PAINT TECHNIQUES
SURFACE PREPARATION:
NEW SURFACE: Cement plaster, Rhinolite (gypsum)
1) Ensure surface is clean, dry and free from oil, dirt, grease etc.
2) Apply 1 coat Paintcor AcrySeal to plaster or 1 coat of PlasterPrime. Allow to dry.
3) Apply 1 or 2 coats of wall coating to lay base colour
PREVIOUSLY PAINTED SURFACES:
1) Clean thoroughly with soap and water. Rinse well.
2) Sand down any glossy surfaces. Ensure surface is clean and dry with no loose particles.
3) Apply 1 or 2 coats of wall coating to lay base colour.
MIXING:
Colour top coat/s to go over base coat
General rule of thumb:
1 part paint to 4 parts scumble glaze. STIR WELL!
Minimum dilution: 2 parts glaze to 1 part paint.
Scumble Glaze extends the period the paint takes to dry: the more glaze used, the more time you will have to work the wet surfaces to achieve the desired effect.
USEFUL TIPS:
If room temperature is hot, dampen the surface of each section prior to painting. Work in the cool of the day before sun fills the room. Don’t use a fan in the room while painting as it will dry out the surfaces quickly. If you are not happy with your results, you can wipe off the glaze with a wet cloth if it is still damp and start over. Glaze work is not hard-wearing and should be coated with a water-based clear varnish upon completion.
SOME POPULAR TECHNIQUES:
Stippling:
Apply an even rough coat of glaze. Using a stippling brush or the tips of a large paint brush, make stabbing movements over the glaze until an uniform dotted effect is achieved.
Bagging:
Apply an even rough coat of glaze (medium coverage). For a fine grained effect use a plastic shopping bag. Scrunch up and quickly dab over the surface, rebunching the bag continually. Go over the area again, making the pattern smaller. Use a thick polythene bag to create a bigger grained effect.
Colour Rubbing:
To emphasise the contours of mouldings on pots, fireplaces, cornices and doors:
1) Use a smallish brush to apply glaze with special attention to crevices and mouldings. Leave no excess paint which may pool or drip. Allow a few minutes for the glaze to start to set. Rub lightly with a small pad of soft cloth to remove glaze from prominent areas.
2) Leave glaze in crevices as areas of shadow. Areas can be highlighted by stroking with cloth stretched over the index finger. ‘Antique’ flat areas by lightly stroking through the glaze with a dry brush.
For walls and larger areas:
This technique works best on a matt surface or even rough plaster finish.
1) Paint daubs of mixed glaze in random patches in a working area of about 1m2 at a time.
2) Using wet mutton cloth or a dry piece of cloth, spread the patches of paint outwards and blend together - forming a soft, light & dark patchy effect. Do not spread paint too evenly. More than one colour can be used a time and one coat should suffice.
Ragging Off:
1) Scrunch up a dry piece of cotton cloth (30cm2) and press firmly onto stippled glaze. (see stippling).
2) Keep refolding cloth as glaze clogs rag. Spread pattern in all directions until each section is filled.
3) Use clean cloth when rag is clogged. (Keep several pieces handy). If a hard line develops, dampen with a wet cloth and reapply glaze. Dried glaze can be removed with a wet cloth and a dab of dishwashing liquid. Different effects can be achieved using velvet, stiff net, orange bags and other textured materials.
Dragging:
Recommended for cupboards and furniture - not walls
1) Place a dry, clean dragging or similar long-haired brush at the top of a stippled or vertically dragged surface. Place 3/4 of the bristles above the door or cupboard. Draw the brush evenly downwards (with the brush nearly flat to the surface) in one stroke in as straight a line as possible, leaving a broad bristle brushmark.
2) Wipe glaze onto a clean, dry rag after each stroke.
3) Repeat, ensuring you leave no gaps between vertical strokes.
Panel doors can be ragged all over, then dragged down sides and across tops.
For other techniques, like woodgraining and marbling, consult books on the subject or a paint technique specialist