The Practical Guide To Decorative Antique Effects
These two books provide clear, well-illustrated instructions on a variety of decorative finishes. Sloan offers a review of the materials, with directions on application and the equipment needed for each. She then shows how the techniques can be combined and applied to particular furniture projects. Compared with her Decorative Paint Effects, Sloan's new book focuses more on the use of different media (e.g., varnishes, waxes, paints, and stains) and on decorations applied by freehand painting or d?coupage than on different effects created by paint techniques. Meschbach, a professional decorative painter, covers the various looks that can be created with paint techniques. He illustrates a multitude of techniques, dividing them into easy (sponging, ragging, and mottling); eclectic (stippling, combing, antiqueing, and crackling); and elegant (wood graining and basket weave). He also gives detailed instructions on the best way to proceed. Experienced painters will find this book particularly useful, but amateurs might need more advice on color selection and how the effects look in the finished project. Both books are recommended where there is an interest.Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.