May 15, 2012
The Right Supplies Make it Easy to Apply a Faux Finish
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It is much easier to apply a faux finish to any surface
or project when you have the right supplies available. You can get any of those
high quality supplies from Star Scenic Supply.
One great product to consider for your next faux finish
adventure is McCloskey Oil Glazing Liquid. The glazing liquid is an excellent
way to add decorative effects to interior projects such as walls, furniture,
doors or stage sets. You can use the glazing liquid to give an antique faux
finish to furniture. It can also be used when doing a sponging faux finish
technique on almost any surface. It gives a project a unique appeal for an
affordable price when you consider the level of coverage you get from McCloskey
Oil Glazing Liquid.
For a more distinct look, you may want to try using
Crackle Glaze. The crackle glaze available from Star Scenic Supply is a one
step process that can be used on both exterior and interior projects. The high quality glaze can withstand almost
anything nature or life can throw at a piece, including high heat and humidity.
It is made to ensure the integrity and quality of the original hue remains
intact long after application.
All the supplies you need to create an antique crackle
look is also available at Star Scenic Supply. This quality product gives any
surface the delicate and intricate natural cracks that appear over time. As the
glaze dries, the cracks appear and look natural for many years to come. It also
resists stains and scratches, meaning the piece will also be perfectly
functional. This unique decorative technique is ideal for the professional set
designer who needs to take an ordinary wall or piece of furniture and transport
it to another time or era.
With Star Scenic Supply behind any faux finish project,
it is sure to stand the test of time and be the high quality faux finish
project that the artist has envisioned.
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May 7, 2012
Don’t be Afraid to Dive into Faux Finish Techniques
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When a faux finish is done right, it can make any project
or piece look absolutely breath-taking and original in every way. Some artists
or new do-it-yourselfers may find the finished product to be intimidating or
too beyond their modest capabilities. But, with the right tools, right supplies
and enough desire to create the piece you love, you can chase your fear of how
to faux finish away and get started now.
One very simple reason to not fear how to faux finish is
the basic fact that there is a learning curve. Even the slightest mishap or
major mistake can come out looking incredible. It simply is very easy to mask
or cover your ‘mistakes’. A flawless look and feel is attainable even by a
novice. Even if flaws are a bit noticeable, many times they simply add to the
uniqueness of a piece. For most artists, these little flaws speak volumes and
make everything more distinct.
Aside from being able to mess up and still adore a
finished piece, there are many other reasons to toss aside any fear of learning
how to faux finish. Your chances of getting the look and feel you want out of a
project will be greatly increased if you use the right materials from the right
artists trusted source. Star Scenic Supply is as trusted an artist supply
source for many novices and professionals. The quality faux finish supplies
from Star Scenic Supply make it easy to learn how to faux finish any project
and also easy to enjoy the results.
Our materials allow you to confidently mix and match
different techniques, tones and textures to discover what results you actually
like best. You will find results that resonate with your artistic vision, your
audience and your clients. When learning how to faux finish, materials matter
and so does the little extras. One extra we recommend to help preserve the look
and integrity of a piece is a proper finishing glaze. Faux Contractors Glaze is
an ideal finish. It is long lasting and odorless. It also works incredibly well
with just a small amount of colorant to enhance the look. It can help take your
faux finish project to the next level. With its ability to protect, highlight
and accentuate, our finishing glaze really is the frosting on the cake.
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April 30, 2012
Gilded Metal Supplies Can Redefine Any Piece
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Star Scenic Supply has everything needed for those who
want to delve into gilding metal. The process yields results like no other
technique and can be easy to master for novice decorators, restorers, stage set
designers or professional artists.
With Star Scenic Supply, you can get all the supplies
needed from start to finish for perfecting this technique. You can buy the
sheets of gilded metal in copper, gold and aluminum. The specialty adhesives
and primers will make the look last longer on a variety of surfaces. You can buy
a small box of specialty sheets or invest in a larger amount for on-going
projects or substantial pieces that will require a lot of sheets.
