How I Made a Faux Raised Stone Wall Border or Chair Rail
When redoing my kitchen I wanted to add a chair rail border midway on one wall. I wanted something different, not your usual wood rail. So I looked at the different raised stencils thinking that they might make a nice rail and thought about using flat painted borders but decided that they were not the effect I wanted.
It then came to mind to do something very different.
I created a faux solid stone rough rail 2″ wide by a little less than ?” thick.
I used a water based patching plaster compound (Spackling) to create this effect.
First I measured and marked ? way down the wall, then measured and marked 2″ below that.
For edge guides I used a cut cardboard box for my bottom edge and a yardstick for my upper edge, taping them to the wall as I needed them and removing them and replacing them as I went. This allowed the thickness to be a little less than a ?”. Be sure to remove any spackling build up to the edge guides as you go either with a wet rag or a putty knife.
I used a putty knife to apply the spackling and then wetted the putty knife to swirl the spackling to the “stone” finish that suited me. If it got to dry as I was going I applied a bit of water to the top. You can also use the wet putty knife to define the top and bottom edges the way you want them. I have mine with a rougher uneven edge.
If any spackling gets where you don’t want it, use a wet rag to remove it while it is still wet and sanding can remove any that has dried. After applying the spackling I let it dry at least 24 hrs then sand any that might of gotten on the wall where it wasn’t wanted.
Before applying the first base coat of paint make sure the spackling is completely dry (at least 24 hrs). I used the same color and type of paint (flat latex in bone white) as was used on the bottom portion of the wall for the first base paint. This covered any smudges of spackling that might of gotten on the bottom wall.
Next I allowed the base coat of paint to dry completely.
Using acrylic craft paint I mixed a color of flat dark sage for the second coat. This accented the colors in the rose floral wallpaper that was to go up and also the new curtains that I’d picked out for the kitchen. I applied this second coat of paint, covering most of the base paint, only allowing small amounts of the base to show through. Then I used metallic acrylic paints in silver and copper and pearlized acrylic paint in white satin, applying them in sweeps and swirls to give the rail more depths and accents.
Everyone says it turned out great and best of all I like it :-).
Pictures of Faux Raised Stone Wall Rail =>http://www.shopazeche.com/faux-rail.html
By: S. Johnson
About the Author:
Sylvia M. Johnson
Ms. Johnson is the owner and webmaster of ShopAzeche http://www.shopazeche.com/ She also owns and operates Design by Azeche Co http://www.azeche.net/ a company that does web design and development for numerous businesses around the country.
Categories: Faux Stone Tags: Base Paint, Patching Plaster, Swirl
Faux Stone Backsplash – Budget Friendly With Tough Looks
If you want to have the contemporary look of stone, concrete, granite or wood within your budget go for faux stone. Faux stone backsplash bring beauty of wood, stone, brick and metal to your kitchen.
So what exactly is faux stone?
It is a high density molded polymer to create looks of stone, bricks etc. If your budget is tight and you still want to get the rural country look or toughness of stone then faux stone backsplash is just right for you.
The benefits of faux stone are numerous.
They are durable and do not crack, wrap, fade or rot with weather. Installation cost is very minimum. There is no need to hire masons or contractors. It is impervious to insect attack, moisture and environmental sound. Labor costs are also minimum as there is no heavy lifting involved like stones or granite. It is do-it-yourself stuff. You can laser cut, saw, drill and glue with simple tools. You can just use adhesive and screws to fit it. You can also screw signs, pictures or paints on faux stone. If you drill or screw wrongly you will have no problems. There will not be any cracks in faux stone.
Besides that they come in variety of designs. There is the hand-made look, the granite look, sun-bleached look, charcoal look etc. It also mimics design of asphalt, concrete etc. No mixing, drying or sloppy mess involved as seen with asphalt or concrete.
Some tips on using faux stone backsplashes
Use a mild soap to cleanse it rather than harsh detergents. For additional information check out the installation guidelines at ask the builder or howstuffworks site. When repainting faux stone use water-based acrylic paint. You also have faux painting information available at various sites like hgtv.com, spicykitchens.com etc
From rural country side look to an English country look faux stones seamlessly blend everywhere. With faux stone backsplashes you get the toughness of stone with a light weight polymer.
By: Guru Bhakt
About the Author:
Here’s exactly how you can generate 100′s or even 1000′s of positively Brilliant Kitchen Backsplash Design Ideas … FAST ! And here’s how some street smart people are saving up to a whopping 25% on their New Home Construction Costs.
Digital SLR Cameras – Lenses
Digital SLR Cameras – Lenses
Categories: Faux Stone Tags: Simple Tools, Sloppy Mess, Stone Brick