Green building practices are quite the topic of conversation among many of our clients these days. As professional faux finishers we can do our part to “green” our applications by choosing finishes and products that are not harmful to the environment. You know that smell of a freshly painted room? How about that new vinyl drop cloth smell? Those “new” scents are actually being created by Volatile Organic Compounds or V.O.C.’s. Volatile organic compounds are gasses or fumes emitted from solid or liquid substances, and some VOCs, like those that come from paints, cleaning supplies, pesticides and adhesives, can be harmful to humans.
Almost all the big name paint manufacturers have introduced LOW VOC paint products to capitalize on the Green Building movement. Benjamin Moore has two lines, Aura and it’s even greener sister, Natura ; Sherwin Williams has Harmony, Dunn-Edwards has Ecoshield. In addition, all the faux finish suppliers that we work with have been launching formulations to reduce VOC’s. It’s good for business and good for the community and the environment.
When it was time for Tennessee’s first LEED certified hospital to choose wall coatings for it’s new chapel they went with a product that has always been LOW VOC naturally, Venetian Plaster. Bell and Tucker- faux artisans had the distinguished honor of completing the project. Franklin Woods was designed to be the first hospital in Tennessee to achieve LEED certification, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED-certified buildings have minimal impact on their surrounding ecosystems, use water and energy efficiently, employ renewable resources and materials, and preserve indoor air quality. Many of the facility’s green features won’t be obvious; some of the biggest energy savers are stashed away inside the walls and pipes. One thing that will be obvious is the way the structure incorporates the natural environment that green-building is designed to protect. The building itself is designed to be part of the healing process through its connection to nature.
When deciding on which Venetian Plaster to use for their project, Franklin Woods’ developers went to the industry leader, Spatula Stuhhi.
Spatula Stuhhi Venetian Plaster in Franklin Woods Hospital Chapel
ITALIAN POLISHED PLASTERS have a rich and colorful history, gracing some of the most famous buildings and residences since the mid 1500s. Venice Italy is credited with elevating polished plaster to almost an art form with the addition of marble powders to the natural lime based stucco; hence the name Venetian Plaster.
Franklin Woods Hospital Chapel two toned Spatula Stuhhi Venetian Plaster
Traditionally non-toxic, non-flammable, fade resistant, mold/mildew resistant, and transpirable, Spatula Stuhhi embodies all these positive attributes, while adding improved application speed with almost zero VOC’s. Spatula Stuhhi Italian Plasters are made from natural lime plaster kilned in Italy that provides a color intensity and depth not found in the acrylic imitation products.
There are only a handful of Spatula Stuhhi fine Italian Venetian Plaster certified installers in the United States. William Bell, of Bell and Tucker- faux artisans worked years for his certification. He has travelled extensively to Italy to study under the true masters of Venetian Plaster application. He has hand trowelled tens of thousands of square feet of venetian plaster in his 30 plus years in the business.
Bell and Tucker Faux Artisans Venetian Plaster application
He is now passing down the trade secrets of application to his partner and apprentice, Brooks Tucker. The product is installed in typically two or three coats, depending upon the desired final appearance. The color range, including both standard and custom colors, is unlimited. Creative effects include high gloss and matte finishes, tinted waxes, metallic glazes, as well as original complex creations.
If your next building or design project has “low impact on the environment” as one of your goals, consider Venetian Plaster as a wall or ceiling covering. One hundred years from now someone will be glad you did.
I’d like to introduce you to a little counter top magic. Maybe it’s not really magic, but it sure can make ugly Formica counter tops disappear. We use a concrete overlay product that can be applied to virtually any surface like laminate, tile, wood, fireplace surrounds and Formica. It can be used on floors, tub and shower surrounds, and of course, counter tops. It is an environmentally friendly product because it is LOW V.O.C. But even more Earth friendly is the fact that you don’t have to tear out your old counter tops and tile. When you use a concrete micro topping in your kitchen or bathroom remodel you will be re-cycling your existing surfaces and keeping them out of the landfill. Who knows, you might even get a “thank you” letter from Al Gore. Here is a picture of job we just finished.
Limestone Finished Countertop
We finished the counter tops to look like limestone. Here is a before picture.
