HOW TO FAUX FINISH--HOW TO DRAG PAINT

FAUX FINISHING: DRAGGING

What Roller You'll Need

• Dragging Tool
• Paint for Base Color
• Roller
• Glaze for Top Coat
• Paint to Mix with Glaze

Step 1:
In this two-coat technique, first cover the wall in a base color (either satin or semi-gloss) and let dry. Prepare the glaze coat by mixing one part paint (in any color) with four parts glaze.

Step 2:
Working quickly, paint the prepared glaze on the wall in two foot wide strips from top to bottom, being sure to spread it evenly.
Step 3:
Take the dragging tool (a whisk broom, stiff bristled paint brush, or the like) and, with a steady movement, pull it through the glaze from top to bottom, so the bristles leave fine textured lines behind. Keep your hand steady as the look requires consistency down the wall.
Step 4:
Wipe the brush with a clean cloth after every pass to avoid a glaze build up.
Step 5:
Continue around the room, working quickly. (This is a great two-person project!) Before you know it, you'll have a beautiful new room!
*Colors for Dragging:
For a subtle effect, choose colors with similar tonal qualities. For more pronounced stripes, select highly contrasting base and top colors.
This technique and Faux finish will provide what I call a ‘Tuscan’ look.  This is because the dragging will leave behind some texture.  You can drag in patterns and produce a unique and different look.  Don’t expect a sophisticated look, it is more random and appears somewhat ‘Rustic’.  You can imagine that it will be more ‘Rustic’ with Earth tone colors. And a more ‘Futuristic’ look with bright and highly contrasting colors.

You can also use this technique to produce a ‘stripe’.  Just mark off the width of stripe you want and then drag every other width mark.  As you can tell, the possibilities are many.  You will need to decide what you want before you start.  That is sometimes the most difficult decision to make but is the most important.
You can also drag on doors and give them a worn or antique look, once again depending on the colors you choose.
This is a fun Faux technique but I suggest you look at some pictures of it before you attempt it.  It is not for everyone and I am sure you don’t want to spend your time and end up with a look you do not like or want.
This how to project is provided as a guide line. Any do-it-yourself activity involves some risk and the reader remains responsible for the selection and use of tools, materials, and methods.
As Always ‘Happy Painting’
Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.       www.kenraderinteriors.com
Follow us on Facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors

HOW TO DO FAUX FINISHES

YOU CAN DO FAUX FINISHING: HOW TO DO WASHING

In recent years Faux finishing has taken a back seat to conventional painting.  This I feel is because most faux finishes are a bit fussy and require more time and attention to the project.  Most people are not willing to commit the needed time or attention. 

However, for those of you that think that you would enjoy a faux finish in one of your rooms, I will be posting ‘How-to’ articles for your education and enjoyment.

To begin with you will need to decide which room of the house you want the faux finish in.  As I mentioned, most of these finishes are fussy or busy.  So pick a medium to large size room for this.  And if you have one or two large walls that are not cut up that is even better.  You will see the wisdom of this when you do not have to work around windows, doors, etc.

My personal favorite room for a faux finish is a Home office or study.  I choose these rooms because you want these rooms to be comfortable yet put you in the mood for reading, meditating, working etc.  My Home Office has a rag faux finish on it.  I will present an article on this process later. 

It is a very masculine room with all of the furnishings chosen to look like the office on a popular TV mini series ‘ Nero Wolf ‘.  The colors are very deep and the “rag on” color is very subtle and muted.  My Colors are Deep Royal Blue and Deep French Roast.  I told you ‘very masculine’. 

Well, enough of my personal taste.  Presented in this article are the tools and some of the techniques you will need for ‘Washing’.

