How To Install Vinyl Sliding Door For Your Kitchen
by: Cherdkiat Taesookavat
In today's world, it seems that almost any topic is open for debate not only for the subject that is in people interested. Many of home owners tend to learn about how to fix their house by themselves. It was quite surprised to find some of the issues I thought were settled are actually still being openly discussed. I trust that what you've read from this article is very informative. The following section should go a long way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain.
There are plenty of good reasons why you should have vinyl sliding door for your kitchen. Most of kitchen generally has an ordinary door but it is absolutely a good idea to replace it with vinyl sliding door. Vinyl sliding door could help to improve overall appearance of the kitchen as well as improve function of the kitchen. That is, use sliding door is very convenient. This is because kitchen is an optional room for many of houses and usually has limited space. Using sliding door can save great amount of space when you open the door, as a result, you will gain more space to locate additional kitchen furniture and equipment. The following detail will describe about how to replace vinyl sliding door to your kitchen, so you can apply method described below and you can do it yourself.
Getting to know frame of vinyl door is still essential, the retrofit frame is the most common type of vinyl kitchen door frame. The retrofit frame is pretty much the same as retrofit window, the door will have a 2" lip flush with the outside edge of the frame. Generally space for kitchen door will be a bit larger than normal space for door of other room in the house, so before you start, you have to make sure that you have measured all sides of the stile and get the exact side of the frame that you need.
The process of installation of retrofit frame for your kitchen is the same as replacement frame. In fact, you have to check all conditions within the kitchen before you start the installation. The first thing that you have to examine is the level of kitchen floor. If the base is not level, add shims to create a level base. You should know that this process is very important as I have seen many of home owners or even professionals forget to measure the level of the floor which usually cause the whole frame will be thrown out of square in case if you have inconsistent floor level, i.e. sloping floor.
Especially for a kitchen floor which many of home owner love to use tiles as flooring material. If they did not properly design the level and slope of the floor, it would be difficult when they want to replace kitchen door. If you find that the kitchen floor is not properly designed and sloping, you may have to use shim to make the base of the door strong enough to support the door’s weight. Another important process is when you put the door in place also very important and these are only some tips about how you can improve the quality and appearance of the kitchen by yourself.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Stay Warm With A Patio Heater
Stay Warm With A Patio Heater
by: Keith George
Patio heaters are heaters for use in open spaces. They are popular for domestic use and outside dining areas particularly in open cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating.
They usually heat a radius of 10-20 feet. However the radius varies according to the model and ambient atmosphere. Patio heaters usually raise the temperature from 10-30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Patio heaters are not designed for chilly winters as that would require a heavy duty heater with enormous energy consumption. They are used for relatively little increase in ambient temperature and particularly used in the evenings of late fall and early spring.
Patio heaters run on a variety of fuel like natural gas, propane, butane, kerosene etc. Some electric models are also available. The natural gas models are popular because they use the same fuel system as an outside grill. Portable patio heaters have a portable cylinder attached to the heating unit.
The principle used in most patio heaters is to heat using radiated heat and not convection. As a lot of energy gets used up in heating air for convection heating and very less percentage of heat is left for the user convection heating is not feasible. Radiative heating patio heaters are more economical as they provide heat to the user and air is not heated.
The heaters are provided with a heavy aluminum reflector at the top to direct the heat downwards and outwards from the heater. These aluminum reflector type models are termed as mushroom patio heaters or umbrella patio heaters. The pole is usually 3 to 7 feet tall. Ceiling patio heaters are also available in the market. These are installed permanently and need less maintenance than the portable one.
Patio heaters radiate anywhere up to 35,000 BTU (British Thermal Units). The emitter reaches a temperature up to 1150 degrees Fahrenheit. This causes bluing of the stainless steel. Also a brownish color develops on the emitter which appears like rust. However there is no cause for alarm as this brownish tint is normal and is not rusting of the unit.
The cost of patio heaters varies as per the model. A reasonable quality patio heater may cost between $100 to $300. Look for safety features like tilt switches, sealed burners, emergency cut off valves, flame controllers and electronic ignition systems etc when purchasing.