Warped Formica counter top
The existing counter tops were in terrible shape. The trim was peeling off and there were cracks and holes.
Existing Counter top was peeling and in terrible shape
The home owners wanted to upgrade the counter tops because they were putting their house on the market. Today’s home buyers have watched endless hours of HGTV shows like “House Hunters” and have granite or stone counter tops very high on the priority list. We were able to simulate a limestone texture in a solid durable finish for a significant savings over the price of granite.
Another view of the finished faux limestone counter top
This concrete micro topping can be finished in limitless ways. Like the industrial stained look? We can do that. How about granite, marble or travertine? We can do that too. This finishing solution is perfect for home sellers looking to upgrade , home buyers looking to remodel, and the discriminating home owner wanting something completely original and custom. And although we can’t guarantee that Al Gore will send you a “thank you” letter, we do know that the Earth with “thank you”.
Whether you are looking for a durable eco- friendly finish for your walls, a subtle timeless classic or a WOW wall or ceiling finish, Venetian Plaster may be the right choice for you. Although most applicators of Venetian Plaster are “faux finishers” by trade, Venetian Plaster is anything BUT a faux finish. As a matter of fact , according to Stucco Italiano Inc., “It’s the most authentic veneer wall finish you can have. When natural, lime-based venetian plaster is applied it will eventually return to it’s original state, which is lime and marble, AKA stone.”
Lilac Spatula Stuhhi Venetian Plaster Wall
It’s origins date back to ancient Rome. Venetian Plaster is an Old World technique that starts with limestone rocks from rivers or quarries. By the use of heat, water and time, the limestone is turned into an amazing “lime putty”. Mixed with such colorants as ground marble dust, and applied via steel trowels with refined techniques, Venetian Plaster turns an ordinary wall or ceiling into a masterpiece.
The possible looks and finishes for Venetian plaster are limitless!
Cascading vines Bell and Tucker Spatula Stuhhi Venetian Plaster Finish
Venetian plaster can be brought up to a natural high sheen by compressing the material as it dries. The more compression, the higher the sheen. However, natural lime plasters can also be finished to a rustic matte or satin sheen, depending on which material is used and how it is applied. The skill of the applicator can escalate a Venetian Plaster Finish from ordinary to TIMELESS.
Bell and Tucker Venetian Plaster Powder Bath
Our lead artist, William Bell has been trained by the masters of Spatula Stuhhi fine Venetian Plasters in Italy. He is one of only a handful of certified Spatula Stuhhi applicators in the United States. Having seen the need for passing down the Old World techniques to the next generation of applicators he is working hand in hand with partner, Brooks Tucker helping him hone his plastering skills.
Grand Foyer in a Bell and Tucker Venetian Plaster Finish
If you are looking for a finish that has stood the test of time, is eco friendly, mildew and mold resistant, than you should consider a Timeless Venetian Plaster finish from Bell and Tucker- faux artisans.
Giving new life and purpose to worn out and discarded furniture is one of our passions. Another one of our passions is the hunt for these timeless pieces. We live for Flea Market Weekends and yard sale weather. Thank God for Craigslist which sustains our habit for finding unique furniture pieces all year long. We love the new show American Pickers on the History Channel. The show is about two guys who travel the country from Coast to Coast picking through junk. If they see an interesting house (junk in the yard) they will go right up to the front door and ask if they can “pick” through their junk. They negotiate with the junk owners and pay them cash on the spot. They then re-sell the junk at a profit. Sounds like my dream job!! While most people are talking around the water cooler about Lost or American Idol you can find us trying to interject American Pickers into the conversation.
Here is a piece we picked up recently.
Table the previous owner attempted to paint
We actually took in this table and chairs as part payment for the last table we sold. The previous owner had tried to paint it herself and made quite a mess of it.
The previous owner even painted the hardware. Yikes!
Here's the chair before we repainted and recovered it.
We took it and put a textured harlequin pattern on the top.
Hand painted harlequin table
The leaves fold down for versatility.
We painted the chairs to match and recovered the seats with a coordinating fabric.
One of four "musical" chairs.
