Faux Effect's Happenings: February-April 2018

Decorative Finishing is Back!

Are you ready to fire up your portfolio? 

There is a lot happening in our family of Faux Effects International™ Studios the next 3 months. From a studio open house to classes in walls, cabinets, furniture and art work-there is something for everyone, no matter where you live! Take a look and save the date (or dates). And keep checking back as we update our calendar of events.

February 2018

It's Open House time at Faux Design Studio in Chicago. Sheri Zeman will be hosting demonstrations, class previews and giveaways at this Free Event. Winterfest is February 10 from 9am-12pm. 

Want to try something new with Faux Effects products? Then give Abstract & Inks with guest instructor Michelle Fountain a try! This class at Faux Design Studio is on February 12th-13th.

A few spots are left for the 30 Samples Class Chicago. This class taught by Sheri Zeman owner of Faux Design Studio is February 19th-23rd.  Register soon before this popular class is sold out! 

Faux Design Studio, Sheri Zeman

(630)627-1011

101 N. Swift Rd, Addison, Illinois 60101

Follow at:

www.paintanddesignstore.com

Facebook @FauxDesignStudio

Instagram @fauxdesignstudio

March 2018

The 30 Samples Class at FE Dallas taught by Sheri Zeman of Faux Design Studio. This class is March 5th-9th and March 19th-23rd. Both classes are currently sold out but Sheri has a wait list. Contact information listed above. 

Ready to expand your portfolio into lucrative cabinet and furniture finishing? Sign up for New World Cabinetry, Furniture & Trim Workshop at The Faux Finish School in Louisville, Kentucky. This comprehensive class is March 26th-March 28th and is taught by Martin Alan Hirsch and Morey Dunbar. Contact information listed below.

April 2018

The popular "Timeless Creations" The Art and Business of Faux Finishing Workshop "Interpretation by Inspiration" will be offered April 9th-13th.  This class includes new and updated finishes and is taught by The Faux Finish School's owner, Martin Alan Hirsch and lead instructor Morey Dunbar.

To find out more about New World Cabinetry & Furniture and Timeless Creations Classes:

The Faux Finish School, Martin Alan Hirsch
(502)583-0102
414 Baxter Avenue, 3rd Floor Loft
Louisville, Kentucky 40204
Follow at:

www.fauxfinish.com

Facebook @fauxfinishschool

Instagram @fauxfinishschool

 It's Cabinet Week at FE Dallas with 5 different One Day Classes covering our unique system for RE-Staining, Metallic Cabinets and Modern Rustic Furniture. This series is offered April 16th-20th and is taught by Faux Effects' Instructor, Rebecca Slaton.

FE Dallas Inc, Chris Kelly or Rebecca Slaton at Rebecca@fauxfx.com

(972)733-0028

4550 Sunbelt Dr, Addison, Texas 75001

Follow at:

www.fedallas.com

Facebook @FEDallasInc

Instagram @fauxeffectsdallas

Want to know more about these exciting events? We will share a feature about each class with more information about the samples and instructors in the coming weeks. Plus follow us on Faux Effects Social Network for bonus pictures. Let's connect at:

www.fauxfx.com

Facebook @FauxEffectsInternationalInc

Instagram @fauxeffectsinternationalinc

GalaxyStone: 2 New Colors and a Few More Tips

What would a galaxy be without the silver of the moon and the stars? Or the golden light of the sun?

Introducing two new colors of  GalaxyStone™ in Silver and Gold. Perfect for 2 of the biggest design trends for 2018: Bold Ceilings and Mixed Metallic Finishes.

I've had a few questions about GalaxyStone since my original post.

"Can GalaxyStone be applied over paint?"

Yes. We always recommend a quality latex paint appropriate to the surface you are working on.  If the surface is cement than use a quality cement primer.  Get a color or have your primer tinted to a color close to the GalaxyStone shade you are using.

"What about rolling GalaxyStone over other Faux Effects Products?"

Of course. One of the selling points for using the Faux Effects® is the versatility of the products for mixing and matching.  Setcoat® and Texture Coat ™ are obvious choices.  But Lustersuede® is also an option given the range of colors and the bit of texture it provides.

"How many coats do you recommend?"

This is a 2 coat application. You may roll both coats. Additional coats may be applied depending on the effect you want or the surface you are covering. Just make sure that each layer dries well before adding another coat.

"Can you trowel GalaxyStone?"

Sure! This is one of my favorite applications.  There is a small glitter that gives GalaxyStone it's twinkle. When you pull the material with the trowel blade you will get delicate lines in the direction of the pull.  You may mitigate this effect by pulling your blade one way and then pulling in the opposite direction.

Ancient Grey Lusterstone and GalaxyStone Tint Base

A trowled-on application works best over a plaster base. For the finish above I used the GalaxyStone Tint Base over Ancient Grey Lusterstone® and for the finish below:

Venetian Gem Black Onyx and GalaxyStone

GalaxyStone in Black and Tint Base is troweled over Black Onyx VenetianGem® Plaster.