For set pieces, the proper gilding metal can take a piece
and transform it to another time, making it appear a centerpiece for a given
scene or production. Period pieces are ideal candidates for the use of gilding
metal. A simple frame, candle sticks, or larger statues can appear rich and
timeless, even from a close-up viewpoint. The quality of gilding metal from Star
Scenic Supply and the use of proper adhesives and primers also can give the
artist a sense of reassurance that any given piece will last. This comes in
handy especially for stage set pieces that may be used over and over again. It
is also reassuring for decorators who want to show clients an easy way to set a
piece apart and make it new without a huge investment.
Nazionale Schaibin Metal Leaf is one option for gilding
metal from Star Scenic Supply. It comes in larger flakes rather than smaller
packages and is ideal for large scale projects or furniture pieces. It is also
an affordable option when you weigh the quantity against the quality. For those
who will be gilding a variety of projects and want to incorporate the practice
into other pieces, buying large quantity gilding metals is really worth the
initial investment.
As with any artistic technique that you may have never
tried, always pay close attention to the directions, proper use guidelines and
invest in the correct tools and companion products to get the best results for
every project.
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April 23, 2012
Artists Use Colorants to Explore the Endless Possibilities of Standard Paint
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With the use and exploration of colorants in different
paint types, artists are finding the possibilities are truly endless. The high
quality colorants available at Star Scenic Supply allow any type of artist to
customize virtually any surface. Whether an artist is working on a mural bound
to be seen by countless passers-by, or a stage set which will be used for a
touring production, the right colorant needs to be used and trusted in.
The correct colorant can give a mural the depth needed to
convey the proper tone and image. It can give the artist the ability to draw
the spectator’s eye to a specific spot. With a flawless finish, a deep toned
colorant can also highlight an important element in the piece. Star Scenic
Supply has the colorants that allow an artist to take an image from their mind
and extract the reaction they want from those who will eventually view the
piece.
The colorants from Star Scenic Supply are naturally
highly durable and will uphold their initial tone and quality over time. As
with all artists’ supplies from Star Scenic, the colorants are made for
professional use and come in varieties for exterior and interior use. Star
Scenic Supply can give you everything you need to achieve a timeless, classic
or contemporary appeal, along with everything in between. There are plenty of
specialty colorants to choose from and they are all made to retain the color
needed over time and also to withstand a variety of elements. If you need a
colorant to wash over a background or if you need the boldest of the bold to
create eye-catching graphics or wording, the affordable colorants available can
get the job done. The addition of texture elements, such as sand or saw dust,
can even further the usage and uniqueness of each piece or project.
There are no limits when you use quality colorants on the
pieces that reflect your artistic vision. There is also no better investment
when you are creating a piece that can put your style and name out there for
all to see.
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April 16, 2012
With Decorative Paint Options, the Possibilities are Endless
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There are many types of decorative paints on the market
for artists and anyone interested in creating a one of a kind piece. Adding
decorative paint over standard color or onto any untouched surface can spruce
up an ordinary space and set a project apart. Whether the space is interior or
exterior, Star Scenic Supply has the decorative paint you need.
Many of the decorative paints we carry are known for
their versatility and durability. You can apply most types onto many different
surfaces, such as wood, ceramic, stucco, metal, glass, concrete, or tile.
Superior coverage means none of your investment in decorative paints will go to
waste. The specialty paints are worth the expense when you weigh their quality,
coverage and results compared to other paint products on the market. This
high-quality reputation is why many of the decorative paints sold by Star
Scenic Supply are simply the first and only choice for many respected artists.
One brand, in particular, is worth its weight in gold.
Anvil Hammered Metallic can be colored with many universal tints to get the
distinct color tone you need for your stage sets, walls, murals and outdoor
pieces. It is highly washable and resistant to damage from chemicals or the
environment over time. It is an acrylic enamel paint which is preferred over
many solvent based counterparts, partly due to its ease of clean-up.
Another decorative paint worth looking into to further
individualize your next project is a pearlescent medium. There are endless uses
for applying a pearlescent medium over a base color. The instant shimmer affect
can give any surface a new look. Many pearlescent mediums come in bronze, gold,
pearl, and copper tones, to further your ability to customize a piece. When
combined with a standard decorative paint, the look is and always be distinctly
unique. This versatility and the endless choices and combinations made
available from Star Scenic Supply give artists the tools to make their vision
reality. With decorative paint, an artist will never have their work mistaken
for ordinary.
