Add Your Comments & Questions

                          Comments

      Hello and Welcome to Comments and Questions Forum with Elaine Morton. 

                 Questions and Answers                         

Can you  faux paint my kitchen? I am interested in a textured finish.
                                                                                                       thx Kim

I would be happy to help you. You can call me to schedule an apt. @ 443 315 3681  You have the option of filling out an Online consultation form. Consultation Form

Hi Elaine,

Do you have any tips for applying metallic paint?

                                                         Thanks, Jen

Hi Jen, 

Metallic paint is one of those products that can be rather tricky to apply. I recently used Ralph Lauren Metallic “Summer Gold” in a Dinning Room and  I used Ralph Lauren “Parlor Gold” in the Sitting Room. Although, the finish results were beautiful, unless you have artistic skills and are good at blending, I highly recommend using a professional, as metallic paint is very unforgiving.

Some tips I would recommend:

Start with a deeper color such as the “Summer Gold” it is much easier to work with then the lighter brighter tones.

If you are going to use one of the light tones I recommend a fresh coat of base paint. The surface needs to be smooth, as every little bump will show if you don’t know how to blend the product.

Be sure to use painter’s tape (blue tape). Keep the tape very tight to surface by using a flat straight edge as the product tends to run under the tape especially the deeper colors.

If you want the color to deepen, paint the second coat over a wet first coat. If you want the color to appear lighter and brighter, then let the paint dry its recommend time before applying the second coat

I recommend using the Ralph Lauren Roller, a small pounce brush for the edges and a large round pounce brush to blend the product all over. Use the pounce technique (large pounce brush for both the first and second coat).

Lg. Pounce Brush - For example, the round stippler "Leon Neon".   

        The "Leon Neon" stippler is made of a synthetic neon green nylon that will not scratch painted surfaces as it stipples and manipulates glazes and texture materials. It is excellent for pouncing and manipulating glazes and textures on large surfaces. 


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Can I faux finish over my wallpaper, paneling or heavily damaged and patched walls?

A. Wallpaper 

 1. Wallpaper must be primed using a flat alkyd primer and base coated twice but the seams will always show. Faux finishing will distract the eye enough to erase most of it visually. Hint: One way I deal with the lines is to do a multi-color stripe.

B. Paneling

 1. Paneling can be sanded lightly and painted with alkyd primer and then with either alkyd or latex paint. 

 2.Over primer a two or three layer Venetian plaster such as Venetian Gem or Luster Stone finish can be applied to the surface.

( Venetian Gem-a marble plaster, developed to produce high quality multi-sheen finishes. Durable wear, high hide and chemical resistant. Polish or burnish to brilliant deep color sheens).

(Luster Stone- is a new very versatile plaster with a reflective sheen built into the product).

C. Damaged Walls

 1. Heavily damaged and roughly repaired walls must have the repairs sealed and crack free The heavier plasters such as Plaster Tex will hide everything. Note: Italian Plaster which is put on very thin and then polished will not work on badly damaged walls.

( Plaster Tex -is a specially formulated Venetian Plaster base coat to use when a more textured plaster effect is desired. Apply multiple layers for a smoother finish. Polish or  burnish to a sheen).

I am curious about the faux finishing for concrete flooring. Does anyone know what kind of treatment your concrete needs (ie if there are cracks in the floor) before applying the finish. Is this more cost effective then laying down tile.

Thanks in advance for any comments.

newbie

Dear Newbe,

I have done a number of  concrete floor faux finishes and would be glad to help you out however, if your a do it yourself type two good informative sites I would recommend are   

                          and         

Both sites lay out the material cost for both stain and plaster finish They also, give detailed instruction about treatment and proper preparation of concrete flooring.. 

Concrete Floors can be made beautiful using texture, color and pattern to match your personal style.

What can you use to cover lines in paneling?

Article from DIY home-improvement expert James Young.

Diy network

Hi Elaine,

I would like to paint a new side table to look old , what colors should I use?

Thanks, Kim


Consider using Historical Blends when painting.

( some samples from the 1840's used to paint furniture)