Aren’t these chairs cool? Love the music reference. It should be easy to sell these here in Music City.
So, what makes up the perfect piece for repainting and reselling? We look for pieces with damage to the original finish. That always means “bargain”. We can pick these pieces up for a song because most people would consider these pieces as disposable once the finish is damaged. Next, ideally we would like to see a piece with good craftsmanship, turned legs and beautiful details. And lastly we like to repaint pieces that are functional. Tables, chairs, buffets, hutches, and armoires are all sought after pieces.
Here are a few more pieces we have completed.
Set of 8 chairs painted in 4 different coastal colors and aged.
Painted with a scripture verse and aged.
Another painted scripture table.
Painted and aged Depression Era buffet
This Depression Era table got a modern style makeover.
A gratuitous shot of our "next victims" waiting patiently for a Hollywood Glam makeover.
We’re always on the lookout for both buyers of our makeovers and sellers of furniture needing a makeover. Let us know if you are in the market for either.
Imagine spending a year of your life managing the building process of your dream home. Painstakingly choosing each fixture, each paint color, each piece of cabinetry. Then imagine it is finally all completed and you move in with every treasure you had ever collected only to have it burn to the ground within a week. This was the tragic story of one of our clients. As they were picking through the rubble they discovered a priceless Marie Antoinette Mirror from the 1700′s had sustained considerable damage. They were able to salvage the mirror and its 32 pieces and parts.
Over the course of ten months, Bell and Tucker- faux artisans worked to restore the mirror to it’s original condition and beauty. The Mirror frame arrived separated from the crown elements.
Multiple broken crown elements
One of 32 broken pieces of Marie Antoinette Mirror
Another piece of Marie Antoinette Mirror
Luckily, the body of the mirror frame was solid.
Gilding supplies
The crown elements were badly damaged. Some parts of the crown ornaments were missing.
Restoration in progress
Repairing the frame
Elements for mounting of the crown were missing too.
The ornaments were made of traditional stucco. Some surfaces were covered with traditional gesso approximately 2mm thick, (calcium carbonate powder and organic adhesive probable fish-eye glue), then with a very thin layer of dark ocher bole. Those surfaces were gilded and silvered using the water gilding technique. Others were decorated with imitation gilding probably using schlag metal foil and some oil size technique.
We used a combination of oil gilding, on deeply moulded sections and water gilding, on smooth surfaces.
Restoring the Marie Antoinette Mirror
As in the days of Marie Antoinette we applied both methods on the mirror frame in order to create contrast in the brilliance of the finished piece restored to her previous glory.
Seems like Green, Eco Friendly, LOW V.O.C., and sustainability are the buzz words of the building and design world these days. Consumers have developed environmental consciences, as they should and are interested in completing projects that are easy on the earth and the atmosphere. Our friends in California have really been the trailblazers in bringing Eco Friendly building practices into the limelight.
The painting industry has also answered the call and now there are Zero/Low V.O.C. versions of just about every product in our tool kit. Of course, products like Venetian Plaster have always been LOW V.O.C.
If you are remodeling a room and not changing the existing floor plan here are some ways to lower your impact on the environment with your remodel:
Don’t tear out your existing cabinets. If you like the layout of your kitchen or bathroom you can either have your existing cabinets and vanities refaced or for a fraction of the cost of refacing, you can have them painted. Even melamine/laminate cabinets can be painted successfully when primed and top coated properly. Here are a few pictures of kitchen cabinets we have painted.
Pewter leaf cabinet makeover
White melamine/laminate cabinets before
After Tobacco Stain Faux Finish
Don’t tear out your counter tops. There are concrete overlay products on the market now that can be applied directly on top of laminate, tile, wood, and Formica. The final product can be finished in a variety of ways. It can be made to look like granite, travertine, limestone, soapstone or just about anything you can dream up. Here are some counter tops we finished to look like limestone.
