KNOW MORE ABOUT YOUR PAINTS
Paint has been used for centuries to
decorate all kinds of homes and in that time a huge variety of finishes and
effects have been employed beyond the flat coverage of a simply painted
surface. Many of what are now regarded as traditional paint effects have
their origins in the great houses of the European aristocracy and were later
adopted by the rising merchant classes who wanted to share in those
splendors themselves. Paint effects are a wonderful way to express your
character and that of your home and the people who live with you.
Transformation, illusion, or more frankly deception, was usually the
guiding principle, whether the effect was one of rough stone, luxurious
marbling or the opulence of gliding. Even the colors can give the look of a
period like the color blue-grey represents the traditional Scandinavian
interior , the dazzling blues , soft pinks and warm ochre that outface the
Mediterranean sun and the sober tones remind of the interiors of United
states. These are styles and finishes firmly rooted in the often harsh
climate and economic or social realities of a particular region, perpetuated
over centuries by people whom the concept of style has often, for one good
reason or another, been meaningless.
Choosing the color and finish for the walls are probably the most important
decision you make when decorating a room. The paint should reflect the
character of those who live and work there and the atmosphere they want to
create. However, daring to try something new is fun and may reveal a new
side of you, the possibilities are endless. Creating the right wall finish
for a period interior was once time consuming and expensive. Today
successful substitutes have been found for the unusual and expensive
products required using the different permutations and combinations, one can
easily reproduce the interiors with an authentic look. Any style of interior
is now within your range - from a country kitchen to a baronial hallway.
Paint techniques can also be used to disguise some surface imperfections,
which is much cheaper than having your walls replastered. Thus, one should
always consider the following tips while doing the paint.
- A poor surface treated with the right paint technique can be
transformed into a wall of character. Equally, a perfectly smooth new
wall can be given instant interest and texture.
- Each room must be treated individually, even though you may want a
cohesive scheme throughout your home.
- Remember some areas suffer extra wear and tear: certain finishes may
not be practical for kitchens or bathrooms, and others need special
attraction.
- Always choose the color according to the space. Pale colors give a
sense of space and darker ones make a room even smaller.
- Remember too that the color of the base coat will greatly alter the
glaze coat applied to it. The most striking color effects are often
achieved by using white as the base color.