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MuralsPlus.com Decorative Painting Library

Posted Monday, January 22, 2001 by Martin
Category: Tips

Title: Tips of the Trade!
By: Zehava Power

Here are my tips:
1) Tools:
I use those cheap wooden skewers to stir my quart size paint. It's easy
to use and does not get covered with lots of paint like the paint store
stir stick would.

2) To keep my artist acrylics paint wet and fresh , I use the
tupperware pizza (food storage) container. It's about 14 - 16" in
diameter, it has a lid that's air tight, and it's divided to
compartments, so I can separate color families
Overtime I put it down for a while, I mist it lightly with a spray
bottle, and put the lid on.
This way I have managed to keep using the paint I have without having to
throw any away.

3) To transfer/enlarge a design to the wall, I try to use a projector
when I can, but it isn't' always possible to do on site, and that's when
I would do the projecting at home, onto paper, and than transfer it from
the paper to the wall on site using transfer paper, or other home made
methods...

Well, now I have replaced the paper with a piece of Tulle, which is the
bridal vale material.... that allows me to skip the transfer paper. I
trace it initially with a marker, and than go over my lines with pencil
or marker.
You can use it more than once (use different colors for different
designs, or use washable marker and wash the Tulle after use.
It's cheap to buy in the fabric store, and comes in nice width (better
than paper), the length is unlimited, it won't tear like paper... and
it's so angelic...
Zehava Power

My doctor has paintings in his waiting room with the artist's name and a price on them on a small card in the corner. I know for a fact that a number of the paintings have been sold in this manner. It also gets the artist's name some recognition and is a lovely touch in a waiting room. I would think other professionals would be very happy to have beautiful art for their clients to enjoy while waiting.

You will not keep a waterbased glaze open longer using water as it is the solvent for the paint and increases the dry rate instead. The use of anti-freeze should be discouraged, it's attractive to animals and poison (I have four dogs, wouldn't have it anywhere around).
And excellent alternative is glycerine from the drug store. When added to paint, glaze etc., it increases open time.

To paint switch plates etc., to match walls remove and spray with 2 coats of bin, then base paint, mask outlets and switches with a small piece of blue tape and reinstall plates. When the effect work is complete use a tweezer (or tool of choice) and pull the tape out. Voila!

When stenciling on walls or ceilings, a step ladder with a tray is indispensible. The one I use, by Cosco, has a top-step platform (very secure and safe) and a full tray with wells, holes, and a drawer that easily holds all the supplies I need. This eliminates countless trips up and down the ladder.

Combine this with the pocketed painters' apron I wear (to hold brushes, extra gloves, and rags), and once I'm up I don't have to come down until I am ready to move the ladder to the next location.

Time-saving convenience and more professional.

Here's a tip for those of you wishing to create a "real" looking cinderblock wall.

I've created this in my hallway/stairway. I used quilting tape to create the mortar space between the bricks. It creates a very thin line and after the texture is created, removes as easily as painters tape without damaging the wall.

I've been airbrushing for a little over 4 years, and I came across
a really cheap method for stenciling.

I use waxpaper and spray adhesive when I do my stencils. The waxpaper is inexpensive and easy to cut. The adhesive remains tacky for you.
The only catch is after you spray it on you have to let it set for about 10 to 15 mins. Works great for tees.

For storing small oil brushes, put a little bit of lard on bristle and re-shape the brush. The lard forms a hard coating and protects the shape of the brush.

Before painting, swish the brush in thinner or turpentine for a few seconds, and the lard will melt away.

Tip to Prevent Paint from Bleeding onto a Wall that cannot be touched up when painting moldings and/or baseboards:

• Use a low tack tape (test it to make sure it doesn't pull off paint or fabric), and put it as close to the base board (if not in) as possible.
  
  
• With a stripping brush, lightly dab acrylic matte finish (golden's is good) into the space between the bottom of the tape and the top of the baseboard. It should dry in under 10 minutes and the area is ready for painting.
  
  
• Using the back of a knife, lightly score the tape and gently lift the tape. If done correctly, the area should be clean!