Patio heaters are available in shops where natural gas or butane is available. Some specialty shops for home decorating also keep patio heaters. Patio heaters are not to be treated as toys and it is prudent to not let children operate them.
by: Keith George
Patio heaters are heaters for use in open spaces. They are popular for domestic use and outside dining areas particularly in open cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating.
They usually heat a radius of 10-20 feet. However the radius varies according to the model and ambient atmosphere. Patio heaters usually raise the temperature from 10-30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Patio heaters are not designed for chilly winters as that would require a heavy duty heater with enormous energy consumption. They are used for relatively little increase in ambient temperature and particularly used in the evenings of late fall and early spring.
Patio heaters run on a variety of fuel like natural gas, propane, butane, kerosene etc. Some electric models are also available. The natural gas models are popular because they use the same fuel system as an outside grill. Portable patio heaters have a portable cylinder attached to the heating unit.
The principle used in most patio heaters is to heat using radiated heat and not convection. As a lot of energy gets used up in heating air for convection heating and very less percentage of heat is left for the user convection heating is not feasible. Radiative heating patio heaters are more economical as they provide heat to the user and air is not heated.
The heaters are provided with a heavy aluminum reflector at the top to direct the heat downwards and outwards from the heater. These aluminum reflector type models are termed as mushroom patio heaters or umbrella patio heaters. The pole is usually 3 to 7 feet tall. Ceiling patio heaters are also available in the market. These are installed permanently and need less maintenance than the portable one.
Patio heaters radiate anywhere up to 35,000 BTU (British Thermal Units). The emitter reaches a temperature up to 1150 degrees Fahrenheit. This causes bluing of the stainless steel. Also a brownish color develops on the emitter which appears like rust. However there is no cause for alarm as this brownish tint is normal and is not rusting of the unit.
The cost of patio heaters varies as per the model. A reasonable quality patio heater may cost between $100 to $300. Look for safety features like tilt switches, sealed burners, emergency cut off valves, flame controllers and electronic ignition systems etc when purchasing.
Patio heaters are available in shops where natural gas or butane is available. Some specialty shops for home decorating also keep patio heaters. Patio heaters are not to be treated as toys and it is prudent to not let children operate them.
Which KitchenAid products are right for your Kitchen?
Which KitchenAid products are right for your Kitchen?
by: Mike Yeager
KitchenAid is a popular brand of appliances. They are known for their kitchenaid mixers, but also for their quality. Any appliance you are interested in, you should consider replacing with a kitchenaide. From washers and dryers to built in warming draws, kitchenaid has it all.
If you are planning to design a kitchen and want to use state of the art appliances, consider KitchenAid. You may want to consider a built in refrigerator with high tech temperature control and energy savings. The kitchenaid dishwashers offer top of the line cleaning and sanitizing as well as sleek, stainless steel design. Very professional.. Then there is cooking. The cooktop, or range, is also top of the line with commercial like style. It has cast iron burners and large dials. Or you could choose the cooktop that is made of ceramic glass-what a look that would be! Then there are the built in ovens. 30 inches wide and very accurate temperatures. Maybe two ovens would benefit your kitchen! And don't forget the ice maker or compactor either! Both amazingly new and improved appliances! The warming drawer, too, is a mark of genius in itself. It is an appliance that will keep food at the right temperature until your ready to serve it. And it comes with a set of the perfect sized pans!
As you can see, Kitchen Aid products are innovative and high quality and range in style and convenience. This has yet to touch on the counter top appliances. Kitchenaid appliances include coffee makers, espresso machines, waffle bakers, coffee mills, frozen dessert makers, and toasters. And the Kitchen Mixers speak for themselves. Lasting years and years and delivering superb service, they will not disappoint the beginner or the advanced chef. With so much at your finger tips, you will find what you are looking for and more. It may inspire you to build a kitchen just for your new appliances!
by: Mike Yeager
KitchenAid is a popular brand of appliances. They are known for their kitchenaid mixers, but also for their quality. Any appliance you are interested in, you should consider replacing with a kitchenaide. From washers and dryers to built in warming draws, kitchenaid has it all.
