Decorative paint effects have been used since ancient times: trompe I'oeil scenes of gardens, colomnades and views over bays were used by the Romans to decorate the walls of their villas. Since then, numerous paint effects have been popular, including antiquing - the art of making objects look older than they really are by 'distressing' them with a cracquelure finish, which replicates the fine network of cracks that can be seen on 'old master' paintings and antique porcelain and cabinets.
For many years, however, the materials and techniques of decorative paint effects remained the carefully guarded 'trade secrets' of master craftsmen - and forgers, of course. Today, an enormous range of products is easily available that allows the enthusiastic do-it-yourselfer to exercise their own creative imaginations and transform plain surfaces using such techniques as liming, marbling, crackleglazing, stencilling, rag rolling and a whole host of other exciting effects.
Favourites (IE)
Print This
Email This