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April 10, 2012
Faux Finish Products From Star Scenic are Growing in Popularity
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There was a time when the thought of applying a faux
finish was intimidating to some. More often than not in the past, it was a
multi-step process and the results were often inflated by manufacturers and
dealers. However, faux finish has come a long way and is growing in
popularity. Once you check out
application ideas and processes, the possibilities for faux finish uses seem endless.
One popular faux finish product you can affordably
acquire from Star Scenic Supply is Corkstone Plaster. It is a fine plaster
product you can use on either exterior or interior surfaces. It can give
virtually any wall or surface the appearance of corkboard. The product is very
easy to use and you can read through very simple how-to instructions to
optimize the product. The versatility and endless possibilities make Corkstone
Plaster as appealing as its affordability. It is also a one step process that
requires a short list of materials to be applied, making it ideal for artists
who have a schedule to abide by. One unique aspect of this product is how it
can transform a surface, giving it an old world feel perfect for stage sets or
props. As one of the easiest faux finish products on the market, it appeals to
any artist wanting to transport a piece to another time.
All faux finish products, especially one step, easy to
use Corkstone Plaster is growing in sales because it provides consistent results.
Relying on Star Scenic Supply to provide the products that work best at the
best prices makes perfect artistic and economic sense. Together, Corkstone
Plaster and Star Scenic Supply are helping countless artists take their dream
pieces to another level with faux finish application. Whether your industry
focuses on independent projects, signage, stage craft, or interior/exterior
design, faux finish products from Star Scenic Supply can help you take the
vision and make it reality.
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April 3, 2012
Faux Finish Can Take Your Project Beyond the Look of Ordinary Paint
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When you paint any given surface, whether it is for a sign,
mural or stage set, paint only tells part of the story. Star Scenic Supply has
all the materials any artist may need to make a project go from flat color to a
living piece with a story to tell. An artist may have that perfect picture in
their head of what a surface can be and faux finishing techniques may be the
best way to make those visions reality.
There are many highlights to using Star Scenic Supply
faux finishing for all of your professional finishing needs. Most of the
available faux finish products are ready to use and quick drying, letting you
maximize the time you have to complete the project. Many faux finishes are also
made to easily go over a wide range of bases, such as cement, stucco, or wood.
Many of the faux finish materials are also easily washable, making them even
more ideal to work with especially for signs and mural projects. One added
benefit of the Star Scenic Supply products available is they typically do not
require any more protection after applied. The surface will withstand all sorts
of temperature ranges, harsh weather and almost anything else that can be
thrown at it. With clear instructions and versatile performance, the use of
faux finishes promises almost flawless results. It is also an affordable way to
enhance any base or any project.
With imagination and an eye for design, the possibilities
are endless when it comes to using the many types of faux finishes out there.
With all of the online resources available to help any artist customize any
project and the ease of navigation through the Star Scenic Supply site, any
project or idea can take on new life. You can easily create your own style, or
signature look, after trying the many different faux finish techniques
available today. Staying true to the project and putting your own unique touch
on it at the same time is all the more reason invest in Star Scenic Supply faux
finish products.
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March 27, 2012
Metallic Paint Choices Make Star Scenic Right Choice for Artists
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After two decades in business, most artists agree the
metallic paints sold at Star Scenic go above and beyond the job needed. Used
for a wide array of projects indoors and out, metallic paints can completely
transform a piece.
It can be used to give a rustic backdrop hints of the
metallic composition it may have once had. This is can be used to enhance a set
backdrop meant to depict a weathered or antiqued look that was once bright and
flawless. Metallic paints can also be the perfect solution for futuristic
looks.
Chromatone is one kind of metallic paint that is
extremely versatile for artists. Available in bronze tone, copper, pale, rich
and roman gold, and silver, Chromatone is quick drying. This makes it ideal for
the finish that needs to be completed on schedule. It comes ready to use and
can be utilized for many decorative uses by professionals and novices
alike.
