Your Supply List: Faux Finishes for Walls
ByJust because faux painting finishes can look opulent and expensive doesn’t mean you have to pay a lot to achieve them. There’s no need to invest in special equipment, though particular projects may require the odd extra, such as stencils. The tools and accessories you will need are no different to those you may already have for standard house painting tasks. Avoid the gimmicks and put your money in good quality paint instead.
Use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need before you start. Running out is frustrating and some paint finishes need to be completed in one session.
Getting Prepared
What to Wear: Paint can be messy, so wear old clothes that permit stretching. Some kind of hat will keep your hair paint-free and make sure your shoes are non-slip – you don’t want to fall off your ladder.
Flooring Protectors: If your room is carpeted, make sure the floors are covered well against splashes and spills. Newspaper and plastic are a less desirable option. Plastic is slippery and sheets of paper shift about and stick infuriatingly to the soles of your shoes. Fabric coverings absorb paint and though old sheets might do, your best bet is a closely woven canvas drop cloth designed for the purpose. They are reusable and well worth the investment.
Filler/ Putty/ Spackling Compound: Before you apply any paint you’ll need to fill holes and cracks in your surface, using a palette or putty knife. Quick-drying fillers are your best option. Wait till properly dry before sanding to a smooth finish.
Masking Tape: This sticky paper tape is handy for protecting areas from paint and for making sure you get a good clean, straight line (vital if you’re painting stripes).
Tools and Equipment
Ladder: Unless you’re painting floors and furniture, you’ll probably need a ladder. Aluminum ladders are light and maneuverable. It helps if your ladder has a shelf for your paint container, or use a ‘painter’s assistant’ to secure your tin to the ladder. Especially with a light ladder, make sure your paint tin is not too heavy or it might topple the ladder.
Stir Sticks: If not supplied with the paint, avoid garden sticks unless you want bits of twig and bark in your paint finish.
Bucket: If you have to mix paints, a bucket can be useful. Alternatively, it’s a useful container for bits and pieces, instead of having your workspace strewn with items you might trip over.
Paints: The paints needed for a particular job will depend on the effect you’re trying to achieve. Buy carefully for success.
Applicators/Brushes: Paintbrushes are the other half of the equation. Bristles come out of cheap brushes, so don’t skimp. The most versatile is a brush with a 2″ (6mm) angle. For covering large surfaces, rollers are an essential item. You’ll need to match the roller nap to the kind of paint you’re using. They often come with a suitable tray, and you might consider roller skins (linings that mean you don’t have to waste time scrubbing the tray). For color washing, soft sponges for washing cars are ideal.
Miscellaneous Accessories
A general purpose knife and a blade will be useful for various tasks, from cutting masking tape to removing unwanted paint from windows. You may need to remove wall fittings so have a screwdriver to hand (also useful for opening paint tins).
Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning rags: Almost any old scrap will do as long as it’s colorfast. Rags aren’t just for brush cleaning – you might need them for spills and splashes. Don’t worry about special brush-cleaning compounds. Dishwashing liquid will do the job, even on cream stencils that are partly oil-based.
You can go overboard buying all the fancy painting tools and kits out there, but keeping it simple is easy to do with this list. You may need to purchase sponges, stencils and other tools and special to create a certain faux finish, but these can be purchased individually for the unique needs of your project.