The finish above is Black GalaxyStone and GalaxyStone Tint Base troweled over  NüVilla™ plaster in Pewter. The pretty gold is Rich Gold FauxMetal™ but now I would try the new Gold Galaxy Stone!

"Some of the videos of the ceilings are really sparkly! Is something added to the GalaxyStone?"

GalaxyStone has a gentle twinkle but if you want to up the sparkle then you may add Galaxy Glitter.

This is a larger glitter than what is in the GalaxyStone.  It looks like a thinly sliced shard which gives you maximum reflection.  You may add it into the GalaxyStone but if you want it to really shine, try this technique:
1. Roll out a section of GalaxyStone
2. Dip the tips of a Leon Neon Stippler brush in your wet GalaxyStone.
3. Shake the Galaxy Glitter on a plate and pounce the wet stippler into the glitter. The GalaxyStone         will help pick-up the glitter.
4. Then pounce the brush and glitter onto the wet surface.

And that's it! Thanks for your interest in this new product.

And don't forget it's on Sale now through the end of January.

Contact your regional FE distributor or order online from at: www.fauxstore.com

Can't wait to see what you do with GalaxyStone or any other Faux Effects Product. Remember you may send pictures of your projects to me at Rebecca@fauxfx.com. I will follow-up with the necessary photo releases. We want to feature your wonderful work in our magazine, Faux Effects World ®. And don't forget to follow us on Facebook @Faux EffectsInternationalInc and fauxeffectsinternationalinc on Instagram.

Rebecca 

The Decorative Artist Pantry: 3 Tint Bases to Try

A common question is: "What products should I keep in stock?"  Unless you are recreating a specific class sample, it is hard to know exactly what to keep on hand with so many choices. I thought about my practice of going through our family pantry. Just like a good cook knows with a few staples you can whip up a pretty good meal the same is true of stocking a studio pantry.  

With that in mind, this is my criteria for product staples:

1.  Can this product be tinted or mixed easily with other items to alter the color, texture or appearance?

2.  Is the material adaptable to a range of design styles? For example can it be used for both modern and rustic finishes? 

3.  Will I be able to use the product on a variety of surfaces such as walls and cabinets?

4.  And does the product have a good shelf life-most of the items from Faux Effects International™ are good for a year or more unopened. Putting plastic wrap over wet product and making sure the lid is on tight will keep these products fresher once opened.

So, let's start building our Decorative Arts Pantry!  The three items I am starting with are all Tint Bases which means they meet my 4 criteria above. Plus they are simple to use and best of all....

You can get them on sale right now during the NEW YEARS SILVER LABEL promotion.

LUSTERSTONE TINT BASE®

Lusterstone and Metal Glow

We all know that Lusterstone comes in beautiful colors from pale white to deep black, but did you know there is a tintable version?  We often get requests from clients to match a specific paint color while making samples when we don't have a pre-tinted Lusterstone available. Lusterstone Tint Base to the rescue.  

You may tint this product with Faux Effects Colorants like FauxCreme Color™ or Metalglow® Metallic Paints like the sample above which uses Metal Glow colors in Sea Spray and Wheat mixed with Lusterstone Tint Base.  

Lusterstone Tint Base mixed with MicaGlow Powder

A favorite finish is to tint Lusterstone Tint Base with MicaGlow Powder™ (seen in the sample above).  Just a tablespoon of mica powder per quart of tint base yields a pretty silky look.

Palette Deco Silver and Lusterstone Tint Base

You don't always need to add something to the Lusterstone Tint Base-it works just fine on it's own.  It dries to a neutral pearl finish (neither too blue or brown). A simple and effective application is to trowel a layer of Palette Deco ™ Metallic Plaster (my sample is Silver) and top with a layer of Lusterstone Tint Base

Below Lusterstone Tint Base is pulled over Stucolux™ Fine Polishing Plaster in White on White and Vanilla Bean.  For the pattern, I added a little silver colorant to the Lusterstone Tint Base and rolled it over the stencil. 

                                                                                                                                                               And speaking of patterns! Lusterstone Tint Base is troweled for a base in this finish below. Next I mixed the tint base with Silver MicaGlow Powder and silver glitter- a nice (clean) way to apply a glitter finish! 

You may also use quality paint tint from your local favorite paint store if you are matching a specific paint color.  Add it slowly and always swatch out the wet color to see how it dries. Then write down your formula. Adding too much paint tint may overcome the "luster" of the product.

VENETIAN GEM TINT BASE®

The same attributes of Lusterstone Tint Base are useful for the Venetian Gem Tint. The biggest difference is the opacity of the products with the Venetian Gem Tint Base drying more opaque (not a great choice for a glitter finish) but works fine with many other colorants!

Below, the Venetian Gem Tint Base is mixed with Setcoat™ Metallic Taupe and is shaped with a trowel and an Alligator Roller.

