Tips & Techniques

Courtesy of i-craft.com

Spread just a hint of color by dry brushing with an old paintbrush.
When using metallic paint, brush one coat in one direction to cover. (The particles all lay in one direction.)
For patio projects such as painting on concrete, use old brushes, then throw them away.
Apply the lightest color first when stenciling and blend to create multiple color tones.
Use as little paint as possible when stenciling. Less is more.
Cover or rearrange sections of a stencil pattern with masking tape to create different patterns from one stencil.
Use pre-moistened baby towelettes to clean acrylic paint off most surfaces before the paint dries.
Make a paint wash by using two parts paint and eight parts water.
Remove little "fuzzies" and bumps after your basecoat has dried by "sanding" your surface with a brown paper bag.
Rub a fabric softener sheet all over your hands before using paint or glue to make cleanup easier. These sheets are also handy for cleaning glue guns after use.
Think of household items to use when faux finishing...a feather duster makes a beautiful pattern, and crumpled up cellophane can create a marble effect.
Use a turkey baster to move paint from a large container to a small container.
Place your paint pallet on a damp washrag to slow the drying process.
Use the laser side of junk mail CD's as a paint pallet. It has a finger hole to hold it and colors mix well, and wipe or rinse off easily.

Ben Franklin Crafts & Frames