Question - How to apply a finish to a stucco wall???

author of Time Crafted 8/30/2010 9:35:44 PM

I have a question (see me raising my hand high?!)!!

How to deal with California highly textured walls and getting a clean edge! 

Okay, that's more of a frustrated statement/topic than a question, but hope you get where I'm going.

I see so many cool paint treatments and just know they would be a nightmare with my current painting knowledge base; our lovely textured walls (not just the bumpy kind, but the kind where you can look at them and see shapes in all the raised  depressed areas that are highly visible...even with matte paint).

Thanks! :

Heidi's Reply

Hello Karen,

I assume that your wall is "stucco" thus absorbent, unless it's painted with eggshell sheen paint.

If that is the case you need to prime your walls first. Then you would apply your eggshell paint finish.The eggshell paint finish will provide a non-absorbent surface, which is necessary for any type of glazing  In your case I would suggest  a color wash or a dry brush technique. Both will give you a subtle glow of all highs and lows.

Dry Brush Technique

Color wash followed by dry brush technique

 Painting a straight, clean and crisp "edge" on a textured wall can be a challenge. Here is a trick I often use. I seal my painters tape with varnish. Just paint varnish on the edge of the tape.You must use the same sheen of varnish as your paint. (satin paint, satin varnish).The varnish runs under the tape thus sealing any spaces. After the varnish is dry you can begin to paint. Once everything is dry remove your tape and you will have a  a very crisp edge.

Dry brush Technique: 

  

Steps.

• Using a 4" chip brush, load the brush with a small amount of paint.. On a palette (newspaper, cardboard) deposit most of the paint, so you only  have a small amount on the brush, thus dry brush.
• Move the brush rapidly across the surface. Any direction is required.
• Brush should be barely filled with paint
• Use a very light touch

By the way, I have my aspiring faux finishers close their eyes and talk to me when they are applying the paint. This relieves the anxiety and intimidation of the brush.


Color Wash Technique: I found a video which might be helpful to you 

I hope this blog is helpful. Thanks for asking.

Happy Painting

 

Color Me Turquoise

A few days ago, I posted some insights about the new trendy colors. As an decorative artist and an interior design buff, I always try to be ahead of schedule. Being raised in the fashion industry, I take my color inspirations exactly from that industry. Colors are very important to me, I have many "favorites" all depending on my feelings and energy at the time..



The color Turquoise:
I never considered turquoise one of my favorites.. However, recently I seem to be drawn to this calming and soothing color. Turquoise, a semi-precious stone, also known as "sky stone" was  a piece of jewelry I could do without. Turquoise as an interior  color,  has become one of my favorites. Now I have an excuse to hunt for   turquoise accessories.

Look at this - these  colors together are absolutely GORGEOUS

I love the symbolism and history of every color.  I would like to share some of these beliefs and myths. Following what I have discovered  about  this semi-precious stone from Turkey.

  A  mix of blue, green and aqua, this "cool" color: represents

water and sky, thus "sky stone". It is believed that turquoise represents

• Youth
• Communication
• Generosity
• Love
• Healing
• Emotion
• Feelings 
• Creativity

and it is a color of feeling and creative expression  rather than rational thought (seems to be the right color for me, need I  say more?)

For your inspiration  I collected a few images that you might like and appreciate. Maybe you even feel inspired to use this soothing color in your home.

Courtesy of Drake Design Associates

Courtesy Of Girl World Decor

 Let me know what you think

 

Through My Crystal Ball... Not really!!

Color Me Happy!

Courtesy of  Living In Color

 I was MIA for the last few weeks. Simply, because I am in the midst of  that awful  "writers block" My brain seems to be on overload,  having  difficulties to focus on what I would like to say.


In my personal life  "stay in the here and now" is working; however, in my business life that would spell failure. I have to look into the future, create reasonable forecasts and lastly be aware of any new trends. 2010 is flying by and almost gone. Looking into my crystal ball, or more accurately, doing some on-line research, I discovered some of the new interior color palettes and interior trends.. It seems that we are ready for

• Renewal
• Optimistic Outlook
• Global interest
• Simplicity
• Escape
• Balance

Although it's impossible for us to constantly change our interior color palette, it is possible to add some colorful sparkles of the trendy color palettes.  Here are some color splashes  I absolutely love. Of course, I will be scouting stores to catch some of these colorful accessories and I will weave them into my interior spaces. Maybe you can do the same.


Happy hunting, 


xoxo

 Heidi .. Plays with Paints

 

Tomato red

Sunny Coral

Verde de Gris