Anvil Hammer Paint is another metallic finish option
readily available through Star Scenic. This all-acrylic paint is suited for
exterior and interior projects, making it the perfect investment for
multi-tasking artist. It easily adheres to most surfaces such as concrete,
metals, tile, glass, stucco, and some plastics. For durability over time and
against the elements, Anvil Hammer is the perfect choice. It is widely known
for its ability to stand up to intense water, chemicals and other outdoor
hazards that tend to quickly deteriorate other surface finishes. You can also
easily rub and scrub the surface without fear of diminishing the nature of the
metallic paint finish.
Metallic paints and finishes need to perform well and
need to be long lasting. They are used to express a certain style that just
can’t be replicated otherwise. Any metallic paint and finish from Star Scenic
is designed to give expert results that last for the life of the project,
whether it is a one-time set for a play or a commissioned mural or sign for a
park or building. Affordable and versatile, Star Scenic supplies metallic
paints to suit any job and any budget.
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March 19, 2012
Star Scenic Supply Gives Artist Tools for All Faux Finish Ideas
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Star Scenic Supply is one of the leaders in artist’s
quality faux finishes for all sorts of projects. As far as faux finish for
walls is concerned, acquiring the supplies you need to bring your vision to
life is just the start of your artistic creations.
Walls painted one color are quite bland, flat and
lifeless. No space needs to be wasted by just existing. Think of walls as if
they are each a canvas waiting to be brought to life. Whether the wall is for a
mural, a set design, an office, or a home, it should and can stand out without
much effort or cost when you apply a faux finish for walls.
For interior faux finish for walls, McCloskey Oil Glazing
Liquid is ideal for wood graining, sponging or antiquing. It creates instant
depth, tone and texture. With easy to apply techniques and suitability for all
sorts of spaces, it is a prime product for spicing up any wall. Any artist will
find decorative ways to utilize this glaze. For exteriors, Scumble Glaze can
hold up to the elements and create a sense of style and uniqueness on masonry
walls. Neither harsh sunlight, high humidity nor ravaging storms can detract
from the one-of-a-kind end results.
Adding faux finish for walls is a budget friendly way of
transforming a space. You can create a small accent wall, highlight a nook in
an office, draw the eye towards a specific part of the scenery for a play, or
age a wall for dramatic effect in a mural. Faux finish for walls, such as
antiquing or marbling, is the easiest way to reflect cultural flair. A
distressed faux finish can take the observer to another place or time.
One thing for sure, when you use faux finish for walls
using any of the high quality products from Star Scenic Supply, the end result
will be unique. No two faux finish projects will ever turn out the same. An
artist is essentially able to easily put their own spin on any conceivable
project.
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March 12, 2012
Metallic Paints Offer Endless Possibilities
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When you use any of the metallic paints distributed by
Star Scenic Supply, the possibilities are endless. It can make the ordinary
extraordinary and give life to almost any project. Metallic paints are widely
used by artists of all different calibers, such as mural artists, sign artists,
and for stage and movie production sets. There is really no project where
metallic paints would be considered wrong.
Chromatone is an ideal metallic paint product. It comes
ready to use and adheres to wood, stucco and concrete, tiles, glass and some
plastic surfaces. It also can be used for both interior and exterior projects.
One variety of metallic paints is Decorative Pallete. It is a luster coarse
plaster. It is described as very durable and works as a great and unique faux
finishing. If you want a smoother look, like soft suede, a luster plaster
smooth is the right choice. This particular type of metallic paint is for
interior projects. Other metallic mediums give pearlescent and shimmering effects.
Cleaning and prepping the site for use is the best way to be sure the metallic
paints adhere affectively and their full radiance shines through.
When it comes to projects large and small, adding
metallic paints can add a whole new dimension. Metallic paints add spark and
can enliven a base. It is the affordable way to make a sign or mural sparkle
and shine. If the project calls for a base that stands out, such as signs at an
amusement park, one of the exterior use metallic paints can make it look from a
different time. You can also be sure the metallic paints that are labeled for
outdoor use will hold up under adverse weather conditions. Just experimenting
with the different types of metallic paints from Star Scenic Supply will
inspire artists to use more and more.
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March 4, 2012
More on Faux Finishing
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There are times when an original material or medium alone
can’t convey the full picture an artist may have in their head. Whenever a
canvas, backdrop, set piece or accessory needs enhanced beyond a simple color
or sanding, a faux finish may be the answer. For artists involved in an
industry where their work will be viewed and appreciated by the masses, the
correct faux finish can serve to authenticate a look, make a mural or side
piece fit with the era being depicted, and can also hide flaws or
inconsistencies within the medium or substance used.
