Helpful Hints

Here’s an unusual start to your faux finishing project: Flip through some magazines while they—not you—are upside-down. “That lets you get rid of the type and focus on the decorative styles,” says John Catalanotto, faux finish expert and partner in Pro Faux in Akron, Ohio.

Look for techniques you like. Perhaps that metallic paint over a raised wall covering will produce the faux tin ceiling you have long desired.

Clip the images that appeal to you and start a file.

Select color schemes. Choosing just one color can be intimidating. Combining multiple colors becomes even more difficult to visualize. When in doubt, says Becky Ralich Spak, senior designer at Sherwin-Williams, choose colors from the same color strip and select a light and dark value. This is referred to as a monochromatic scheme and has a more subtle appearance than two complementary colors (two colors opposite each other on a color wheel).

Create sample boards by playing with color combinations and techniques on large sheets of poster board.

Place these large "color chips" you have created throughout the room to see how the colors relate to the room light and to view the pattern created by the technique

If you plan to tackle the project yourself, read, read, read about the technique, attend a workshop and practice the skill needed.

Have all your materials—paints, glazes, tools—ready before you start a project yourself.

Consider a faux technique such as sponging or ragging if you have a less-than-perfect wall. The technique helps hide surface blemishes.

If you are considering a textured finish, check out the many products specifically designed for applying texture paints, from foam roller covers with etched patterns to large diameter rollers.

Vary the “footprint” of your tool—whether it’s cloth, sponge or paper—so the project has a random appearance and not an obvious repeating pattern.

If you plan to contract with a professional, ask for referrals and view the projects firsthand. Obtain estimates from five sources and throw out the one that is too low.

If you plan to hire someone, be sure he or she is insured and bonded. The preparation, for example, has to be done correctly or it may pop off or fall off.