Faux Corner

This years design interests in soft metallics has opened up a fresh approach to decorative plasters. Lusterstone provides the technical ease and beautiful results that are unmatched in the decorative world. To make Lusterstone even more user friendly, a set of 43 colors and a tint base have been created for you to choose from.

Materials: Antique Parchment Lusterstone

Brown Suede Lusterstone          

Tools: Deco Ease Roller Trowel Procedure-

For best results apply Setcoat as a baseprimer (or any high quality acrylic paint). It is recommended to select a color that is similar to the Lusterstone™ hue. To see all Lusterstone and Setcoat color options visit www.fauxcenter.com

1)  Use the Deco Ease Roller to roll on a layer of Antique Parchment Lusterstone over 80% of the surface. Let Dry

2)  Roll on a second application of the Antique Parchment Lusterstone, again, over approximately 80% of the surface, focus on filling in the lower areas from the previous application.

3)  Allow the product to setup and then “knockdown” the texture with the trowel. Let dry.

4)  Apply a skim-coat of Antique Parchment and Brown Suede Lusterstone simultaneously over the entire surface; continue to trowel as the product sets up to create movement. Let dry.

If desired you may apply a topcoat for extra durability. Try our Durasheen™

To learn more about this finish and others visit us at www.fauxmasters.com

To purchase products visit www.fauxcenter.com or call 888-977-3289.

Tips for trowleing decorative plasters As a general rule, all plaster finishes or techniques require the development of 2 – 4 thin coats to build up depth. The first coat will not necessarily look good, and should be considered as merely a base upon which to build up subsequent layers. The method of your application will affect the outcome of your finish.

One easily mastered way to approach troweling or plastering is with an “S-S-S” system:

Scratch, Skim, Skip

Scratch Coat: A scratch coat is a thin layer of product that may be rolled onto the surface to provide some “tooth” for subsequent layers to grab onto better. Using a ½”nap roller cover (or larger), thin your product with water until it can be easily rolled onto the surface (usually between 10% and 20%). You need to work the product into the roller, and it helps if you dampen the roller cover and then towel dry before loading. This gritty sandpaper-like layer will help achieve a more even coverage in your next layer while minimizing unwanted surface textures by allowing more product to catch onto the surface. This works especially well for getting a good coat onto “bull-nose” corners.

Skim Trowel:A skim trowel is a thin even layer of product applied to the surface. This layer usually covers 100% of your surface with little evidence of your application method.

Italian or Japanese stainless steel or plastic trowels will work best for these techniques, although you could use other kinds of trowels or even a broad knife to achieve this technique. When creating a plaster or texture surface, a trowel is held in your dominant hand and a second trowel called a “hawk” is held in the other. Product is placed evenly along the long working edge of your hawk (the longest side closest to your body when your arm is bent). The hawk acts as a loading and offloading device for your working trowel. Product is loaded onto the working trowel by blading off product from the hawk to the working trowel. Which side depends on the direction you chose to apply the product. This technique ensures just the right amount of product loaded onto your trowel at one time.

When you apply product using an oblique angle (close to the surface), more product will be left behind on the surface. When you apply product using a higher angle, less product will be applied. The leading edge of your trowel will always need to be lifted off the surface slightly to ensure your trowel doesn’t drop and “kiss” the surface leaving behind unwanted texture in this layer. You could think of spreading an even layer of butter over toast when trying to understand this technique, or think of skiing, snowboarding or skating when using a trowel. Many of the techniques used in these types of gliding sports are the same for troweling.

Use broad, firm sweeping strokes in this layer. Manipulate the product using curved or organic movements to help smooth out the application evidence as much as possible. Some of this movement will always remain and should not be frowned upon. In some instances, these two layers are sufficient to achieve the desired finish. Keeping your trowel clean of dried product will help ensure a more successful finish.

Skip Trowel:A skip trowel gives the surface its character. This layer can cover from 10% to 100% depending on the desired level of textural character in the finish. It can also be thick or thin depending on the desired appearance of your finish.

This layer utilizes less pressure and shorter strokes. Loading very little product along the longest edge of your trowel (or broad knife), use a low angle and allow the product to skip over the surface like a stone over still water. Think of moving your trowel like a plane coming in for a landing and then taking off right away. The transition is smooth from touchdown to take-off. Using this technique will help eliminate any blade marks on your surface. Try not to use horizontal or vertical strokes, and keep manipulating the trowel using “S” or “C” curves creating organic movement in the surface.

An alternate method for application is to apply the product by “kissing” the surface with your trowel, then smoothing it down. You could also use a slightly damp sea sponge to pick up and place product where you would like it to go, then smooth it down with your broad knife or trowel. Just be sure not to get into the habit of “stamping” with your sponge. Keep the method of your application subtle or unnoticed.

Skim/Skip Troweling:
By combining these two techniques into one layer, you give the surface more “integrated” movement and beauty. Pulling and smoothing the product utilizing both techniques at alternating intervals will yield more depth and subtle textural character.

It may be possible to eliminate the need for a third and separate layer, however that depends upon the quality of the substrate. If the existing texture on the surface is pleasing or smooth, you may be able to complete your job in 2 coats. If your substrate is not pleasing, or too thick, you will need to create multiple layers to achieve the desired appearance of your finish.

Bring your talent to light at Faux Masters Studio. Whether you’re a professional painter or faux finisher, DIY enthusiast, or eager beginner, we provide an encouraging and relaxed environment, in a state-of-the-art facility, for creating distinctive finishes. With superior materials and a staff of highly skilled artists, Faux Masters Studio provides a foundation for creative excellence.

For more information visit www.fauxcenter.com or www.fauxmasters.com.

 

 

 

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