Some common types and styles of faux finish are being
used by professionals and novices alike. Marbling faux finish, bronzing
techniques, Venetian sponging applications, specially tinted mica powders, and
other antiquing styles are commonly used on theater sets to bring a prop to
life or make the backdrop as true as can be for the audience. These subtle
additions can truly help transport the spectator into another space and time
visually. Faux contractors glaze and extender glaze both are easy to apply faux
finish materials that many industry professionals find essential to giving
their work the most authentic look possible.
Faux finish can also be applied to hide material flaws on
the canvas, concrete wall, wood, or previous staining and painting on any type
of material. Applying a mica powder or a crackling glaze as a faux finish can
cover past mistakes and also give the object an overall more unique finish.
Faux finish simply adds pizzazz to otherwise bland and flat walls, theater sets,
mural backgrounds, and objects. While some wood surfaces may benefit from
unique flaws here and there, others look worn and damaged when that isn’t the
look you may want to strive for. A faux finish or use of an extender glaze can
hide the imperfections you simply want to go without.
Using a faux finish
can also save a professional artist from having to invest in the real thing.
Bronzing and leathering faux finish products give the look of an age and
material that can be expensive to use otherwise. You can take a simple material
and age it to fit the era or decorating style needed for the set or outdoor
park it will accentuate. Genuine marble, leather, plaster, copper, bronze and
other materials can lead to unwanted cost overrun and make the job more of an
expense for an artist. Investing in high quality and remarkably easy to use
faux finish products can save money, preserve artistic quality and make the
ordinary surface something to remember.
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February 27, 2012
Crackle Glaze
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Artists from all over the world over are constantly working
towards new methods of showing their vision. Using glazes is a relatively
recent phenomenon, but one that is taking the art world by storm: our crackle
glaze is among the best, allowing you to stand on the shoulders of giants to
really create what you envision. A glaze like Briste Group Contractors Glaze
doesn’t require pre-coating of any sort: you simply glaze your product after
you’ve painted; moreover, you begin seeing results after a single coat, and
rarely, if ever, will need more than three coats of glaze.
When looking at glazes through our lens as professionals,
most just don’t pass muster. Most glazes take a mammoth amount of coats to
cover your art, and then the finish isn’t even very durable: you’ll spend hours
glazing, and then have to re-glaze in just a few months. Crackle glaze, though,
is different: it’s a product that creates a finish built to last, something
that you won’t have to replace for years down the road. More than that, you can
apply it quickly, and be done in under an hour of work, speeding up your
production time and allowing you to make more art!
What’s important to all of us though, is that products like
crackle glaze help us build our art: they allow us to create the vision in our
heads, showing the world our images and making them real. To that end, there’re
few products out there as good as crackle glaze, and none at anywhere near our
price-point; being artists, we can all appreciate the value of a hard-earned
dollar, and anything that can help us in that department is worth at least a
cursory glance.
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February 21, 2012
The Perfect Project: Faux Finished Wood
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When prepping your movie set,
you’ll want to make sure that all of your props are properly placed and
designed to perfection! If you want your movie set to look as realistic as
possible – the last thing you’ll want to do is create a half-fast set with dull
items. You’ll want to make everything stand out in its own little way. For these reasons, many artists and designers
are using faux finishes as a way to add that special detail to wood furniture
pieces used on movie sets. There are literally tons of ways you can learn how
to faux finish a wooden furniture piece.
First and foremost, you’ll want
to make sure that your wooden piece is as clean as possible. This may entail
stripping the existing finish off by sanding the piece down. It may also
include fixing any loose ends like loose nails, chips and/or dark stain spots
usually caused by burns or dyes. Once you have your furniture piece restored
back to its Gothic state, you are ready to prepare for the finish. If you read
any tutorial on how to faux finish, you’ll see that the normal procedure always
starts out with identifying the materials you will need based on the type of faux
finishing technique you prefer to use. The easiest of which would be sponging
the finish. Now that you have gotten that out of the way and your materials are
readily accessible, you are ready to go.
