistency.

Check out this link for painting with gold metallic on crown moldings
http://arrayofcolorinc.blogspot.com/2013/03/painted-gold-metallic-crown-molding.html

Sponge painting

Sponge painting techniques allows endless variety for you to create amazing surfaces.  The sample shown above was done using a "Positive" technique where the paint is added directly to the surface by a sea sponge. No glaze was used for this sample. The sea sponge needs to have many spiked areas to produce this dotted look. I chose analogous colors so there was harmony and color blending would produce beautiful overlays. Each layer of color was allowed to dry before applying the next color.
I call this technique Fantasy Granite. Explore all the amazing things you can do with paint!

Painted gold metallic crown molding

Painted gold metallic crown molding is such an elegant and rich compliment for any ceiling that needs a touch of sophistication. Gold metallic paint comes in many hues and emulates gold leaf.

These molding are made of foam with a sturdy shell which can be painted. There are countless designs and sizes. Try to paint the moldings before they are applied to the ceilings, its much easier.

 I start off applying a golden tan tinted latex primer and then apply a golden tan latex base coat. Once the base has dried fully I apply two coats of metallic gold latex with a brush. Then I apply a chocolate glaze with a brush and wipe off the excess with a cotton rag.  The glaze dries and it leaves a beautiful aged patina. Looking up has never been better!