Formica counter top before faux finish
Counter top after Concrete overlay faux finish
Formica Countertop before Concrete Overlay Faux Finish
After Concrete Overlay Faux Finish
Make sure your wall coverings are LOW V.O.C. Indoor air pollution is caused by Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs. VOCs are chemicals that evaporate easily at room temperature. VOCs are emitted by paint, carpet, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, furniture, building materials and pesticides. Recent research has implicated VOCs as a cause of many chronic health conditions like liver and kidney damage, cancer and nervous system disorders. A good choice for LOW V.O.C. wall coverings are Venetian Plaster and LOW V.O.C. paints. We are the only certified installers of Spatula Stuhhi, Italian Venetian Plasters in Tennessee. Here are a few pictures of Spatula Stuhhi Venetian Plaster.
Spatula Stuhhi Lilac Venetian Plaster
Spatula Stuhhi Venetian Plaster
Maximize ventilation in the workspace during the project.
Follow strict guidelines for paint clean up and disposal. Brushes and rollers should be cleaned in a bucket of water. Waste water should be flushed so that it can be treated by the sewer system. Any extra paint should be taken to the dump for proper disposal.
Be careful of your floor choices. If you are using tile make sure your adhesive and grout are LOW V.O.C.
Remember on your next remodel project to recycle, re-purpose, and reuse your existing surfaces. The earth will thank you.
One of the best ways to add some drama and sophistication to your home is to highlight the existing architectural features. We always recommend that clients include the crown molding when we are developing faux finishes for the walls. It draws the eyes upward and completes the line of the room.
Beautiful pearlized deep crown molding by Bell and Tucker
Coffered Ceiling with deep crown molding by Bell and Tucker
In addition to crown molding, don’t forget to give consideration to these fabulous features as well:
Fireplaces
Cast Fireplace with Metallic Faux Finish by Bell and Tucker
ceiling domes
Pearlized Cast Dome by Bell and Tucker
ceiling medallions, columns and capitols
Molding and Capitol faux finish by Bell and Tucker
Column and Capital faux finish by Bell and Tucker
niches
Faux Finished Niche with custom art by Bell and Tucker
These surfaces take on a new life when a little color and texture is added with a professional faux finish.
If you are building or remodeling, Cast Designs is an excellent resource for ideas and inspiration for architectural enhancements for your new space. They created all the cast designs in our pictures above. Nothing adds value to a home like deep crown molding, a beautiful fireplace and original cast architectural products. Break out from the pack, take it a step further and bathe your beautiful architecture in a one of a kind faux finish from Bell and Tucker faux artisans.
We were honored to have, Gaia Calcaterra, from Architexture join us this week for a Tattoowall installation. Our work will be featured in an upcoming article in the Tennessean. Gaia provided us with valuable insights and trade secrets of the installation process. We really enjoyed our time with her. She is a very laid back and patient instructor. I wish I would have had more time with her to hear all about her adventures in painting across the globe. I could sit and listen to her talk for hours. She has the most amazing accent. Here is a video I put together of the project.
Let’s face it, a lot of people have misconceptions about what Faux Finishing really is. If the term “faux finishing” conjures up visions of sponge paint and stenciled grape vines, then keep on reading because “We’ve come a long way baby”. When I tell most people what we do for a living they have usually never seen a professional faux finish up close and in person. Although we do have “sponges and stencils” in our tool kit, we don’t use them in the ways that most people would think. If you are having a hard time visualizing a faux finish in your design style, I’ve put together a presentation that will show you some different applications. Here goes:
Congratulations to both William and Brooks for making a clean sweep of all the faux painting categories that were judged as part of the Make a Wish Holiday Home Show in Arrington, TN. William Bell won the award for Best Faux Finish. Shown above with builder, Chip Walker and designer, Teena Bivens. He created a dancing venetian plaster in the dining room and in the powder bath he used venetian plaster on the walls with a tinsel foiled applique stenciled in a floral pattern giving a striated effect. Brooks Tucker and Faux Daddy Designs won for Best Make a WishRoom and Best Child’s Room for his design “Night on the Predator’s bench” a tribute to local Make a Wish child, Chase Donnell who lost his battle with cancer.
Bob Sloan-builder, Brooks Tucker-Faux Artist, Donna Henninger-designer
William Bell has now won the Best Faux Finish award in 20 consecutive Parade of Homes Shows that he has entered in the Nashville, TN area. This is Brooks Tucker’s first entry in a Parade of Homes Show.
