Customer Reviews

The Practical Encyclopedia of Paint Recipes, Paint Effects & Special Finishes: The Ultimate Source Book for Creating Beautiful, Easy-to-Achieve Interiors

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I decided to paint my own kitchen cabinets using the faux finish style that is so attractive and popular today. In order to decide on the perfect method and style for my room I ordered 3 different books on painting finishes. I could have saved myself alot of money and just ordered this one book. It truly is the only book you will need for inspiration and direction. The pictures are large and the text is easy to understand and follow. Ms. Cohen has a classic on her hands that I reccommend to anyone who is interested in the art of faux finishing for the home. It is a must have for all at home art libraries.

I bought this book with 4 other books from Amazon because I already had another book by this author from a local bookshop. I liked her projects so I wanted to look at more projects from her. To my surprise the book I already had (Practiacal Home Paint Effects by the same publisher and author issued in 2001) is almost identical with this book. This book speaks about the materials used, then described the techniques and then the projects follow.
Also, all other books give instructions to mix paint with glaze, but she is mixing paint with wallpaper paste. Unless in the US this is something we do not have here, in my country wallpaper paste is a type of glue and I cannot understant for what it is used for.
The little book I already had is the same except that it does not describe in detail the techniques. Also it is much cheaper and is also available from Amazon. The decorating schemes presented are exactly the same. No new projects are presented.
So if you are looking for ideas buy the other book. If you want details by this one but DO NOT buy both.

This covers the basics in the front (how to open a paint can, removing stray hairs from a brush, loading the roller, etc.). It also discusses some color theory to help with choosing a color.
Each technique gets several pages that include step-by-step instructions and photos. Also included are six sample results and usually some full room photos so you can see a finished look.
It also takes a variety of techniques to show theme rooms. For example Scandinavian room or a medieval hallway or a provencal kitchen.
All pretty useful if you want to try special paint effects in your home.

I bought this book with 4 other books from Amazon because I already had another book by this author from a local bookshop. I liked her projects so I wanted to look at more projects from her. To my surprise the book I already had (Practiacal Home Paint Effects by the same publisher and author issued in 2001) is almost identical with this book. This book speaks about the materials used, then described the techniques and then the projects follow.
Also, all other books give instructions to mix paint with glaze, but she is mixing paint with wallpaper paste. Unless in the US this is something we do not have here, in my country wallpaper paste is a type of glue and I cannot understant for what it is used for.
The little book I already had is the same except that it does not describe in detail the techniques. Also it is much cheaper and is also available from Amazon. The decorating schemes presented are exactly the same. No new projects are presented.
So if you are looking for ideas buy the other book. If you want details by this one but DO NOT buy both.

This covers the basics in the front (how to open a paint can, removing stray hairs from a brush, loading the roller, etc.). It also discusses some color theory to help with choosing a color.
Each technique gets several pages that include step-by-step instructions and photos. Also included are six sample results and usually some full room photos so you can see a finished look.
It also takes a variety of techniques to show theme rooms. For example Scandinavian room or a medieval hallway or a provencal kitchen.
All pretty useful if you want to try special paint effects in your home.