What You'll Need

• Latex Satin Paint for Basecoat
• Latex Satin Paint for Topcoat
• Rags (Terry cloth works best)
• Painter's Tape

Step 1:
Start by selecting two colors for the washing technique, the basecoat color usually being the brighter of the two. This is so that it will be able to be seen through the top washing coat. It is recommended that your paint choice be a satin so that the topcoat is easier to apply. If you choose to use a flat paint, the washing effect will be more of a rubbed appearance. For best results, select two colors that are similar, like gold and rust. The gold as the basecoat with the rust swirled over it is a stunning but subtle effect. Both colors need to be about the same lightness or darkness for the technique to be successful. Another beautiful technique is to use a white with a soft color. The color can be either the basecoat or the washing coat, but as you can imagine, the results will be quite different. The white on top softens and produces a "cloud" effect. In reverse, the color stands out against the white.

Step 2:
Paint on your basecoat according to manufacturer's directions. Please do two coats and please use either Satin or Semi-gloss sheen.  Flat will not work very well as a base.
Step 3:
You may begin the washing technique once the basecoat has dried for the paint manufacturer's recommended time. I seem to have gotten ahead of myself.  Before any painting is done tape off all of your baseboards, ceiling, door, and window trim. Now  dampen your towel, bunch it up, and dip it into the topcoat paint color you have chosen. Take the towel directly to your wall, use a swirling motion apply the topcoat as lightly or heavily as you please. Work from top to bottom and left to right moving across the wall. Periodically step back to make sure your paint swirls are similar in size. Leave yourself enough uninterrupted time per wall so you are sure not to stop once you've started a wall!  The top coat paint will need to be mixed with a ‘Glaze’.  This is available at most paint or Home Improvement stores.  Just follow the directions.  This gives the paint a transparent look and gives you more time to work with it before it starts to dry. 
Use of the glaze will make the top coat paint go much further.  So you will not need to buy as much as you purchased for the base coat.  The glaze really makes this process fun and you do not have to hurry as much.  You’ll like that.
Step 4:
Congratulations! You have created a one-of-a-kind, soft effect that is sure to make any room a masterpiece!
This how to project is provided as a guide line. Any do-it-yourself activity involves some risk and the reader remains responsible for the selection and use of tools, materials, and methods.
I am a firm believer that any person that attempts a faux finish must have some natural artist ability.  This is what will become apparent as you progress through the finish.  Also, I believe that “ A- symmetrical” are the only people that can live with faux finishes.  Symmetrical people just can’t take the random, chaotic pattern of a faux finish.  If you have to have matching furniture and square angles, trust me, you will not like a faux finish. “ I’m just saying”.  
Also, only one person needs to do the wash process.  Two people will produce two different looks of effects.  That is the individual artist in each of us coming through.
A well done faux finish will be a part of your home décor for many years.  It is an expression of your personality and you will love it.  I did a ‘Faux Wash’ for a client 10 years ago.  They still love it and it remains their favorite room in the house.
Here’s to your success!
As always “Happy Painting”
Ken Rader
Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.                            (www.kenraderinteriors.com)
You can follow us at (www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors)

