Wall Treatments

What to consider? Walls are the largest background space Wall condition Cost Room function Desired look lifestyle

Paint Usually least expensive but depends on shape of walls Time consuming to prepare –First wash –Fill holes –Maybe apply primer –Paint 1 gallon for feet

Types of Paint Solvent-based –May be oil or alkyd (synthetic resin) –Dries more quickly –Doesn’t use lead –Durable –Washable –Good for kitchens and bathrooms –Clean with solvent

Latex Paint Water based –Quick drying –Easy to apply –Doesn’t stick well to bare wood or alkyd paint –Cleanup with warm water

Paint Finishes Gloss Semi-gloss Satin or eggshell Flat (dull) Textured Easiest to clean Look more formal Adds interest but hard to clean

Decorative Paint Sponging –Apply base coat –Dip sponge in color(s) to add texture and depth Ragging –Base coat –Wad of fabric or plastic wrap to add next layer Dragging –Drag tool through wet paint to create a texture Stenciling –Apply pattern through cutouts using up and down motion Mural –Scene painted on a wall or ceiling

Wallpaper Used since 16 th century Vinyl and vinyl-coated most used Good for kitchens, bathrooms, kids rooms Most are water and stain resistant Hassle to change

More Types of Wallpaper Foil-makes room appear larger Embossed- raised surface areas, formal Grass cloth- loosely woven plant fibers

Steps to Wallpaper 1.Cut appropriate sizes 2.Size walls (thin coating to make walls tacky) 3.Soak briefly in water 4.Or spread paste on back

Paneling Solid Wood- pretty, expensive, many colors Manufactured- thin layer of fine wood bonded to less expensive wood backing, more affordable Laminated plastic- layers of paper and resins baked at high temp, colors or patterns

Molding Strips of shaped wood for trim or decoration Doors, windows, walls Crown molding: wide trim on walls next to ceiling Chair rail: molding that runs about 3 ft. from floor Baseboards: hide break between wall and floor