LEARN TO PAINT

The Decorative Painting Way

Perhaps you're a beginner who wants to learn to paint, or you're simply looking to "brush up" on your skills. You'll find lots of information here for what you need to know to set up and get started.

When you learn to paint the decorative painting way, it is best done by taking classes with a good teacher. This allows you to observe, ask questions, and have techniques demonstrated "right before your eyes" :o). Plus you'll get those words of praise when you need them and have a few good laughs along the way.

We encourage you to take lessons with as many different teachers as possible. You'll be amazed at the unique tips and techniques you'll learn from each one.

You kinda need some stuff before you learn to paint. So here's where you find out about decorative tole painting supplies.

How to Set Up and Get Started

FOR THE RIGHT-HANDED PAINTER

If you can find a spot where you don't have put everything away after each session, great! The best thing is to be able to close the door and walk away from the inevitable creative mess -- but we all can't be that lucky. It's not unusual, however, for painters to overtake the kitchen, dining room and other available spaces.

Once you've got a spot, it's a good idea as you learn to paint to establish a routine when setting up:

· To start, it's time to fill your water container with cold water. Hot water will cause paint to dry in the brush hairs which will ruin your brushes. When you learn to paint there's lots to keep track of in the beginning.

· There's a simple way to keep your paints fresh while working with them; that is, to set up a "wet palette" area on your dry palette. A double sheet of paper towels folded into a narrow strip is dampened and then flattened out across the top of your dry palette. This gives you a moist area to squeeze out your paints.

· You'll also need a blotter for removing excess water and paint, while working. A double sheet of paper towel folded into quarters works nicely.

· Are you left or right handed? It's a good idea to place your remaining supplies just off to the side of your dominant hand....palette paper, water container, blotter, and brushes will be the closest, with remaining supplies handy as needed. This information alone, when you learn to paint can save you from disaster!

To keep things simple, we'll make some assumptions here. Lots of beginners who learn to paint start by painting on new wood surfaces. We'll also say that the surface is being painted, or basecoated rather than stained.

If you're looking for more detailed information on surface preparations, please read the sections on wood or metalware and other surfaces listed on our Home page.

Your new mantra is SAND, TACK, SEAL, SAND, TACK.

· A coat of sealer is brushed on. A foam brush is a good option. Allow to dry; then lightly sand and "tack" again.

Now's the time to basecoat your surface. This differs from basecoating the design itself which is discussed further down.

· Again, foam brushes are a good economical choice here. A lightly damp brush is dipped in paint, blended on the palette, then smoothed onto the surface, again following the grain direction. Learn to paint with long, smooth strokes are because ...the name of the game... is to avoid ridges.

· It will usually take at least 2-3 coats of paint for solid or opaque coverage. Because the paint dries quickly, it's best to apply it as smoothly and quickly as possible, without worrying about covering in one coat.

Tracing and Transferring Patterns

To trace out your pattern ... · Simply place a sheet of tracing paper over the pattern design and trace it out with a pencil. See?... no drawing skills required!

To transfer your pattern to the surface ...

· The first step is to tape the tracing to your project, usually along the top edge.

· By sandwiching a sheet of graphite between the tracing and your surface, you can trace and transfer the image with your rose stick or stylus using light pressure.

· Important tips: Check after drawing a few lines to see if your graphite is coated side down and also that your pressure is ..... just right! · For this first tracing, you only need to trace the main pattern outlines for each design element. So if, for example, you're working on a floral design, it wouldn't be necessary to transfer any of the leaf veins or petal separations, yet.

· Once finished, the graphite and tracing are removed.

Basecoating the Design Elements

· We recommend using the largest flat brush that will fit the area you are basecoating. A flat brush reduces the possibility of ridges when you learn to paint; the wider width allows you to cover the area with a minimum of strokes.

· Wet and blot the brush; dip hairs into paint and blend well on palette; You want the consistency to be ... again, just right. It should go on smoothly, so adjust the amount of paint or water in your brush as you work. If possible, use shape-following strokes to fill in the area. It will probably take at least 2-3 coats of paint for adequate coverage.

· When you've completed your basecoating, line up the tracing over your design, slip in the graphite and transfer the detail you need to proceed with your painting.

Whew! That's quite a bit of information you need to know before actually painting a design. We'll be adding a section on Decorative Painting Techniques, so stay tuned!

In the meantime, you may contact us here if you have any questions. We love to get your messages! And of course if you want to keep exploring great information on decorative painting just go to our home page.