Decorative painting is a method of applying paint to create unusual and appealing finishes. The most commonly known method is sponging, a technique where sea sponges are used to create decorative finishes. But decorative painting is far more than just using sponges and includes using other materials to create effects (ragging, stippling, combing, etc.) as well as using stencils, stamps, hand painted designs and various plaster finishes.
In many cases various techniques are combined to produce a final effect that can be visually stunning. In recent years decorative painting has increased in popularity and many now choose it over using wallpaper for rooms where something other than a plain color is desired. Decorative finishes have many advantages over wallpaper. They can be customized to the colors and designs you desire. Paint lasts longer than wallpaper and will survive humidity and dampness better. It is easier to maintain and if damaged can often be retouched without having to repaint the entire wall. The main drawback is that it is much more expensive than wallpaper. As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for.
There are many different styles of decorative painting and a wide range of techniques to master. Currently much of my work is with spongings, ragging, combing and color wash techniques; then adding stencils or stamps to create flair. I also do some hand painted designs and work with plaster. I do not currently do faux stone finishes, though I am working on adding this to my repertoire. I also do not do murals at this time. Much of my work combines various techniques to create a final finish. I may combine sponging, ragging and color wash techinques to create a striped or checkerboard pattern, then apply stencils, stamps, or hand painted designs over this. The final finish created by these combinations is appealing to the eye and creates a unique look for each wall or room that I paint.
Please browse my sample gallery for examples of various finishes I have done. I will tailor a finish to each clients desires, making it brighter or darker, more masculine or more feminine, and working in whatever colors are chosen by the client. I will also suggest colors and combinations to help the client select a design that is unique to them.
In addition to decorative painting I also do some limited remodel work. I can repair drywall as necessary before painting. I can also make other minor repairs. However, my time is expensive and I suggest the client hire a handy man to do this at much less cost than I will charge. I can also install crown molding, baseboards, chair rails, panelling an other accents as part of a paint job. These can sometimes be combined with painting in creative ways to produce very imaginative and beautiful combinations. I will be happy to suggest possibilities to a customer that wants to explore in this direction.
In addition to the various finishes and decorative accents I include in my work, I also provide free estimates to clients. If you already have an idea of what you want and would like to know how much it would cost, I can visit the location you want painted if local an give you a free estimate. If you live outside my local area, or would just like a "ballpark" number, I can give you a very general estimate if provided with a description of the walls to be painted. For those clients who are serious, I will do up to three free sample boards of possible finishes, including samples of trim work, molding, etc. that might be included. Additional samples beyond the first three will cost an additional $20 each to cover the cost to me in time and materials needed to produce each sample board.
I focus my work on the local area where I live, Davidson County in North Carolina and the surrounding counties. If you live in this area I will be happy to schedule a free estimate at no charge to you. If you live outside this area I am willing to travel, but be prepared to cover my travel expenses as part of the cost of the work. I cannot travel outside this area to provide free estimates.