Learn How To: Trompe L'oeil Wine Mural
The trompe l'oeil wine murals has been a part of a small but lucrative niche within my mural painting business. It has
become a great alternative to offer a customer who wants a mural but doesn't have the space that a mural deserves. Although
there is great money involved in painting murals once you are established, sometimes painting a smaller niche holding wine
bottles, a vase, or maybe even a window overlooking a customer's favorite travel location can make a more dramatic
statement.
Learn How To: Underwater Mural
The underwater mural is a beautiful example of a speedy visual technique. Its wonderful impact is quick to complete without sacrificing visual quality. The actual process of painting the mural is considered in a layered progression. Using latex house paint allows for fast dry time, and inexpensive acrylic paints are used for the individual ocean elements. I hope you enjoy the underwater mural process.
Learn How To: Trompe L'oeil Paneling
One of my most sought-after trompe l'oeil pieces is faux paneling. The effect is so realistic that when my photographer went to the home to take pictures of the above work, he walked into the room and did not know what he was supposed to photograph. The unexpected thing about faux paneling is that it is rather easy to do when following the basic steps.
Learn How To: Glazed Stripe
Elegance meets simplicity! The glazed stripe technique provides a subtle band of glossiness over any flat color wall surface. Experiment with a variety of bright or neutral flat base coats – you are sure to be pleased with the results.
Learn How To: Damask Stencil
The finest effect can be achieved with our Damask technique. Using our Damask stencil and easy step-by-step instruction you can transform walls into a picturesque living space.
Learn How To: Greek Border
Talk about transforming a small space into a huge impact room! Our Greek Border is a staple technique to consider when working on a plain half bath. The corners of the border play up a small space, reflecting an intriguing design. Not only does the design do wonders for the walls, but when you incorporate the faux finish with the simple technique you achieve decorative perfection.
Learn How To: Frottage
Our "bread and butter" technique. A Frottage Finish is one of the easiest styles to learn. With an unlimited palette of colors available for this faux finish, the frottage can take on any look that is desired.
Learn How To: Casazza Stripes
This contemporary look is a combination of a frottage faux finish coupled with decorative stripes. Using two color variations we add a charcoal finish to bring the color hues together. A great effect to be used in a mudroom or spare bath.
Learn How To: Director Blue
One of our core colors, the director blue faux finish stripe allows the homeowner to have movement on their wall in a stripe pattern without being overly busy. The grayed out blue is soft and soothing, yet bright enough to add an excited interest to any room.
Learn How To: Tile Copper Inlay
Our decorative plaster copper tile inlay is the quintessential cost effect technique. It saves your client money without sacrificing any of the richness attached to the finished effect. The steps are deceptively simple, bringing you through a faux tile effect that is both unique and versatile. The dry time on all my plaster products are extremely fast causing the execution to be painless. This project is one that can be completed in one day and the cost to install is kept to a minimal. I pride myself on easy techniques and try to sincerely instill in my students this mentality. There is nothing better than mastering a simple yet impressively beautiful project which in turn creates a high margin of profit.
Learn How To: Slate Mist (Deocrative Plaster)
This cool look is a great addition to any bath or mudroom. The effect carries a smooth look that can add the right amount of sophistication without being overly formal or fussy. The golden leaf border is created overtop the slate blue finish for a design that adds a touch of class.
Learn How To: Skip Trowel
Mastering this simple plaster technique allows you to create many beautiful decorative plaster effects. The skip trowel adds textural interest, and multiple pigment colors create depth. This fabulous look is created with a minimum amount of materials and labor for a cost effective yet luxuriant finish.
Learn How To: Paris Gypsum
A favorite among home owners and faux finishers alike! This smooth decorative plaster effect can be complemented with a custom stencil or simply finished with a protective wax. It is easy to learn and a fun technique to apply to your faux finishing repertoire.
Learn How To: Burnt Copper
A faux burnt copper finish can easily become your piece de resistance. This unique effect can be created with ease using black plaster and our Elite Metallic paint for an outstanding decorative accomplishment.
Learn How To: Inflections of Burgundy
Red is often thought of as a “power” color. Here, our decorative plaster and pigment wash technique tames the red hue into a sophisticated and classy faux finish. Coupled with a gold wax pin stripe and stencil overlay this rich look can easily be mastered.
Learn How To: Venetian Plaster
The ever popular Venetian plaster is simplified with our comprehensive tutorial. The look of polished marble burnished to perfection is a wonderful skill to add to ones faux finishing repertoire.
Learn How To: Saddle Leather
The rich hues of mahogany leather provides a warm and stylish completeness to a room. Saddle leather is a great beginner decorative plaster technique for its versatility and simple beauty.
...Or take our Trompe L'Oeil class!
