For most faux finishes, the decorative painters will paint a simple base color layer and then, once dry, cover it using a thinned glaze and the required tool for the desired effect (rag, sponge, paintbrush, or other stencil). Some techniques are more complex, such as Venetian Plaster which needs to be applied with a trowel. Whatever the faux finish requires, we will have discussed the process with you to make sure you understand every step.
Faux Painting and Decorative Painting Services
Are you looking for a way to add beauty and sophistication to your home? Faux style painting can do that for you. Faux painting is a type of decorative painting, which includes techniques such as stencils, patterns, and stripes.
Faux finishes provide a great alternative to wallpaper: you can have artistic and original walls (without being limited to available designs), with the benefit of a smooth, seamless surface and the ability to simply paint over the wall when you choose to change it. It can also give you the option of mimicking an expensive material like marble for a fraction of the cost.
Faux and decorative painting uses a variety of paints to achieve the desired look. Most faux painting techniques combine a flat base color with a matching glaze, which creates a different effect depending on what you use to apply it. Various tools are used like brushes, rags, sponges, and rollers, depending on the final effect.
Faux Painting Ideas
There are many styles of faux and decorative painting, each with a unique and distinctive final effect. Some popular options include:
- Color Wash – A layer of colored glaze creating a multi-tonal textured effect.
- Marbleizing – A combination of glazing and delicate brushwork that replicates natural marble.
- Rag Rolling – Using a bunched-up rag to create a mottled effect.
- Venetian Plaster – An ancient technique that creates a subtle, earthy effect.
- Metallic – The application of metallic paints.
- Strié – A technique that uses downward brushstrokes of a glaze to mimic a linen-like fabric.
- Graining – Replicating the texture of wood grain.
Orange Faux Wall Finish
House Painting Or A Professional?
Interior painting makes for a doable DIY project. You can save some money and get a real sense of accomplishment by doing this yourself. And, with the right prep work – covering, taping and scraping – it’s fairly forgiving. But it takes a lot of time to move furniture, tape trim, prep the surface and cover your floor, let alone apply the actual paint. Instead, save yourself the time and hassle and find a local interior painter. Leave exterior painting to the pros. Not only do you need to worry about the type and quality of the paint, you’ll also likely need a ladder and considerably more prep work. You’ll likely need additional equipment like ladders, scaffolding and possibly a paint sprayer. It’s almost cheaper to just hire a pro. Talk to a local exterior house painter about your project.
- Do your research. Understand what to expect and what to look for in a pro. Look at paint types, prices and costs.
- Interior home painting costs $1,000-$2,800
- Exterior painting costs $1,700-$4,100
- Painting a ceiling costs $150-$350
- Painting cabinets costs $350-$1,200
- Trim painting costs $500-$1,500
- Calculate paint coverage
What To Expect During A Paint Color Consultation?
- A complete inspection. Each pro takes a walk around your home to evaluate the condition of your current paint, the size of the job and any obstacles for accessing the site. They do this to see how much prep work they’ll need and estimate how long the job will take. The more thorough the inspection, the more accurate the quote.
- Color consultation. Expect each contractor to have varying color options and suggestions. However, you have the final say.
- Listen to the pro – they’re experts after all – but don’t get pushed into a color combination or finish type that you don’t want. Understand the different exterior paints or interior paint choices before your pro arrives.
- A rough estimate or complete quote. Finishing contractors vary here. Usually, they can quote straightforward projects on the spot. But some may need to take it back to their shop to run numbers and give you a detailed estimate with costs broken out. Neither method is better than the other, but just make sure to get multiple quotes.
- How long have you been in business? A long business history helps you avoid shoddy companies. It’s hard for a service business to stay in business if they don’t do good work.
- Are you licensed and insured? Not all states require a license for painting homes, but many do. Always use one that’s insured.
- Do you belong to any professional organizations? You’ll find many online, like the Painting Contractors Association or the Finishing Contractors Association?
- Do you have other work I can look at? Always check a portfolio or, in the case of painters, it’s better to look at work they did a few years ago to see how well it’s held up.
- How long will the job take? Get a rough estimate but get it in writing.
- How many people are in your crew? This is especially important if you work remotely. More people generally means more noise, but they’ll be done faster.
- Will I be in the way if I’m home during the painting? You usually won’t be in the way, but this question helps you understand what to expect while they’re working. They’ll need to lay down coverings and do a lot of prep work.
- Do you guarantee your work? Never hire a painter who doesn’t guarantee their work. This often means they’ll rush the prep work, since peeling never happens right away.
- What type of paint do you use, and how long is it rated to last? Different rooms need different paint and the exterior needs exterior paint. It comes in different grades with different guaranteed lifetimes.
- Can you supply a written estimate and contract? Never use a painter who isn’t willing to put his work in writing.
Related Projects in Mountain View, CA
- Cabinet Painting
- Deck Staining or Painting
- Exterior Home or Structure – Paint or Stain
- Fence Painting or Staining
- Painting or Staining – Doors
- Painting or Staining – Small Projects
Overall Rating:
Mountain View Painting Contractors are rated 5.0 out of 5 based on 41 reviews of 41 pros.
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