DIY Network

Finishing Techniques From "DIY Crafts" episode DIC-105

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The first finishing technique uses scrunched bubble wrap to apply glaze to a surface. The second finishing technique uses the edge of a corrugated-cardboard square to remove glaze in a checked pattern. The third finishing technique is created by dipping a paintbrush into glaze and pouncing it over the surface. The fourth technique is created by pressing the bottom of an athletic shoe over the glaze-coated surface to remove some of the glaze.

Wooden Room-Divider Screen

You've probably admired paint techniques that you've seen at friends' homes or in magazines. You can duplicate those techniques with items you may already have around the house. We'll show you how to create four different finishes on four sections of a wooden room-divider screen.

Materials:

Latex paint
Floetrol® Latex Paint Conditioner
Water
Rubber gloves
Wooden room-divider screen
Bubble wrap
Sponge
Corrugated cardboard
Paintbrush
Athletic shoe

To make the glaze used for these finishes, use equal parts water, latex paint, and Floetrol Latex Paint Conditioner, which helps the paint flow and makes it dry more slowly. Stir these together, wearing rubber gloves.

Paint the surface of a wooden room-divider screen with beige latex paint. The overlay color used here is blue.

Bubble Wrap (first panel)

The first method is a "positive technique" because paint is added to the surface. Scrunch a piece of bubble wrap into a ball about the size of your hand. Dip a sponge in the glaze, then dab the bubble wrap onto the sponge. That way you won't have too much paint on the bubble wrap. Press the bubble wrap onto the surface in a random pattern. As you continue pressing, the bubble wrap delivers less paint and creates a soft look. Reload the bubble wrap by dabbing it onto the sponge. You can use a swirling motion to soften the edges.

Corrugated Cardboard (second panel)

This "negative technique" removes paint from the surface with a tool. Peel away the smooth portion of a palm-sized square piece of corrugated cardboard, revealing the uneven center core portion. First, paint the glaze mixture on a small section of the surface. Now, using the edge of the cardboard square, remove some of the glaze by dragging the edge from top to bottom. Then go back over the same section and drag the edge from side to side. It will create a checked pattern.

Paintbrush (third panel)

This technique is also positive. Dip a paintbrush into the glaze, and pounce it over the screen's surface in a random pattern. Reload the brush and continue pouncing. Go back between spaces with the brush to fill in when it has less paint on it. To soften the look, use a dry brush to go over the surface using long strokes from top to bottom.

Athletic Shoe (fourth panel)

This is a negative technique. Paint glaze on the surface. Use the bottom of an athletic or tennis shoe and press it over the surface. Lift it up and press again in a different spot. Some of the glaze will be removed, leaving a pattern. Occasionally blot the shoe.

RESOURCES :
Floetrol Latex Paint Conditioner
The Flood Company
Hudson, OH 44236-0035
Phone: 330-650-4070
Fax: 330-650-1453
Email: flood@apk.net
Website: www.floodco.com