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Decorative Arts/faux painting

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Expert: Darek Sokol - 10/20/2009


Question
I did decorative painting for years, but not lately. A friend wants me to do "something" with a metal stool, with a back.  I am unsure of what kind of paint to use - I don't want it to chip off.
Do I use a primer and what do I coat it with?
Thank you,
Gale

Answer

European Painter logo
Hi Gale,
Thanks for asking. To make paint durable I would use either oil based primer and paint, or if you want to make it a bit easier spray enamel paint for metal surfaces. Depending what your final result should be (faux or solid) I would use a little bit of oil based glaze mixed with a desired oil paint color for faux or leave it plain. You can optionally seal it with a coat of clear lacquer or polyurethane. Prior to any painting I would recommend roughen the surface with a piece of sanding paper. Sounds like a lot of work. But it's to make sure you don't have any chip offs.

Have a great day!

Darek at www.europeanpainter.com

Decorative Arts

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Darek Sokol

Expertise

I can answer many questions about faux painting techniques, especially Venetian Plasters, marbling, woodgraining as well as all questions related to mural painting. Also restoration of historic plaster decorations and sculpture is my favorive subject.

Experience

I have been restoring architectural decorations (mostly plaster reliefs and sculptures) in historic places in Europe and recently in USA. My biggest professional achievement in this area was restoring baroque vaults and columns in one of the most significant buildings in Wroclaw, Poland. I have also worked in Czech Republic, Germany, England and Sweden before I have moved to America. Here I had a chance to work mostly in private homes and mansions. I have done some restoration work in historic home of former Mayor of Oak Park, IL, few sculptures in Phoenix AZ, and historical spiral staircase in Broadmoor Hotel in my town Colorado Springs, CO where I have my own decorating business. You can vist www.EuropeanPainter.com to see most of my recent work.

Organizations
DarCo International - an organization for fine artists and designers.
ISDPM - International Society of Decorative Painters and Muralists.

Education/Credentials
BA in fine art, private Art School in Katowice, Poland; Faux Design Studio, Elmhurst, IL

Past/Present Clients
Coca Cola Poland, University of Wroclaw, Poland, Rosatti Pizza Troon, AZ, Bed and Breakfast Divide, CO, Broadmoor Hotel, Colorado Springs, CO

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