Professional Painted Finishes: A Guide to the Art and Business of Decorative Painting

Product Description: Booklist called the Marxes latest collaboration, Furniture Restoration, a book to be pored over again and again. Now their classic first book, Professional Painted Finishes, is available in a handy paperback edition. Drawn from the authors 30 years of experience in the field, these painted finishes simulate a wide variety of wood grains, stones, and marbles. More than 55 techniques are explained in depth, with hundreds of step-by-step color photographs and complete lists of the materials and tools needed. Everything that a professional or hobbyist needs is here, from basics to specific techniques such as marbling, glazing, and graining, to an overview of business practices, including startup, preparing estimates and contracts, and getting the job done. A comprehensive decorative painting resource, ideal for professionals, aspiring professionals, and committed amateurs, Professional Painted Finishes packs the combined knowledge of three top experts into one indispensable reference.

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One lovely feature of this volume is that it shows the real material that inspired different faux finishes next to the excellent painted imitations. After extensive coverage of all aspects of getting started (tools and materials, preparation, safety concerns, and design and color considerations), and of working with glazes, there are dozens of detailed recipes for various marble and graining effects. The final chapter, "Professional Practice," explains how to set up your own decorative-painting business, including assembling a portfolio, identifying and reaching your market, financial planning, calculating rates and expenses, preparing samples, organizing the workspace, and working with clients. You'll even find a prototype contract and a checklist of supplies to bring on the job. Those who want to produce spectacular faux-finish results will learn a lot from Professional Painted Finishes.