If you are planning to design a kitchen and want to use state of the art appliances, consider KitchenAid. You may want to consider a built in refrigerator with high tech temperature control and energy savings. The kitchenaid dishwashers offer top of the line cleaning and sanitizing as well as sleek, stainless steel design. Very professional.. Then there is cooking. The cooktop, or range, is also top of the line with commercial like style. It has cast iron burners and large dials. Or you could choose the cooktop that is made of ceramic glass-what a look that would be! Then there are the built in ovens. 30 inches wide and very accurate temperatures. Maybe two ovens would benefit your kitchen! And don't forget the ice maker or compactor either! Both amazingly new and improved appliances! The warming drawer, too, is a mark of genius in itself. It is an appliance that will keep food at the right temperature until your ready to serve it. And it comes with a set of the perfect sized pans!
As you can see, Kitchen Aid products are innovative and high quality and range in style and convenience. This has yet to touch on the counter top appliances. Kitchenaid appliances include coffee makers, espresso machines, waffle bakers, coffee mills, frozen dessert makers, and toasters. And the Kitchen Mixers speak for themselves. Lasting years and years and delivering superb service, they will not disappoint the beginner or the advanced chef. With so much at your finger tips, you will find what you are looking for and more. It may inspire you to build a kitchen just for your new appliances!
Filterless Air Purifier
Filterless Air Purifier
by: Jason Uvios
As more and more people buy air purifiers for their homes, the air purifier industry is always looking to innovate and bring to the market new advanced purifiers that are effective as well as user-friendly. The latest offering from the manufacturers of air purifiers is the filterless air purifiers. Strange as it may sound these purifiers actually work and yes, they come without filters. Although it may sound too good to be true but they are there for sure and are ready to take the market by storm. So how exactly do these air purifiers work? Let us have a closer look.
Filterless air purifiers work best against dust, mold spores, pollen or pollen-like grains and other particulates that are more or less of similar size. These air purifiers generally come with sheet of activated carbon which actually absorbs gases and odors. However, they are not effective against all sorts of vapors and gases and should not be used by individuals who suffer from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. While it is god for physical absorption it isn't made for chemical absorption and shouldn't be used for the same purpose.
That filterless air purifier is different from other purifiers in the way it works. Inside a filterless air purifier are two plates which are electrically charged. The charge on one is opposite to the charge carried by the other. The first plate charges the particulates of the air as they pass through the purifier. The second plate being oppositely charged, attracts these particulates and lets the rest of the air to pass. This is based on a very simple principle but it has been found to be quite effective.
There are other advantages with this air purifier. There is not much cost involved in maintaining this kind of a purifier. With no money needed to be invested on filters, it is the initial investment that you need to make. Also since there are very few parts which actually move inside a filterless air purifier, the wear and tear is also limited.
The one thing however that you need to take care of is to clean the plates regularly. If this practice is continued then the purifier will deliver at its optimum level over a longer period of time. The cleaning is also hassle free and takes little time.
The user-friendly filterless purifiers should soon be a rage with customers. However it isn't the most effective of all purifiers available. So this should be treated as a basic variant as far as cleaning goes.
by: Jason Uvios
As more and more people buy air purifiers for their homes, the air purifier industry is always looking to innovate and bring to the market new advanced purifiers that are effective as well as user-friendly. The latest offering from the manufacturers of air purifiers is the filterless air purifiers. Strange as it may sound these purifiers actually work and yes, they come without filters. Although it may sound too good to be true but they are there for sure and are ready to take the market by storm. So how exactly do these air purifiers work? Let us have a closer look.
Filterless air purifiers work best against dust, mold spores, pollen or pollen-like grains and other particulates that are more or less of similar size. These air purifiers generally come with sheet of activated carbon which actually absorbs gases and odors. However, they are not effective against all sorts of vapors and gases and should not be used by individuals who suffer from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. While it is god for physical absorption it isn't made for chemical absorption and shouldn't be used for the same purpose.
That filterless air purifier is different from other purifiers in the way it works. Inside a filterless air purifier are two plates which are electrically charged. The charge on one is opposite to the charge carried by the other. The first plate charges the particulates of the air as they pass through the purifier. The second plate being oppositely charged, attracts these particulates and lets the rest of the air to pass. This is based on a very simple principle but it has been found to be quite effective.
