Stripes, Here, There, Everywhere!

WHOA!

It’s All In The Architectural Detailing… Decorative Trim

One of my favorite clients transformed their living room. This was the beginning,  when they removed the builder grade fireplace and started fresh-

I had no idea what it was going to become, only that this pile of detailed trim pieces, from Pearlworks Inc, was going to somehow be incorporated -

Their fabulous trim craftsman, starting from scratch,  unveiled the plan-

It took  awhile to decide finishes-

Many neck breaking hours later-

Almost there -

Looking back on these photos, I’ve forgotten how much work was involved in this room, but it remains one of my favorites-

I delivered these samples, yesterday, to the same client -

They are almost done finishing their lower level.  The trimwork is mouthwatering.  There is more Pearlworks in the design – a really pretty ceiling niche.   I’d like to incorporate some foil in the finish, but I need to play it all out first.  If you can believe, all 4 glazed samples above are on non-white basecoats.  We are trying to find a nice, soft off-white color to spray all the trim – that will also work if certain areas are glazed.     I can’t wait to see how this space plays out!

Glazing Tips From A Decorative Finisher

This post comes to you courtesy of Susan,  a fellow finisher from Texas, who wondered what I thought about Glazing.  I thought, instead of just emailing her back, I’d share it here in case others are curious about the art of glazing.

I’m writing to ask if you would share some glazing tips, such as do you prefer a terry rag or cheesecloth or perhaps another tool.  Also, what is your favorite glazing medium?

Hmmm…. glazing.   I used to HATE glazing.   Even once I was turned on to the ‘good’ stuff – aka  proprietary glazes like Faux Effects Aquacreme.  Don’t ask why I hated it… but I did.

Glazing is tricky.  When you start wall, you must finish. And you have to work at  a pretty fast pace…. no lallygagging (is that a word?)

But now  I am finding glazing to be not so bad.  I glazed this ceiling last week in about an hour (but I was hauling butt and it was a neck breaker!)

How do I do it?

I’m writing to ask if you would share some glazing tips, such as do you prefer a terry rag or cheesecloth or perhaps another tool.  Also, what is your favorite glazing medium?

I  prefer Faux Effects Aquacreme for my glazing jobs.   It’s not cheap,  costs about $70 a gallon (not counting shipping)  and will get you approx 400sf.  Its a nice durable finish, but it does dry with a slight sheen.  If you are looking for a matte finish, then I prefer Faux Effects Fauxcreme (it stays open even a bit longer).

I like to use whiz rollers to apply my glaze -

If I am using multiple glaze colors I will use several trays… sometimes I just use one whizz roller for all the colors.. no big deal to mix it up.    I will start with a section of wall,  oh say  3×3 and whiz roll on the glaze, about 80% coverage.  If I am using multiple colors, that 80% will be a mix of all the colors – say  30 30 20   or 40 20 20.   Then I take my ultimate stippler and BUST OUT THE COLOR.   Here is the Ultimate Stippler-

you can click on the picture to find out where to get them.    My initial love affair was with the round – have several.  Then my finisher friend Susan turned me on to the square.   LOOOOVVEEE them!

They aren’t cheap, okey?  But no good finishing brushes are.  Seriously, you get what you pay for.   ($33 – $45 each not counting shipping)

Okey, so back to application.  I BUST OUT the color.  Whats that mean?   Well, picture roller pods of color on a 3 foot section of wall …. .I attack each ‘pod’ with my stippler brush and pounce into it,  busting up the puddle of color and then bouncing it into the surrounding area that does not have any color…    then I bounce into another pod…..    I bounce my edges first,  and bounce them out (feather them out)  and then when I work another 3 foot section next to it I just bounce and pounce the color back into that edge….

Essentially my glazing is a positive application, thats why it is easy for me.   I dont’ soak the whole whole wall, then attempt to remove it (negative),  instead I just add some color to the wall,  using a nice durable open glaze,  manipulate it with some nice stippler brushes, and then move on to the next section.     At corners and ceiling edges I take cheap chip brushes and just bounce the color into those areas.   I will keep a damp terry towel on hand, in case  I need to blot a heavier area of color,  but thats pretty rare…. the key is to just roll on the color, then work to bust that color out so it blends across your surface.

I do not use strong formulas of color – generally my tint to glaze ratio is 1:9 or 2:8.

I also work with a DIY line of glazes – Caromal Colours, that I teach to homeowners as well,  but their glazes work a little differently.   First, a wall sealer is necessary and rolled out over the walls, and then the glaze is applied with a whiz roller.   You don’t have to use stippling brushes, instead I show homeowners how to move that glaze using dry rags  – basically ‘dusting’ off their walls.  It is easy schmezy and works like a charm.     Caromal Colour Glazes only come in 2 colors – Tea and Coffee – both are neutrals, and offer what most folks are looking for, but if you are looking for custom glaze colors, you will have to look elsewhere.

I hope I helped answer your questions about glazing, Susan!

I Love These Master Bath Walls…

I met with a client yesterday to discuss a wall finish for their master bath.  I almost always bring my laptop to consults – its a great way to show options for walls, ceilings, architectural elements etc.  I have slowly, over the years, built up ‘ideas’ files with photos I’ve found online.  I file them by ROOM.

We were looking through the BATHROOM file.  I came across this photo -

Pitted Venetian Stone by Sandra Quintus

I only saved it as a photo name, no ownership, so today I tried to track down who’s delicious work this was.  The finisher is Sandra Quintus, owner of Artistic Walls in Ventura, Iowa.   I visited her site to see if she was still active (this photo is a couple years old). Yes, she is,  and still creating beautiful finishes:

Apples of gold, Sandra Quintus

Sandra Quintus

Spirit of Iowa (prints for sale) Sandra Quintus

I’ve never been to Iowa.  If that’s how it looks,  I need to put that on my ‘to visit’ list!   Sandra, I hope you aren’t angry that I shared your work, it’s LOVELY!