Ken's Tips on Choosing Living Room Wall Colors

Tips on Choosing Living Room Wall Colors

Tips on Choosing Living Room Wall Colors A living room void of all color can be as dismal as a living room shrouded in darkness. Adding a little color can change the look and feel of a room, and it is a great way to enlarge and brighten a space. Choosing the colors for a living room can be somewhat challenging, but with careful consideration and a little forethought and creativity, you can have the living room you have always wanted, no matter the size or style. Choose your Mood Colors set the mood of a space, and if you want to convey a relaxing mood, consider cool colors such as soft blue, sea foam green, cool shades of pink or even lavender. Colors that enhance energy are warmer in hue such as deep red, lemon yellow, and creamy orange. Many new variations of these colors are available, and they can completely transform a formerly basic living area into an extraordinary place to relax, watch television, and visit with family and guests. Consider trying something bold or daring for a completely new look.    Consider Furniture Colors Large pieces of furniture such as sofas and complete living room sets are quite costly, and unless you are willing to cover existing furniture with slipcovers, the colors of the fabric should be taken into serious consideration when choosing colors. Take a swatch of fabric to the paint or wallpaper store to make the choice easier. Dark paint or wallpaper is not ideal an ideal choice if furniture is dark in color. Choose lighter colors to go with darker furniture, and solid wall colors with patterned furniture. Lighter furniture combined with darker bolder colors makes a powerful impact and adds drama to the space. Whatever you choose, the furniture should rule the living area since it will more than likely last longer than the wall covering.    How About an Accent Wall? If you are not ready to take the decorating plunge and paint an entire room with a bold or bright new color, consider painting a single wall. Paint or paper all but one living room wall a lighter color of your choice, and choose a darker or brighter shade of the same color. This accent wall will become the focal point, and it will make a dramatic impact in the living room, no matter which colors or patterns you choose.  Color Choices When shopping for living room paint, keep in mind the size difference of a paint swatch and an entire wall or room. Envision the colors you choose covering a large surface rather than a small square. It is sometimes difficult to choose colors when looking at a very small sample. You might consider buying a brand of paint that offers samples rather than taking a chance on gallons of paint. A paint sample will allow you to see the paint on a larger scale along side existing furnishings and décor. Rooms with Angles Angles in a living space create a lot of interest, and rooms with angles take on a completely different look when painted with color. The mood of the living room will transform as the sun changes positions and as darkness falls. The changing shadows will add drama to the space with a single color, and no matter what colors you choose for the living room, it will look entirely different at various times of the day. After you choose new colors for your living room, create even more drama with the addition of new throw pillows, wrought iron wall décor, a framed mirror, or an architectural piece that will add interest and dimension to the room. You will be surprised by how different your living room looks with fresh new colors and brand new décor.   Scale is all important.  Most people think they pick the right scale for a room but ‘THEY DON’T’.  Please be open to good advice.  The idea that each person can express themselves how they want too is a sure way to fail on your décor project.  There is also plenty of advice out there.  Not all of it is good.  Look for the complete picture.  Once you start a particular décor theme or style, “stick with it”.  All of the above information is good and will give you some direction.  However, there is always room for change.  Décor is not absolute, it is fluid and something you thought did not have a chance of working will WOW you.  Surprise , Surprise, that is decorating. The key is to know with clarity what style you are going for.  With over 7 billion people in the world there are probably over 7 billion décor styles. Just remember that there are definite style guide lines and style principles.  While the guide lines may bend the principles remain firm and true.  Learn them and you will be on your way to décor success. As Always “Happy Painting” Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C. www.kenraderinteriors.com Follow us at www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors

