Most will get bored with their surroundings consistently looking at the same four walls and furniture. With some fun paint techniques, one can achieve an entirely new fresh look on even on a tight budget.
Paint As Method To Redecorate
Everything can be painted. Walls, cabinetry, furniture, lampshades, accessories, and even fabric can be changed into a new appearance with paint. All furnishings can be renewed with a single color, numerous colors, or a unique faux finish. With a little patience, it is not difficult and fun will be had with creativity as one turns the decor into a brand new look.
Photo by Allegory Malaprop Courtesy of Flickr - Creative Commons
Faux painting techniques are a perfect solution when seeking to hide imperfect walls and surfaces. There are many options such as; faux marble, Venetian plastering, paints and glazes, color washing, aging and distressing, wood graining, ragging and stippling, dragging, sponge painting, spatter painting, terracotta, liming, and oak graining. Easy to follow faux techniques instructions can be found online at websites like True Value. With some imagination and research, one can find even more ideas like using wood glue mixed with paint to achieve a weathered look or methods for creating a crackle finish.
Paint furnishings in one color or in multi-colors for a great new look.
fun, multi-colored, stool by William Wunder
Start Paint Project By Being Prepared
The first step to having a success creating renewed decor with paint is to assure that the supplies are on hand to set up the project.
Items needed for painting project:
Drop cloth
Rags for cleanup
A clean cloth
White spirit to pre-clean surfaces
Light sandpaper or sanding block to prepare surfaces for paint
ESP (Easy Surface Preparation) to prepare surface if covering mica
Wood filler or putty
Putty knife
Screwdriver to remove hardware
Primer (light if painting light color or dark for painting dark colors)
Paint
Polyurethane for a top coat
Paintbrush or foam roller (foam rollers are great because they are made to use on surfaces where a very smooth finish is required)
Paint thinner for cleanup of oil based paints
To begin a furniture paint project, place item, that is to be painted, in center of drop cloth and remove any hardware. One should remove any knobs, handles, and hinges that are exposed. When the project is completely dry then one has the option to put the same hardware (consider painting the existing hardware in a contrasting color) back or purchase new hardware to create a totally fresh look.
Paint To Create A New Decor
The fun is to begin when one is ready to change their decor's look with paint. The key is to be prepared, keep items clean, and follow instructions in order to achieve a finished designer look for the abode. Clean down furnishings with the white spirit (white spirit can be found at most local hardware stores). Once the piece is clean it is time to get dirty with sanding. Make sure to sand lightly, evenly, and smoothly. A small hand sander may be used if there is one available. For mica surfaces use the ESP instead of sanding, as this is what will allow for the paint to bond well to the smooth mica surface. After the prep, it is time to fill in any holes. Any holes found should be filled with the wood filler or putty to just slightly above the surface. Let the putty dry and then sand so any filler is flush with the surface.
Clean down furnishings with the white spirit (white spirit can be found at most local hardware stores). Once the piece is clean it is time to get dirty with sanding. Make sure to sand lightly, evenly, and smoothly. A small hand sander may be used if there is one available. For mica surfaces use the ESP instead of sanding, as this is what will allow for the paint to bond well to the smooth mica surface. After the prep, it is time to fill in any holes. Any holes found should be filled with the wood filler or putty to just slightly above the surface. Let the putty dry and then sand so any filler is flush with the surface.
To begin the painting it is very important to use the paint primer first, as this will help the paint to adhere for a smooth finish. Consider applying a couple of coats of primer for a consistent coverage. After the primer is dry it is time to add your color.
There are a few types of paint to choose from. Water-based acrylic paints are easy to use, dry fast, and clean up with water. High Gloss oil-based paints are much more durable and create a smoother more professional finish. A paint thinner will be needed for oil paint cleanup.
Paint in thin coats to prevent drips and brush up any drips before they dry. Understand that a few coats of paint will be required to achieve the finished product. Make sure paint dries between coats. Sand lightly (220 grain) between each coat so the paint will adhere well, and make sure to remove any sanding dust. Apply a second coat and, if needed, a third as well. If using oil-based paints and primers then, while waiting for drying between coats, store the paintbrush and/ or roller in a ziplock bag inside of the freezer. The brush could stay there for days without allowing the paint on it to dry. Apply a top coat of clear polyurethane to finish the job, whether painting the furnishings using a water-based or an oil-based paint. This will allow for the furniture surface to have a more resilient finish. It is not as necessary to paint a top coat of polyurethane on walls. Make sure paint is completely dry before placing on any hardware and returning furniture to use. Paint instructions will give the recommended curing time.
Once the paint is completely dry hardware can be put back on furniture and the new decor will be ready be placed. Paint instructions will give the recommended curing time.
Faux wood door painted by William Wunder
The renewed furniture will sparkle like a new look should. Great job using paint to revitalize the furnishings as the decor applauds in unison. The newly painted furniture, kitchen cabinets, special finished walls, or even the previously plain door that suddenly looks like it has a wood finish, will give a standing ovation for all to admire. Add finishing touches with accessories like a new table-cloth, pillows, bedding, and window treatments to complete the new decor.
Open the window to let the sun shine in to illuminate the decor, and never be afraid to dance!
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