Venetian Gem Tint Base is mixed with FauxCreme Color and some is left natural for the trowled finish below:

Because of the well sealed and smooth quality of the Venetian Gem Tint Base it is a great choice for using with foils.  Above, Venetian Tint Base is used for the base layer and the raised pattern. A pewter foil is applied over the plaster and our other staple, Lusterstone Tint Base is pulled over the top to blend and soften.

AquaWax™

The most translucent of the 3 tint bases discussed here is AquaWax.  And like the other two, AquaWax may be used both over and under other products. Below AquaWax is mixed with Sea Spray Metal Glow, Old Bronze Metal Glow and Elephant Hide Metal Glow.

This finish above is AquaWax is divided into 2 parts. One part is mixed with Metallic Toffee® Setcoat and the other part is mixed with Metallic Toffee Setcoat and some Silver Concentrate. 

And since it dries so clear, AquaWax is a perfect binder for glitter.

Or used on it's own as a see-through texture over things like foil.

An added bonus with Aquawax is you may use it as a protective and durable topcoat over your finishes! 

What you should notice is that many of the finishes using Lusterstone Tint Base, Venetian Gem Tint Base and AquaWax are 2-3 steps making these economical finishes as well.  Take advantage of the sale and try a quart of one (or all) for your decorative art  product pantry.

The New Year Silver Label Sale is being offered from Faux Effects and at participating studios. Use N2018Y code at check out or call your local studio for information.

Check out my post tomorrow when I write about my favorite Cabinetry stock items.

Stay Warm,

Rebecca

DIY: A Copper Bronze Furniture Finish

There are many things I love about being a decorative artist. Near the top of that list is the thrill of finding diamond in the rough furniture.  I've spent many weekends at flea markets, consignment stores and antique shops on the hunt for unloved but unique pieces. And best of all, since no one knows what to do with them, you can score a real bargain. My whole house is filled with these treasures.

This time the project is for a client.  I've already finished the walls, columns and table for this dining room. Plus I helped select the paint and light fixture.

Faux Effects Quartzstone, Stuco Lustro, Old World Venetian Wax and Mica Powders

Close-up of high polish plaster in Charcoal with Bronze and Copper Mica Powders.

Copper Crystal and Rubbed Bronze light fixture

The dining table in Faux Effects Copper Faux Metal and Custom tinted glazes.

A big trend for 2018 interiors is mixed metals. Obviously our main metal is Copper with a mix of a golden Bronze.  So I was excited to find this sofa table at a Kansas City consignment store. The marble is in perfect shape and the colors are spot on.

But the wood base was drab and dark.  No worries. Time for a Metallic Makeover!

The first step in a furniture makeover is the clean the surface, a light sand, and a final wipe down with denatured alcohol.  My base paint is Faux Effects Designer Metallic in Charred Gold.  I wanted the base to be a warm brown based gold therefore I did not add the silver concentrate that came with the Designer Metallic. The easiest way to apply with out spraying is to brush on the paint and pounce it with a Leon Neon.

Well I've been reversing the first and last name for years! Leon Neon.

I let my base paint dry over night.  The next step is unexpected but I use this mix and technique a lot on furniture, cabinets and front doors.  Mix 1 quart of  Aquawax + 2 Cups of Metal Glow + 1/4 Cup So-Slow Super Extender.  The wet mix will look cloudy-that's the wax. But it will dry to the metallic color.  My mix will fill in flaws, protect the surface and create a strong slick surface for further glazing.

The Metal Glow for this project is Ginger Brown.  There is not much wood on this side table so I cut my recipe in half.

I brush the mix over the surface and pounce with the Leon Neon (see you will use this brush a lot).

Even though there is So-Slow Extender added this layer usually is dry within a few hours. Always check each layer for bonding before proceeding as dry times vary due to climate and thickness of application.  Next I mix a pint of glaze medium: Faux Crème Clear, Aquacreme or FX Thinner (all will work with Metal Glow) + 1/2 Cup Sunburst Metal Glow + 1/4 Cup Antique Mahogany Stain & Seal.

Brush on the mix and pounce with cheesecloth. I wipe back the high areas more with the cheesecloth.

I use a flat small squared brush to tip and shape the architecture of the piece.  Van Dyke Brown Stain & Seal thinned with FX Thinner will work for this step.  The glaze and detail layers should dry overnight.


To seal the piece, I mixed a pint of  un-tinted Aquawax  with 2 TBSP So-Slow Extender. This is thinly brushed over the surface and wiped back with the cheesecloth. Avoid letting it collect in the deeper areas or corners to avoid a frosty look.  I used the Aquawax because I had it in an earlier layer but you can top coat this finish with Varnish Plus or C500 if desired.

Here is a version of the same finish with  Faux Effects Fauxstone Pull-Off added under the base coat.

Don't forget this is the last week for the December Metal Glow Sale if you want to try this finish yourself.

Rebecca