Fabulous Finishes for Your Home: Step by Step (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Decorative paint effects run the gamut from the simple mottled look of sponging or ragging to the textural appearance of crackling and the faux finishes of wood graining or marbling. Likewise, the required skill level ranges from the jump-right-in-and-start-painting variety to methods that can take hours or weeks to master. Author Karl-Heinz Meschbach is certainly a master of the craft, demonstrating 24 different finishes in his book, Fabulous Finishes for Your Home. He lays solid groundwork on tools, materials, and surface preparation, then fully explains each method with extensive how-tos and color photos of the process. Unfortunately Meschbach focuses so heavily on teaching technique that he occasionally can't see the forest for the trees: despite the great close-ups there are no overviews or illustrations to indicate what a particular finish might look like on a wall or a piece of furniture. If you're prepared to experiment and make a lot of sample boards--and you're good at visualizing what an effect might look like in another context--this is a fine reference for honing technique. Novices, however, will probably want to start elsewhere. --Amy Handy

From Library Journal

These two books provide clear, well-illustrated instructions on a variety of decorative finishes. Sloan offers a review of the materials, with directions on application and the equipment needed for each. She then shows how the techniques can be combined and applied to particular furniture projects. Compared with her Decorative Paint Effects, Sloan's new book focuses more on the use of different media (e.g., varnishes, waxes, paints, and stains) and on decorations applied by freehand painting or d?coupage than on different effects created by paint techniques. Meschbach, a professional decorative painter, covers the various looks that can be created with paint techniques. He illustrates a multitude of techniques, dividing them into easy (sponging, ragging, and mottling); eclectic (stippling, combing, antiqueing, and crackling); and elegant (wood graining and basket weave). He also gives detailed instructions on the best way to proceed. Experienced painters will find this book particularly useful, but amateurs might need more advice on color selection and how the effects look in the finished project. Both books are recommended where there is an interest.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: North Light Books (September 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0891349219
• ISBN-13: 978-0891349211
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,638,298 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Faux Meister IS the Master!, March 3, 2001

By A Customer

This is the most intuitive book I have ever read on the subject. Karl-Heinz takes the time to explain in detail how to create fabulous finishes for your walls and furniture. This book is a "must have" if you are interested in creating faux marbles and wood grains. I have read many books on the subject and "Fabulous Finishes" is one of the best on the market.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource, December 5, 2006

By	K. Black "K's art studio" (usa) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Great variety of techniques. Good explanations. It is a must have if you like to paint.