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About Darek Sokol
(Top Expert on this page)

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

   

You are here:  Experts > Style > Decorative Arts > Decorative Arts

Questions Answered By Expert  Darek Sokol 
In Category  Decorative Arts

SubjectDate Asked

faux painting10/20/2009
  Q: I did decorative painting for years, but not lately. A friend wants me to do "something" with a ...
  A: To make paint durable I would use either oil based primer and paint, or if you want to make it a bit ...
Mirror7/28/2009
  Q: Darek, I haven't tackled the mirror yet, waiting on your response as to how to start. I'm not sure ...
  A: I'd try using the materials that you bought first. Paint just a part and see how it looks. Remember, ...
refinishing a mirror frame7/28/2009
  Q: I am currently refinishing an old wood and resin mirror frame with a great deal of scroll work. I ...
  A: With the brown wall use a very dark brown, almost black for darkening the spaces in between the ...
Mirror7/24/2009
  Q: I also have a large gold bamboo mirror that I would like "toned" down to a more Oriental feel. I ...
  A: I'm sorry I couldn't answer your question on time. I was so busy with my work. It sounds like you ...
toning down gold mirror7/2/2009
  Q: I have a large gold mirror in my dining room, I'm getting ready to sell my house. The gold is quite ...
  A: You will need to glaze it over. Just buy a quart of water based faux glaze in Home Depot and mix it ...
Painted Slate5/21/2009
  Q: I am painting black slate from my backyard to sell. To fully satisfy my customers, I wanted to also ...
  A: I would recommend making wire hangers. You can google some websites selling "plates hangers" or ...
outdoor plaster statuette5/20/2009
  Q: right thumb of subject has been broken and lost.plaster thumb lost is about an inch and a half long. ...
  A: I'm not sure if the size of the statuette is close to real person's size. If yes, I would try to ...
crown molding3/14/2009
  Q: Would it look right to have white crown molding and stained baseboards in the same room? I have ...
  A: My wife would probably say "yes" because she likes eclectic style. I personally prefer one style, ...
proper tape to fasten temporary items to painted walls3/3/2009
  Q: At our church we have occasion to temporarily fasten paper or poster items to the painted walls in ...
  A: Have you tried removable poster tacks? I think you can get different adhesive strength. You can try ...
faux ceiling2/26/2009
  Q: i have some ceiling paper for the kitchen that look like tin need some instruction on how to get a ...
  A: Normally, if you would be painting on a wall or ceiling directly I would say paint the base coat ...
Painting on a metal decorative mirror2/19/2009
  Q: I am in charge of creating a school fundraiser auction project for my sons 6th grade class. I am ...
  A: It would look beautiful if you could etch kids names with acid but since you don't have experience ...
painting wall sconces2/6/2009
  Q: I have shiney gold wall scones I would like to make grayish/pewter with just a little black in it. I ...
  A: Just recently I've accomplished similar project. I've antiqued a very shiny brass chandelier. I've ...
painting1/17/2009
  Q: How do I paint over chalk board paint on my son's bedroom wall? Do I need to use a primer & if so ...
  A: Yes, primimg the chalk board paint is recommended. I would use Kilz or Shellac. You can also ...

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