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 splendours 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. As early as the fourteen century , for example the art of gliding – applying thin layers of gold to surfaces such as wood or plaster , became an immensely popular way of imitating the real gold decoration that only the richest could effort. Wood graining , for example , allowed people to enjoy the beauty and elegance of expensive woods without the cost , as the finishes were applied over cheaper timber. Today great houses may have the best preserved examples of traditional paint finishes , but there are other good examples of wonderful effects in much simpler public buildings , in homes or apartment. For example , the colour blue-grey represents the traditional Scandinavian interior , the dazzling blues , soft pinks and warm ochres 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.

Many of the materials used in the past are still available and experts working on great old buildings and antique furniture undertake restoration work using the same equipment and techniques. Materials of today are less toxic and many are available in a wider range of colours , they offer an attractive alternative. Painting walls has often had greater significance than the simple imperatives of domestic decoration and display. Many ancient civilisations decorated the insides and outsides of their temples and state and public buildings with paint.

Choosing the colour and finish for the walls is 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 colour according to the space. Pale colours give a sense of space and darker ones make a room even smaller.
• Remember too that the colour of the base coat will greatly alter the glaze coat applied to it. The most striking colour effects are often achieved by using white as the base colour.