There are other advantages with this air purifier. There is not much cost involved in maintaining this kind of a purifier. With no money needed to be invested on filters, it is the initial investment that you need to make. Also since there are very few parts which actually move inside a filterless air purifier, the wear and tear is also limited.
The one thing however that you need to take care of is to clean the plates regularly. If this practice is continued then the purifier will deliver at its optimum level over a longer period of time. The cleaning is also hassle free and takes little time.
The user-friendly filterless purifiers should soon be a rage with customers. However it isn't the most effective of all purifiers available. So this should be treated as a basic variant as far as cleaning goes.
How to Kickstart a Good Bedroom Design Project?
How to Kickstart a Good Bedroom Design Project?
by: Shrinivas Vaidya
Dear friends,
Any room in your home is primarily a space within walls, floor and a ceiling. When the structure or the apartment gets constructed, the architect and the structural contractor has taken all the care that it is stable and can withstand outside natural forces like, earthquakes, heavy winds, rainfalls, etc..
Amongst all other rooms the bedroom is a space where comfort levels have to be kept maximum. But the word comfort is a relative term. The meaning of comfort is not just a sleep of 8 hours. A good sleep inside a bedroom is a bare minimum expectation which can not be ignored.
But comfort varies from person to person. For someone it feels good by just sitting in a rocking chair, sipping a cup of coffee and enjoying good view around the house or for someone it could be listening to good music or watching night sky full of stars.
So when it comes to design any space many aspects come into consideration. Design is not just arrangement of furniture, choosing color schemes, deciding textures/finishes etc..It has to deal with "feeling good" about the space.
Of course all these factors when used in a unique way, can turn out to be a great design. The above mentioned "feel good" factor comes about by selecting a "theme" based design.
When we try to look towards the empty space through a theme, everything gets a definition and can be dealt upon easily.
Let's see an example.
If I decide to decorate a bedroom which is empty, first I will have to decide on a particular style to execute. If it's my own bedroom then I must know what kind of style best suits my personality. This choice of style will greatly influence, the kind of furniture, color scheme, finishes I use.
Here I can go for contemporary style/oriental style/country style. All these have a unique set of parameters right from the layout of furniture to what diameter should I use for the curtain rods.
A design deals with a big view starting from furniture layout and goes in-depth, deciding with each and every minute details of linen. All these affect the final expression, which is required for "feeling good". All these detailing will change the moment to shift from your theme/style.
That's why by fragmenting the entire design process into theme options can make the process easier and gives a direction to start the execution of any project.
If you are designing for someone else, it's a good idea to first know your client's likes and dislikes. I mean his personality, his hobbies, his job profile, etc... Remember that HE is going to use this room, it's his baby.
Of course once you start with a theme, it normally happens that you will get more richer and creative ideas during primary sketching process.
I hope this article was helpful.
Copyright 2005 Shrinivas Vaidya
by: Shrinivas Vaidya
Dear friends,
Any room in your home is primarily a space within walls, floor and a ceiling. When the structure or the apartment gets constructed, the architect and the structural contractor has taken all the care that it is stable and can withstand outside natural forces like, earthquakes, heavy winds, rainfalls, etc..
Amongst all other rooms the bedroom is a space where comfort levels have to be kept maximum. But the word comfort is a relative term. The meaning of comfort is not just a sleep of 8 hours. A good sleep inside a bedroom is a bare minimum expectation which can not be ignored.
But comfort varies from person to person. For someone it feels good by just sitting in a rocking chair, sipping a cup of coffee and enjoying good view around the house or for someone it could be listening to good music or watching night sky full of stars.
So when it comes to design any space many aspects come into consideration. Design is not just arrangement of furniture, choosing color schemes, deciding textures/finishes etc..It has to deal with "feeling good" about the space.
Of course all these factors when used in a unique way, can turn out to be a great design. The above mentioned "feel good" factor comes about by selecting a "theme" based design.
When we try to look towards the empty space through a theme, everything gets a definition and can be dealt upon easily.
Let's see an example.
