Questions

Answers

1. What is Decorative Finishing?

   Decorative Finishing is similiar to Faux Finishing. Faux is from the French word Meaning "False". Centuries ago, Artisans began faux painting when someone would want the look of a beautiful natural element such as marble and faux wood inlay, but could not afford the expense. A Faux Finish is a Finish that mimics something in nature such as wood graining, marble or stone. Anything else is a decorative finish. Today with a wide range of products available, Decorative Finishes can range from simple painting techniques to multi-layered, textured finishes. By incorporating the use of plaster and textured materials with layering of paints, glazes, and solvents, unmatched depth and richness is created. A Decorative Finish incorporates decorative textures and techniques with Faux finishing Techniques. Today's finishes are much more unique and elegant than sponge painting and ragging done in the nineteen eighties.

2. Why Choose a Decorative Finish instead of wallpaper?

   Decorative Finishing &/or Decorative Painting can set the stage for how your home looks and feels. Many people choose a Decorative Finish because they like the idea of a completely customized look. Each Decorative Finish has its own unique elements because it is created by an Artist. Decorative Finishes are created utilizing color, texture and technique to create a space that reflects your good taste and sense of style. Decorative Finishes can range from Old World to Contemporary and are customized to your space and decor. Unlike Wallpaper, Decorative Finishes create unparalleled depth, texture and richness. Wallpaper was originally developed to mimic painted finishes. Today, a good quality wallpaper can cost significantly more than hand painted finish. Eventually, you will need to remove the wall paper. This can be very costly and can cause damage to your walls, wich adds more cost to repair. A Decorative Finish will last three to four times longer than wallpaper. If texture is involved, the color can be easily changed to match changes to your decor, saving you money in long run. Most Decorative Finishes will never go out of style.

3. Is Decorative Finishing an inexpensive way to decorate my home?

   There are many different Decorative Finishes. Decorative finishes can be as simple as a glazing technique and as complex as an eleven layer or more textured finish. Adding multiple layers to a finish creates depth to the finish and creates a look that is totally unique your space. My goal is to accent your furniture pieces and fabrics to create a space that totally reflects your personallity.

4. Can a Decorative Finish hide damaged walls.

   Unfortunately, no. Most Decorative Finishes will intensify the damage to your walls. A few Multi-layered finishes can hide or cover minor imperfections in a wall, but in most cases, a clean smooth wall that is free of holes and dents is necessary.

5. I have a Friend who learned Faux Finishing At the local Home and Garden Center!

   Faux Finishing techniques taught at the local Home and Garden Center or paint store are usually basic painting techniques that are historically used in layering and were not intended to be used as a finish on their own but as a backdrop for other ornamentation.

6. What are your qualifications?

   I am a member of the Regional Chamber of Commerce, MuralsPlus.com, and www.talkfaux.com. I have apprenticed with some of the best and most experienced artist is the world of Decorative Finsihing. I am also fully insured. See the contact page for the artists biography.

7. The Process.

   1. Schedule an appointment. In the intial conversation, you will be asked questions concerning the project, such as type of finish(textured or non-textured), location(bathroom, bedroom, kitchen etc.)and budget. Consultation Fees, are stated up front and a meeting takes place in the client's home, or location(business) of the project. If you have seen something in a book or magazine that you like, have it available at the consultation. I can replicate most any finish. The inital Meeting lasts for up to two hours. During the intial consultation, many samples and photos are viewed. We discuss colors, design, furniture, and budget. By the end of the meeting, the client and the artist will have a solid idea of the finish or finishes and colors involved. If samples need to be created, a minimum fee of $75.00 is charged. Upon receipt of this fee, the artist will create up to 3 sample boards for your review. The initial $75.00 fee charged for sample boards will be applied to the quote of the project and are applied as a credit on the final payment of the project. If additional samples need to be created, and additional fee of $50.00 per sample board is assesed which is non refundable. Consultation fees are also non-refundable. Samples are always the property of the artist and remain in the possession of the artist at all times. In most instances, a quote/contract will either be mailed to the client or presented at the second consultation when the sample boards are presented and the client approves a finish. The second consultation is free of charge, however, any Additional Consultations after the presentation of sample finishes and prior to a contract will be charged at an hourly rate that is non-refundable.



2. Once the contract is signed and a deposit/scheduling fee which is usually one half of the project cost is required to schedule the project. After the initial deposit is recieved, your project is placed on the Artist's schedule. Any site-specific issues are discussed and resolved prior to the start date of the project. The balance for the project is due upon completion of the work.

3. Start Date: The client should have all furniture moved at least three feet from the walls, and covered. Preparation of the work site begins. Hard surface floors will be completely covered with either paper, plastic and/or tarps. Carpeted floors are covered with plastic and securely taped and usually covered with a second protective layer of either heavy plastic or drop cloths. Other surfaces(counter tops, cabinets, etc.) are also covered with either paper or plastic. Traffic into the work area should be kept at a minimum.

4. Upon completion of the project, the artist removes all disposable materials, and coverings and disposes of them appropriately. The jobsite is swept with a vacuum and cleaned as needed. Touch-up materials are normally left with the client in the event touch-ups are need later. The final payment is due on the day of completion.