Oct 2000

PWC

A Two-Fisted FINISH Smoky amethyst

September/October 2000

DONNA MABREY

DONNA'S

DESIGNS

Description: Smoky amethyst is a finish that gives a non-directional, wispy yet chalky look to a surface. It provides a suede effect that softens any room or ceiling. Some benefits to this particular finish are that it doesn't require a wet edge, nor does it need any special tools or supplies. There are, however, some keys to this easy technique that will ensure the best results, so be sure and check the "hints" sidebar before starting.

Materials required:

	Apron with pockets. One squeeze bottle
	One quart latex paint (flat or close)
	Basecoat (semi-gloss)
	Spray bottle (for a fine mist). Three-inch paper tape (for comers)
	Two-inch masking tape (for trim)
	Floetrol
	Two natural sponges

Step 1: Tape off all the trim. Apply the basecoat semi-gloss color in one or two coats, even though the effect will end up as a flat sheen. The basecoat color is always darker than the topcoat color, which gives you the chalky look. In this case, we're using a dark purple (see sample chips). You work on only one wall at a time, stopping at the corner, so use the three-inch tape to protect the adjacent walls (photo 1). Prepare the topcoat by pouring the paint into a 16-ounce squeeze bottle and add one or two teaspoons of Floetrol. This will increase viscosity and make it easier to soften.

Step 2: Smoky amethyst is a two-handed finish. That's why an apron is needed to hold your squeeze bottle of the topcoat. Both sponges must be moistened thoroughly, and then wrung out.

	After loading the dabbing sponge in your weak hand, book it closed to keep it from dripping.
	Keep the softening sponge moistened with the spray bottle. You'll know to spray when the top coat stops moving easily.
	Don't dab on to much topcoat to be softened. If you overdo it, spray some of what you dabbed with the mister so it will stay workable.
	Work your way across the segment -- DON'T skip around. Notice photo 2.
	Be careful to get some top coat softened over the entire wall surface. You don't want to end up with your basecoat showing in spots.
	This finish lightens as it dries so expect it.
	Your finish will end up about halfway between the two colors used. Pick colors about two chips away on the color chart.

Apply new topcoat away from edge, and soften back into it.

As with most finishes, use the flat side of the sponge, not the prickly side. Squeeze the topcoat onto a sponge, and then dab onto the wall. Being right-handed, I apply the topcoat with my left (weak) hand. How you actually apply the topcoat

is irrelevant. Then, with my right (strong) hand, I soften the color until all the dabbed topcoat is done (photo 2). Now, here's an important hint: leave the edge uneven (as in photo 3) and work in diagonal segments

Apply top coat with weak hand (left, in this case) and soften with strong (right).

You'll be able to work about one one-by-two-foot area at a time. This finish goes quickly, and there’s no need to maintain a wet edge.

Step 3: To create a new segment, "apply some new topcoat

through the topcoat. Step 4: Work your way across the wall (again, see diagram). Corners are easy. Tape off with the three-inch paper tape. Dab and soften the topcoat right into the corner. When the entire comer is finished, wait five minutes, and then tape where you just finished and keep going.

with the the weak hand, two to four inches away from the previously softened edge that's dry (photos 4, 5). Then pat with your strong hand into the wet topcoat and soften to the previous edge without heavily overlapping. (If there is a slight overlap, it will appear lighter and still look attractive anyway.) Then finish softening with your strong hand, until a new segment is created. Since its practically straight paint on top, you must not try to work too large an area, or the dabs will set up. If they do, mist them and firmly work

The great thing about this finish is that you can start and stop anywhere, as long as the area is softened and left in a diagonal segment before you quit.

Decorative artist Donna Mabrey is owner of Donna's Designs Inc. in Snellville , GA , which has graduated more than 500 artists in the past five years from its Faux Finish and Business Workshops. For more information, contact Donna at 888/92- DONNA, or visit her website at www.learnfaux.com.

	For More Information Contact: Preferred method of contact via phone or fax: Atlanta Area Telephone: 770-985-2285 FAX: 770-913-8232 General E-Mail: donna@learnfaux.com Please allow 1 to 3 days for response when utilizing e-mail. Please do not hesitate to phone.
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Donna's Designs Faux Finish and Business Workshop Located in Georgia is a Professional Workshop with unique decorative finishes that do not use "systems" or special products, just ordinary paint store products. If you are looking for a hands-on" school with a beautiful portfolio, and a business manual then you have found the right place! Looking for a faux finish workshop or faux finish school? Donna's Designs is a faux workshop or faux school, that is the right place for you!

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