If I decide to decorate a bedroom which is empty, first I will have to decide on a particular style to execute. If it's my own bedroom then I must know what kind of style best suits my personality. This choice of style will greatly influence, the kind of furniture, color scheme, finishes I use.
Here I can go for contemporary style/oriental style/country style. All these have a unique set of parameters right from the layout of furniture to what diameter should I use for the curtain rods.
A design deals with a big view starting from furniture layout and goes in-depth, deciding with each and every minute details of linen. All these affect the final expression, which is required for "feeling good". All these detailing will change the moment to shift from your theme/style.
That's why by fragmenting the entire design process into theme options can make the process easier and gives a direction to start the execution of any project.
If you are designing for someone else, it's a good idea to first know your client's likes and dislikes. I mean his personality, his hobbies, his job profile, etc... Remember that HE is going to use this room, it's his baby.
Of course once you start with a theme, it normally happens that you will get more richer and creative ideas during primary sketching process.
I hope this article was helpful.
Copyright 2005 Shrinivas Vaidya
Organic Home Furniture Goes Mainstream
Organic Home Furniture Goes Mainstream
by: Chris Robertson
Organic foods have been around for decades, and those concerned about the pesticides and chemicals used in industrial farming have long turned to organics to ensure that the foods they eat are healthy and pure. Increasingly, though, people who don't consider themselves to be naturalists or environmentalists are embracing eco-friendly foods and home furnishings.
Whether out of a concern for the diminishing rain forests or for the chemicals found in the carpet that their baby crawls on, there is a growing market for eco-friendly furniture and home furnishings. From organic mattresses made from cotton and wool to wood furniture made from reclaimed wood, there is a myriad of eco-friendly home furniture from which to choose.
Typically, manufacturers of eco-friendly wood furniture and decorative wood home furnishings use reclaimed timber. In other words, the wood that is used to make furniture was logged long ago and was once a bridge or other structure. By using reclaimed wood, furniture makers recycle timber that has already been logged instead of cutting down trees. Similarly, makers of eco-friendly bed linens use cotton grown on small organic farms or wool harvested organically raised sheep.
The variety of available eco-friendly wood furniture and other wood home furnishings is astounding. Many of the pieces have artisan craftsmanship, and can be proudly displayed alongside antique furniture. Wood furniture inspired by the Viking and Celtic peoples is very popular. A CD cabinet, for example, might feature Celtic scroll carving embellishments or knobs engraved with a Celtic knot pattern. Likewise, a Celtic desk might include a lattice footrest or brass handles, and be made from antique elm wood.
The popularity of Viking motifs is gaining, especially in decorative pieces. For example, a shield featuring Viking sea dragons inspired by historic carvings found in Sweden dating from between the ninth and twelfth centuries adds a touch of history and mystery to a living room's décor.
Reclaimed wood is also used to make Egyptian-inspired wood furniture and decorative pieces. An Egyptian jewelry box, for example, might feature miniature hand-paintings and carved hieroglyphs, while Egyptian candlesticks might feature carvings that replicate those found on King Tutankhamen's ceremonial chair.
From rugs to linens, from carpeting to wood furniture, eco-friendly home furnishings conserve the Earth's resources while providing consumers with items rich in beauty and historical significance. Whether one's tastes runs to antiques, to the Viking or Celtic eras, or to the mysteries of ancient Egyptian tombs, there are certainly organic options for home decorating.
by: Chris Robertson
Organic foods have been around for decades, and those concerned about the pesticides and chemicals used in industrial farming have long turned to organics to ensure that the foods they eat are healthy and pure. Increasingly, though, people who don't consider themselves to be naturalists or environmentalists are embracing eco-friendly foods and home furnishings.
Whether out of a concern for the diminishing rain forests or for the chemicals found in the carpet that their baby crawls on, there is a growing market for eco-friendly furniture and home furnishings. From organic mattresses made from cotton and wool to wood furniture made from reclaimed wood, there is a myriad of eco-friendly home furniture from which to choose.
Typically, manufacturers of eco-friendly wood furniture and decorative wood home furnishings use reclaimed timber. In other words, the wood that is used to make furniture was logged long ago and was once a bridge or other structure. By using reclaimed wood, furniture makers recycle timber that has already been logged instead of cutting down trees. Similarly, makers of eco-friendly bed linens use cotton grown on small organic farms or wool harvested organically raised sheep.