DISCOVER AND DEVELOP YOUR DECORATING STYLE

Study Decorating Styles to Develop a Home Decorating Idea

Studying different decorating styles will help you in the development of a home decorating idea.  Here you will find a brief description of various home decorating styles including accessories and colors that traditionally accompany each style.  Art Deco - Art Deco is a streamlined, elegant, and geometric style of home furnishings popular in the 20's, 30's, and early 40's.  Vibrant colors were predominant as well as neon, chrome, and inlayed furniture in this decorating style.  Art Nouveau - A forerunner to art deco.  Developed in France between 1890 and 1910, art nouveau includes furnishings and accessories such as Tiffany lamps, ornate and flowing lines and shapes taken from nature and feminine form. Classical - Classical style is reminiscent of ancient Greece.  Use of pillars and columns in both interior and furniture design.  Marble table tops, tapestries and crystal chandeliers are suitable accents used in the classical style. Colonial - The colonial style dominated the designs of American furniture from the 1700s up to the Revolutionary era.  Unfinished wood was used for floors and walls.  Spindle forms were used for chair legs and backs instead of fancy ornamentation.  Delicate embroidery such as crewel and needlepoint along with pewter and family portraits were used as accessories. Contemporary - Styles developed in the latter half of the 20th century were considered contemporary.  Pieces feature softened and rounded lines.  Use neutral colors for walls and furniture but bold color for accessories. Cottage - The cottage style is a colorful, comfortable look characterized by painted and/or decorated furniture with graceful lines and accessories which add texture such as baskets, wicker, natural fiber rugs and window shades.  Weathered finishes and pastel colors are widely used. Country - A general term that depends on geographical location.  The country style includes antique cotton quilts, stoneware bowls, and enamelware.  Wood and vintage cotton fabrics prevail. Eclectic - The style that most people use is eclectic!  It encompasses a variety of styles brought together through the use of color, texture, shape and finish. French Country - Rustic versions of formal French furnishings of the 1600 and 1700s.  Chairs feature caning for the backs and seats instead of heavy upholstery.  Yellows, blues, rooster collections, tiles on the floors and walls are all considered French country.  Natural materials like stone and terra-cotta are used abundantly, in addition to wire and wrought iron. Mediterranean - This style is often referred to today as Spanish Modern.  Furniture style is simply functional to extremely formal.  Use colors such as terra-cotta, warm yellows and other earth tones with distressed finishes and simple patterns.  Blue and gold accents as well as pottery aquatic pieces complete the look of the Mediterranean style. Modern - Futuristic looking using concrete, stone, metal and glass with lots of open space, bright lighting and square as well as sleek geometric shapes.  High tech also comes to mind!  The main colors in the modern style are basic and cool with splashes of bright colors.  Abstract art work as well as unusual hand blown glass pieces complement this decorating style. Oriental - Simplicity, balance and practicality best describe oriental decor.  Rooms are usually sparsely furnished with dark wooden pieces standing out against light walls.  Accessories include beautiful oriental rugs, delicate tea sets, jade, ivory, coral, onyx, elephants, dragons, fans, teak and lacquered wooden pieces and luscious silk prints. Rustic - The log cabin-type rustic decor featuring a simple style typical of country life.  Interiors are primitive with exposed walls, wood paneling, rough-hewn beams and stone.  Red, green and black should be displayed in plaids with this look.  Accessories may include bear skin rugs, antique snow shoes hanging on the wall, old woodsman tools,  and oil lamps. Shabby Chic - This style has become popular in recent years because of its accessibility and affordability.  White painted furniture, painted motifs, muted colors, slipcovers and vintage fabrics are all part of this comfortable, eclectic shabby chic look.  Southwestern - Think desert when thinking of this southwestern style.  Adobe, leather, bold colors, such as orange, purple, bright turquoise as well as earth tone colors mix well with this style.  Accessories include silver items, terra-cotta, cactus and maybe even a lasso! Traditional - The traditional style has classic elegance, created by using light, natural colors such as gray, off white and beige together with dark blues, greens and burgundy.  Florals, stripes, plaids and damasks are noted fabrics.  Crystal candlesticks, china, decorative mirrors, and framed landscapes are typical traditional accessories. Tuscan - Tuscan interiors feature a sun-baked look characterized by crumbling stone patios, simple and study furnishings with elegant iron accents, terra-cotta tiles and textured wall finishes in addition to elegant, detailed murals.  Imagine a rustic Tuscan life lived in persimmon, olive, grape and Dijon colors, accented with wonderful rustic iron pieces. Victorian - A style characterized by rich brocades and velvets both in furniture, walls and window dressings.  Mauve, burgundy and rich blue and green along with lace and fringe compliment Victorian furnishings.  Porcelain dolls, wicker, old high button shoes, hats and hat boxes, buttons and dried flowers are wonderful accent pieces in a Victorian decor. Choose the decorating style that appeals to you, add creativity and imagination and you can develop your home decorating idea into reality.  You and your friends and relatives will enjoy your newly decorated home for many years. For ideas on keeping your home organized, download a free copy of the ebook "The Essential Guide to Organizing Your Home". Download it free here:  Organizing Tips Lynn Cressy is the author of this article.  Excellent advice and direction We at Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C. will continue to search the internet for informative and relevant articles and information for your education and enjoyment. Pick you style and have fun pursuing that perfect look.  It really is fun and fulfilling. As always ‘Happy Painting’ www.kenraderinteriors.com or follow us on facebook ( facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors)