While squeezing the top of the
sponge together with your fingers, dip it into your paint, making sure that you
only apply a small amount of paint to the bottom of the sponge. Do not saturate
the sponge or else you will notice that there are not enough breathe spaces on
the actual wood. The idea is to make the wooden piece resemble the realistic
faux leather finish. Gently apply the sponge to the wooden piece in quick
motions throughout one area at a time. It may be easier to apply the paint in
small square sections at a time. However, be sure that you are painting
sections directly next to each other. By painting sporadic sections all of over
the wooden piece you are jeopardizing the consistency and flow throughout the
piece. Once you have covered the entire surface area of the furniture, all you
need is a nice shiny shellac to finish your piece off. This is the easiest way
one can learn how to faux finish wooden furniture for a movie set!
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February 13, 2012
Using Metallic Paints for Mural Painting
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In order to achieve a natural look with your next mural
painting project, you may want to consider using metallic paints when applying
your faux finishes. As you very well know, an artist will utilize anything at
their disposal to create a work of art, whether that be using an unusual medium
or paints that are typically not intended for their current purpose, so it's an
obvious choice to choose metallic paints to make your faux finishes as realistic
as possible.
Though metallic paints were once only reserved for cars,
they are now becoming widely used within the creation of movie sets and murals.
They can give any work of art a metallic shine and a great way to implement a
unique marble effect for pieces that are meant to portray a Roman villa or
opulent estate. Essentially, when talking about faux finishes, there really is
no limit to how metallic paints can increase the natural appearance of a
variety of sets or large masterpieces. If you're looking for a way to reflect
light or add dimension to your creation, then metallic paints are a great way
to achieve that.
The paints you choose are, of course, crucial in creating
the look that you want for your next piece. Whether you want the versatility of
acrylic paints or the rich color of oil paints; your decisions during the paint
selection process will determine the end result. Therefore, using metallic
paints is unparalleled in the creation of a stone surface within your mural or
set, as well as to give it a more modern feel, if you so desire.
Using metallic paints for mural painting can provide you
with faux finishes that are remarkable in quality and appearance. If you want
to make your sets or large works of art truly believable, then selecting this
type of paint can make all the difference. Adding that bit of magic to your
masterpiece has never been easier, regardless of whether it's an exterior or
interior piece. Given that metallic paints can achieve any number of looks, why
not consider using them for your next big project.
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February 7, 2012
Use metallic paint for a faux finish on your next project
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Having the ability to harness the aesthetic appeal of
metallic paints for faux finishes can prove to be exponentially beneficial for
any individual, especially for artists who are prone to work on murals and
theater sets. There are a wide array of
different benefits to acquiring the perfect faux finish ranging from providing
an edgy appeal to a finished work of art to even making a painting seem far
more luxurious and finished. Faux
finishes for walls have become extremely popular throughout the art community
as more individuals are beginning to realize the benefits of harnessing such a
talent.
Faux painting provides an establishment or a theatre with a
unique sense of ambiance. Rather than
having a generically painted wall, faux painting provides an artistic appeal
that allows the painter to express their inner talents. Generally with the techniques used with faux
painting, it makes walls and other exterior elements seem more natural than
manufactured. Faux finishes also provide
a place with an aesthetic edge alongside practical benefits. Ensuring that the faux finish matches the
mural or other paintings surrounding it can prove to be beneficial.
Another major benefit to faux finishes is that they are
relatively simple to achieve. As long as
the desired surface is relatively plain and extremely clean, faux finishes for
walls should be extremely easy to do.
Learning the proper techniques is also an activity that can prove to be
fun for a wide variety of different people from different demographics and
these techniques can be used on a wide variety of different surfaces.
The final and most important benefit to faux finishes is that
it will last longer than a wide variety of other decorating objects such as
wallpaper. Faux finishes will not peel
off or become damaged by weathering as badly as other mediums may be. Considering that the method itself is simple
to perform, if any damages do occur it should be relatively simple to provide a
solution to the damaged art.
As more muralists and other painters are beginning to
understand the dense amount of benefits to faux finishes for walls, more
companies require their artists to add this artistic appeal to their work. Being able to take advantage of new and
upcoming techniques will not only add a more stylistic appeal to a piece of art
but it will also help a company seem more edgy and up to date.
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