The Paint Effects Bible: 100 Recipes for Faux Finishes

Jim Carlson, Country Almanac
A good guide for the novice as well as an inspiration for do-it-yourselfers.


Adventures -- Home & Gardens 06/2003
A wonderful little encyclopedia ... a must for ambitious do-it-yourselfers who are looking for out-of-the-ordinary results.


Library Journal 09/15/2003
Demonstrates how to create a multitude of paint effects... highly recommended for any size public library.


Canadina House and Home 11/2003
Step-by-step photographs of each of the 100 inventive effects... A must-have for anyone considering a paint-effects project.


Diana Luciani, Style at Home 12/2003
Most of the finishes are subtle and interesting, which is appropriate, since obvious sponged finishes are passé.


Annette McLeod, Toronto Sun 11/27/2003
Just the thing to help us faux addicts add a designer touch to every room.


Linda Turk, Thunder Bay Chronicle-Journal 02/01/2004
Things here you've never even thought of, but might very well love to have in your home... you'll be inspired.


Laura Hardy, Little Rock Arrkansas Democrat-Gazette 06/05/2004
Step-by-step photos make it easy to follow directions... The sheer volume of information in this compact book is amazing.


About the Author
After obtaining a fine arts degree, Kerry Skinner worked in theatre, window display and interior decoration, and as a design consultant for prestigious clients. She has written for magazines such as Country Living, Inspirations, and Period Living & Traditional Homes and makes many television appearances including on Discovery Home & Leisure. She is the author of The Painted Room, The Paper Decorator and The Gilded Room.


Excerpted from The Paint Effects Bible: 100 Recipes for Faux Finishes by Kerry Skinner. Copyright © 2003. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Introduction The purpose of this book is to demonstrate some of the vast array of paint effects you can use to decorate surfaces. A paint-effects directory covers 100 faux finishes, all of which are clearly illustrated with step-by-step instructions, and cover a wide range of traditional and contemporary finishes with varying degrees of difficulty. You will come to see that the most important ingredient needed for any project is enthusiasm and patience. A good general rule is to spend a lot of time visualizing your goal -- preparing, researching, and experimenting with colors and materials. At this planning stage, samples and idea boards are invaluable. Often the simplest techniques and color combinations can convey the most complex ideas. The biggest hurdle for most of us is learning to work confidently -- gaining an understanding of your own intuitive response to color is a great way to become more self-assured. It is also very important to consider environmental issues -- you need to find biodegradable materials, and a low-waste technique that will make as little impact on the environment as possible. Most of the projects show the use of freely available multi-purpose tools and equipment. Manufacturers are usually happy to hear your concerns and have begun to offer more choice for the discerning decorator who wishes, for example, to try out water-based products for a project when all traditional examples demonstrate the necessity of oil-based materials. Again, confidence and a willingness to experiment can lead to exciting results. It is also important to realize that everyone has their own unique style and there is no definitive, prescribed way to achieve the perfect paint effect. The projects are offered as a starting point for each finish -- to offer you help in accomplishing the particular painting you envisage. The techniques shown are open to endless variation and personal interpretation -- and indeed your own decorative effects can add more individuality, glamor, and surprise as well as being extremely challenging and fun to achieve. Let your imagination run riot and marvel at the results!


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Designer and decorator Skinner (The Gilded Room: Decorating with Metallic Effects) demonstrates how to create a multitude of paint effects, from faux parquet floors to freehand murals. The book begins with an overview of color, paint, equipment, basic techniques, and safety measures, followed by a handy guide consisting of thumbnail photos of the various techniques. Each effect is described in two pages, with a list of materials and equipment needed, a photograph of the finished product, and a page of well-illustrated instructions. Other techniques covered include color washing, gilding, marbling, stripes, and decoupage-in a spiral, lay-flat binding that allows for ease of use. Amateur painters may require more detailed instructions for some of the complex techniques, but for the amount of techniques covered, this book is highly recommended for any size public library. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.


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