Hire a Professional Painting Contractor for a successful painting project

Hiring A Painting Contractor Is A Great Investment

There are many reasons people choose to paint their homes. Some want to update the home or simply change up the colors and décor in the room. Sometimes the walls have wear and tear and are in need of some touch ups, patching and a fresh coat to brighten the home again. Whatever the reason may be for your paint project, remember that hiring a painting contractor is important.
You’ll soon realize if you take on this challenge without one why it’s a good idea to leave painting to a professional who has the expertise and skill for the job. Painting is a very time consuming task.
Before you can even begin to paint, you normally have to tape off edges and corners, drape tarps over carpets or furniture and prep your walls.
A painting contractor will know what prep work is necessary for the job. This may sometimes require patching, spackling, and sanding. This job alone will take hours and is very tedious. It is also physically laboring. You may not think that this kind of work is very difficult physically, but it really is. A professional painter does this work on a daily basis and therefore not only has the physical capabilities but also the skill to get the job done much faster than the average person.
When it comes to the actual painting process, they’ll take time with the client to ensure that they are happy with the colors and textures before they begin, and during the process. Once again, they’ll be able to perform the job in a much timelier manner. When most people paint, they find it difficult to not get bleed through onto the tape and the wall or ceiling beneath.
This can be frustrating because often times you’ll have to touch up all the edges with the ceiling color afterwards. A professional painting contractor will be able to avoid these types of issues.

Paint really makes a big difference to the overall look and feel of a home.
It can add warmth and a more inviting feel. It can also really bring your home up-to-date and provide you with a more marketable property if you’re looking to sell your home in the near future. A painting contractor can be a very valuable asset in these types of projects and will really pay off in the end.
Once you find a reputable contractor to paint your home, make sure you keep their information on hand for future use. If you need to find someone to help you paint, you may want to ask family and friends for referrals on a good painting contractor to beautify your home.
A reputable contractor will have insurance and the appropriate Licenses.  Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C. carries all appropriate Licenses and is fully insured.  We have served the Northwest Arkansas Area since 1987.
Check out our web site ( www.kenraderinteriors.com )   You can also see some of our projects of Facebook  (www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors )  Please check us out.  You can also find all of our Blogs on the facebook link.  If you see something of interest please mark it “Like”. 
A reputable paint contractor and premium paint are the ingredients for success on your next Paint Project.
As Always  ‘Happy Painting’
Ken Rader

8 Questions to ask your Painter !

Hiring a Local Painting Company? 8 Questions You Need To Ask

By Robert M Woodward

Avoiding drab and mundane ambiances in your home or place of business is easily remedied by changing the color of the exterior or interior. Expect to pay more if hiring a painting company than you would by doing it yourself. But having the professionals do the job can actually save you money in the long run. One way to feel at ease about hiring local painting companies is to know their track record. You'll want to keep these questions in mind when looking for a professional painter and get the answers you want before signing a contract:
1. Do they provide their recommendations and estimates in writing? Is their estimate a fixed price? Be clear before they start their work. Know exactly what you will get for the price you are asked to pay.
2. Are they licensed, bonded, with adequate insurance? Check this information ahead of time to know if painting companies stand behind their work.
3. Are they willing to provide a list of references upon request? You'll need to call those references but you'll also want to go by some of the jobs the company has completed so you can see for yourself the quality of their work.
4. What safety standards and work ethics are adhered to? Make sure the company has clear safety policies for employees while working on your property.
5. What type of prep work is done before applying paint and will it cost extra? As an example, are the costs for pressure washing your exterior walls built into the estimate you were given?
6. What type of paint will they use and do you have selection options? You'll want to ensure they're using a good quality paint so you don't have to have your home repainted within a few years.
7. Are the painters actual employees? Know if the company uses actual employees or day laborers. In many cases, day laborers work without adequate background checks. This might leave you open to thefts, poor paint jobs, or both.
8. Do they conduct pre and post quality inspections before they start or after they finish the job? Do they inspect the completed work with you or will they snatch the check and exit quickly? Is the work guaranteed, if so for how long?
In addition to asking these crucial questions give special attention to the way they respond. One way to know if a painting company will be prompt in starting and completing work on time is the way they handle your initial contact. When you contact them and ask your questions are they prompt about getting back to you and do they answer the questions you're asking. When a contractor is open to addressing your questions it is a good indication that they practice professionalism and good customer service.
This is a posting of an Article written by Mr. Robert Woodward.  It is an excellent article worthy of consideration.  Though I write many articles on the subject of painting and decorating, I could not write this article any better. 
We at Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C. meet or exceed the required information asked for in this article.  We are the painters, estimators, designers, consultants.  We are prompt, insured, licensed and guarantee our work.  Servicing Northwest Arkansas since 1987.
As Always “Happy Painting”
Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C.