The variety of available eco-friendly wood furniture and other wood home furnishings is astounding. Many of the pieces have artisan craftsmanship, and can be proudly displayed alongside antique furniture. Wood furniture inspired by the Viking and Celtic peoples is very popular. A CD cabinet, for example, might feature Celtic scroll carving embellishments or knobs engraved with a Celtic knot pattern. Likewise, a Celtic desk might include a lattice footrest or brass handles, and be made from antique elm wood.
The popularity of Viking motifs is gaining, especially in decorative pieces. For example, a shield featuring Viking sea dragons inspired by historic carvings found in Sweden dating from between the ninth and twelfth centuries adds a touch of history and mystery to a living room's décor.
Reclaimed wood is also used to make Egyptian-inspired wood furniture and decorative pieces. An Egyptian jewelry box, for example, might feature miniature hand-paintings and carved hieroglyphs, while Egyptian candlesticks might feature carvings that replicate those found on King Tutankhamen's ceremonial chair.
From rugs to linens, from carpeting to wood furniture, eco-friendly home furnishings conserve the Earth's resources while providing consumers with items rich in beauty and historical significance. Whether one's tastes runs to antiques, to the Viking or Celtic eras, or to the mysteries of ancient Egyptian tombs, there are certainly organic options for home decorating.
Popular Faux Painting Techniques Explained
Popular Faux Painting Techniques Explained
by: Julie Lohmeier
In the last 10 years, faux painting techniques have gone from obscure to popular, from the realm of professionals to do-it-yourself projects. These techniques are not difficult although they can be time consuming (what decorating or remodeling project isn’t though) and require quick hands.
Called “faux” painting because these techniques mimic or create a false look of stone, texture, leather, and more, you will find that the styles fall into one of two types: additive or subtractive. Additive (also called positive) techniques simply mean that you add color onto the wall. Sponging is the most common of this type. Conversely, subtractive (also referred to as negative) techniques means you take paint off after it has been applied. Ragging is a common subtractive technique. Most negative techniques use glazes and require that you move quickly before the glaze dries.
When it comes to glazes, there are two types: latex (water based) or oil based. Latex is by far easier since it cleans up with soap and water, but oil based glazes provide longer working times and generally provide a harder, more durable finish. However, for do-it-yourselfers, I recommend latex glazes and working in small areas at a time. I have also seen solutions that you can add to the glaze to lengthen the working time. For your first glazing job, you may well want to consider using this additive available at finer paint supply stores.
Here are the various type of faux painting techniques:
Sponging: Probably the easiest method, you apply paint to a wall with a natural sea sponge. It provides a richly textured look. In addition to good looks, it’s a simple way to camouflage an uneven or repaired crack wall. Use a couple of colors over the base paint to add greater depth. Be bold or subtle; it’s up to you. You can use glaze or paint just as easily with this technique. I’ve seen this done in a negative manner, but it is most commonly performed as a positive method.
Ragging/Rag rolling: Typically a negative technique, you paint a tinted glaze over the base painted walls. The glaze should be tinted darker than the base coat, keeping in the same color family as the glaze allows some color through it as well. Either use a wadded up dry rag or twist a rag into a cylinder. Then dab or roll the rags to remove the glaze. You can use one or two colors over the base coat. You may also do this in a positive method like sponging for a softer look and texture.
Color Washing: In this additive technique, you apply the tinted glaze mixture over the base coat using a circular motion as if you were washing the wall. Use rags for a very soft look or a natural sea sponge for a more textured appearance.
Strié: Create a historical and aged texture to the wall, with this negative method. Roll tinted glaze over the base coat, then use a wall paper brush to make fine lines from top to bottom. The glaze should be darker than the base coat to allow the lighter base to show through the fine lines.
