Materials and Equipment
Materials and Equipment This is an excerpt from the Book called “The Paint Effects Bible 100 recipes for faux finishes “ by Kerry Skinner. Continue reading to learn more about Basic Materials and Equipment, thanks to the author. Few mediums are more versatile than paint, but to take full advantage, of it you need the correct tools and equipment, and some idea of how to use them. Don’t splash out needlessly on tools—it is better to work with a few familiar ones than to assemble a large, costly collection that never gets used. Only gets used. Only a small number of specialist items are required to produce the paint effects that follow, and most of the materials are widely available in DIY stores or artist’s supply shops. Paints, Glazes, and Stainers Paint is made up of three main ingredients: pigment, binder, and a medium. The pigment provides color and covering power; the binder causes adhesion to the surface; and the medium allows the application; Today’s paint is either water-or oil-based. Water-based products are preferable in many ways as they are non-toxic, odorless, and environmentally safe (although they must be disposed of in accordance with local waste regulations). Oil paints, also known as alkyd paints, dry more slowly—a boon for beginners—and give a more durable finish. A glaze is the transparent layer of color used over a base coat. The general rule is: use an oil glaze over a latex base coat. Color strainer (or tinder) is a concentrated coloring agent. If you wish to use it for hand painting, it must be mixed with a medium that has commonly encountered types of paint. The list that follows describes some of the most commonly encountered types of paint. Remember that properties vary widely between makes. For best results always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Acrylic primer is water based and used for sealing and covering wood and fiberboard surfaces. Oil-based undercoat is an undercoat and primer combined, used before applying the base coat, especially on wood. Latex paint is water based and available in matte (flat) and satin (mid-sheen) finishes. Stencil paint is a water-based pain that generally flows better than latex paints, and is available in metallic and glitter colors. It can also be used as a strainer. paint and brush Wood paint is a matte, opaque paint specially formulated for wood. It is self-priming, has a high chalk and pigment content, and can also be diluted with water to create a wash for bare wood. Casein (or milk) paint is a water-soluble paint with a soft finish similar to lime wash that gives a “dusty “appearance. Excellent for use on furniture and walls, it needs an additional coat if used in an exposed area. See right for recipe to make your own. Oil-based paint comes in gloss, satin (mid-sheen), and eggshell (semi-matte) finishes. Gloss is used as a finishing coat on woodwork. Satin and eggshell are used on woodwork and can be used on walls wherever general wear and tear is likely. They are all wipe able. Acrylic eggshell paint is a more user-friendly version of oil-based eggshell, with substantially less odor. Metallic paints are widely available in tubes, pots, and spray cans. New acrylic products are also available offering a range of iridescent, opalescent, and interference colors. These offer unusual shimmering effects that are quite transparent. Color wash is a specially formulated, water-based, translucent, colored glaze containing glycol retardants. See right for recipe to make your own. Matte latex glaze is a water-based product used to thin color and to act as a protective top-coat sealant. Acrylic glaze is non-yellowing, and water- and heat-resistant. It is tinted with acrylic colors for decorative glaze work. Water-based, it gives a short working time, about 15 to 30 minutes. Transparent oil glaze is used for oil-based paint-effect glazing. It gives more working time but tends to yellow with age. Dilute with mineral spirits. Artist’s oil paints are used for tinting oil glazes for broke. Color work and oil-based marbling effects. You could use universal tinkers as an environmentally friendly alternative to artist’s oil paints. Universal stainer or universal tinter can be added to any paint or varnish. The strength of color obtained will depend upon the medium being tinted and the amount of white within that medium. As a general rule, add the tinter a drop or two at a time, monitoring the results as you work. Textured Paint and Plasters Exterior house paint comes in smooth or rough finishes and can be used for some plaster or stone effects. Textured wall finish is available commercially and comes in powder form. It is a mix of quartz, clays, and cellulose. It can be added to matte latex paint by the spoonful. See left for recipe to make your own. Alternative plasters such as stucco or marmorino plaster are available for those with more specialist knowledge and an understanding of their application. The finish is harder and can be polished to give a smooth, soft gleam. Natural clay plasters can be mixed with water into a workable consistency and will adhere to most surfaces if prepared properly. They are best used over a breathable surface. Paint Specialist materials Metal leaf is available in gold, silver, copper, and a range of metal alloys or Dutch leaf (imitation gold or silver). Most metal leaf is available either loose r in transfer leaf form. Transfer leaf is used for oil-gilding. Whilst easy to handle and cut owing to a waxed tissue backing paper, it may not retain the luster of loose leaf. Loose leaf was traditionally used for water-gilding as it can be burnished to a high sheen. It is slightly larger than transfer leaf, but it can be trickier to apply. Bronze and metallic powders are made from metal alloys. Flakes of mica or celluloid can be used to create sparkle or luster colors such as opalescent paint. Rabbit-skin (gilding) size is a specialist, water-based glue with a milky consistency. It is used in gilding and […]