The wall plate cover can be an unattractive white, rectangle on your wall. But that white eyesore can be upgraded to match any finish. In this How-To Pierre Finkelstein of Grand Illusion Decorative Painting shows you how he upgraded a switch plate cover to match this unique bathroom tile at a client’s home in Utah. See also: Switch Plates to Match Embroidery
HOW TO CREATE THIS FINISH
Use our step-by-step instruction below
MATERIALS NEEDED:
Here is a list of the tools & supplies you will need to achieve this technique. Supplies available at fauxbrushes.com are linked below and listed at the bottom of the page.
PROPER PREPARATION
STEP 1 – PROPER PREPARATION: Use proper preparation methods to prepare your surface. First, a photo was taken of the plate. The plastic was sanded with 220 grit Sandpaper and dusted. A thin layer of binding primer was applied and then sanded and dusted once more. Next, two coats of Basecoat was applied to the switch plate (the color was a bit lighter than the final tile color). Sanding in between each coat.
DESIGN PATTERN ON THE PLATE
STEP 2 – DESIGN PATTERN ON THE PLATE: With a hard pencil, the pattern was drawn on the plate using the tiles as a reference.
TAPE OFF THE SQUARES
STEP 3 – TAPE OFF SQUARES: Next, safe-release tape was used to mask off the white areas on the plate. The tape should be well-burnished and to prevent bleeding. See also: Protecting Fragile Surfaces
PAINT THE DESIGN AND EFFECTS
STEP 4 – PAINT THE DESIGN AND EFFECTS: The red and black squares were based out and a little variance of tonality was added. The trompe l’oeil effect was added next.
Then, the tape was removed. With a selection of fine, Trompe L’oeil Brushes, the final shadows and highlights were painted to finish the plate cover. Additionally, a little aging was added to the white tile, to better match the wall.
PROTECT AND FINISH
STEP 5 – PROTECT AND FINISH: Apply Varnish in the desired sheen to protect the finish. After a varnish, the switch plate is installed and admired.
COMPLETED FINISH
FEATURED
PRODUCTS
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