Striping: The only difficult part of this positive technique is getting your stripes straight. Be sure to use a level or drop a plumb line. Tape off your stripes, then paint every other one with glaze. If you use a bold color, you do not need to tint the glaze to get a delightful two-tone effect. For softer colors, you may wish to slightly darken the glaze although it is not necessary. This technique may also be combined with color washing as you color wash the stripes for more interest and texture. Of course, for a more dramatic look, you can use paint in complementary or various colors.
Dry Brushing: This is a positive method in which you use a small amount of paint on a brush in herringbone patterns to create the texture. You will need tow or three colors to achieve the best results.
Frottage: Using plastic sheets for this negative method, tinted glaze is applied over the base coat and then plastic sheets are applied and smoothed over the glaze. Once the wall is done, the plastic sheets are removed for a marbling effect.
Faux finishes can provide interest and texture to your rooms – and less expensively than wall paper. While you may need to block out a full day to do the work, by the end of the day, you can sit back and admire the rich, luxurious look of your new room.
by: Julie Lohmeier
In the last 10 years, faux painting techniques have gone from obscure to popular, from the realm of professionals to do-it-yourself projects. These techniques are not difficult although they can be time consuming (what decorating or remodeling project isn’t though) and require quick hands.
Called “faux” painting because these techniques mimic or create a false look of stone, texture, leather, and more, you will find that the styles fall into one of two types: additive or subtractive. Additive (also called positive) techniques simply mean that you add color onto the wall. Sponging is the most common of this type. Conversely, subtractive (also referred to as negative) techniques means you take paint off after it has been applied. Ragging is a common subtractive technique. Most negative techniques use glazes and require that you move quickly before the glaze dries.
When it comes to glazes, there are two types: latex (water based) or oil based. Latex is by far easier since it cleans up with soap and water, but oil based glazes provide longer working times and generally provide a harder, more durable finish. However, for do-it-yourselfers, I recommend latex glazes and working in small areas at a time. I have also seen solutions that you can add to the glaze to lengthen the working time. For your first glazing job, you may well want to consider using this additive available at finer paint supply stores.
Here are the various type of faux painting techniques:
Sponging: Probably the easiest method, you apply paint to a wall with a natural sea sponge. It provides a richly textured look. In addition to good looks, it’s a simple way to camouflage an uneven or repaired crack wall. Use a couple of colors over the base paint to add greater depth. Be bold or subtle; it’s up to you. You can use glaze or paint just as easily with this technique. I’ve seen this done in a negative manner, but it is most commonly performed as a positive method.
Ragging/Rag rolling: Typically a negative technique, you paint a tinted glaze over the base painted walls. The glaze should be tinted darker than the base coat, keeping in the same color family as the glaze allows some color through it as well. Either use a wadded up dry rag or twist a rag into a cylinder. Then dab or roll the rags to remove the glaze. You can use one or two colors over the base coat. You may also do this in a positive method like sponging for a softer look and texture.
Color Washing: In this additive technique, you apply the tinted glaze mixture over the base coat using a circular motion as if you were washing the wall. Use rags for a very soft look or a natural sea sponge for a more textured appearance.
Strié: Create a historical and aged texture to the wall, with this negative method. Roll tinted glaze over the base coat, then use a wall paper brush to make fine lines from top to bottom. The glaze should be darker than the base coat to allow the lighter base to show through the fine lines.
Striping: The only difficult part of this positive technique is getting your stripes straight. Be sure to use a level or drop a plumb line. Tape off your stripes, then paint every other one with glaze. If you use a bold color, you do not need to tint the glaze to get a delightful two-tone effect. For softer colors, you may wish to slightly darken the glaze although it is not necessary. This technique may also be combined with color washing as you color wash the stripes for more interest and texture. Of course, for a more dramatic look, you can use paint in complementary or various colors.
Dry Brushing: This is a positive method in which you use a small amount of paint on a brush in herringbone patterns to create the texture. You will need tow or three colors to achieve the best results.
Frottage: Using plastic sheets for this negative method, tinted glaze is applied over the base coat and then plastic sheets are applied and smoothed over the glaze. Once the wall is done, the plastic sheets are removed for a marbling effect.
Faux finishes can provide interest and texture to your rooms – and less expensively than wall paper. While you may need to block out a full day to do the work, by the end of the day, you can sit back and admire the rich, luxurious look of your new room.
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