Believing that wonderful paint effects need not entail the many complications of oil-based materials, acclaimed painted-finishes expert Debbie Travis has developed easy step-by-step methods for terrific-looking treatments, all achieved with water-based supplies. With large, beautiful photos, clear instructions, and well-chosen colors, she demonstrates 35 different finishes for walls and floors (textured, patterned, and stone types) and for furniture, trim, and accessories (antique and specialty, metallic, and stenciling methods), plus four "master techniques" (colorwashing, ragging, sponging, and dragging). Travis also gives careful attention to getting started, which she believes intimidates people even more than learning the actual techniques. She explains how to find inspiration, choose a style appropriate to your own tastes, and select colors. Even the most timid of amateur decorators should be able to handle most of the techniques presented in Debbie Travis's Painted House.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Paint has long been valued as a fast and creative way to give your home a fresh new look, and for the first time, the host of the popular television series Debbie Travis' Painted House shares the well-kept trade secrets that have made her one of today's hottest painted- finishes experts. Based on her groundbreaking philosophy that spectacular paint effects need not be the product of messy oil paints and complicated techniques, Debbie Travis' Painted House offers complete instructions for more than thirty-five incredible finishes, all created using worry-free water-based paints and glazes.

In the first section, "Getting Started," you'll learn all you need to know about materials, tools, surfaces, and preparation, including the pros and cons of different types of paint and how to make your own inexpensive alternatives to costly professional brushes and tools. You'll also find inspiration for choosing colors and working around a specific theme, such as a Southwestern or English Country style. The next section covers finishes for walls and floors, offering patterned and textured looks. The final section demonstrates finishes that work best with the smaller surfaces of furniture and decorative accessories, such as gilding and faux tortoiseshell. Each project--from a simple colorwashed wall to an elegant faux marble mantel, from a time-worn antiqued sideboard to a contemporary looking "sheet metal" table--is accompanied by detailed photography and step-by-step instructions, as well as suggestions for alternative looks and valuable tips to ensure truly professional results.

Lavishly illustrated and packed with important information, precise recipes for creating unique paint effects, and a complete source list, Debbie Travis' Painted House enables you to (almost) effortlessly achieve today's most sought-after decorative looks.