EXTERIOR PAINT-WHAT TO BUY?

EXTERIOR PAINT- WHAT TO BUY?
Don’t go cheap!  Quality Paint will last a LIFE TIME.

When planning to paint our homes, we focus a lot on the colors and the type of paint finishes to be used. The same amount of time and planning is required in case of exterior wall painting too. For a home to look its best and its walls last long, the exteriors need to be looked after well. Thankfully the exterior paints available presently have high resistance to external temperature, dust etc which provides a reliable coverage to the walls. Choosing the right exterior paints company can save a lot of your maintenance money and more, the pointers below explain how and why.
Durable paint: Your decision of choosing good quality exterior paints will keep your worries at bay for a long period of time. You will certainly not face problems like bleeding, blistering, blushing, chalking, cracking and even chipping of the paint. Exterior walls are more prone to such problems as they face way more harsh climatic conditions and thus higher wear and tear. Superior quality paints are manufactured after considering these problems and are prepared to fight against them and give your wall protection against external as well as internal eroding agents. These paints come in endless color choices.  You can refer to the color chart and choose the paint color you would want to paint your exterior walls with. Gone are the days of using dull and boring colors for your exteriors, you can give them a lively makeover.
Ease in application: Your exterior walls will also love your choice of right paint and make the application process easy. If without the proper knowledge you pick up interior paint colors to paint your exterior walls, there will be a lot of problems in its application. Using the right paint will not just make the painting process easy but also spread over your walls easily without consuming much time. Exterior paints now come with multiple added qualities like resistance to fungi, harsh sun rays, eco friendly, waterproof etc. When you go to buy exterior paints next time, be sure to have a look at the different types of paints you can choose from and pick the one that suits your area's climatic condition so that your exterior home walls stay like new for a long time.
Protection to your home walls: The prime aim of exterior paints is to give your home complete protection. Exterior walls get affected first and then the interior walls, good quality paints will see to it that your walls are ready to face the toughest challenges and yet look like brand new. Such paints are also easy to clean and will give you least trouble while you do so. Your choice of exterior paints can highly impact your home walls in the right or the wrong way, so make sure you buy the best protection for them.
Ken Rader Interiors L.L.C. recommends ‘Behr’ paint.  It has been at the top of Consumer Reports for 5 years in a row.  That says something about the product.  For your exterior use the Paint and Primer combination.  It will save you time and money.  Of course, if you live in the Northwest Arkansas area, give us a call.  We would love to give you a quote to paint the exterior of your home.  Our Motto “ Attention to Detail with every job”
www.kenraderinteriors.com   or follow us on facebook (www.facebook.com/ken.rader.interiors)
We post our projects as we progress through them on facebook.  Pictures galore.  We will be starting a house exterior next week so stay in touch and see the progress.
As always “Happy Painting”
Ken Rader  Interiors L.L.C.