Adding Depth With Paint

Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-910 -- More Projects »
PHOTO

Wood-colored varnish and a brush give a flat door a wood-grained, paneled appearance (at left).
Decorator Sacha Cohen demonstrates faux treatments for interior doors to give them depth, dimension and interest.

Four-paneled Door

Materials:

primed, flat door
blue painters tape
varnish
paintbrush

Steps:


  1. Lay out the panels. If using a traditional look, make the top panels slightly longer than the lower panels.
PHOTO

Figure A
  • Tape the tops and bottom lines for each panel with blue painters tape (figure A). Don't worry about the sides. The grain on the top, in the middle and on the bottom should go horizontally, while the panels and sides should have a vertical grain.
    • PHOTO

    Figure B
  • Brush on the varnish in a single strip. After the color is applied, run the brush lightly through the medium in the direction of the grain. After you get a few strips up, go back and create a uniform pattern by pushing the brush up through the varnish (figure B).

  • Let the two side-by-side panels dry before brushing on the varnish in the middle. When the varnish covers the dried section, the extra layer will create a shadow effect for the panels.

  • While the upper panels dry, put in the lower panels.

  • Go back and do the middle part of the top section while the lower half dries, then lay in the middle part at the bottom. After that has dried, lay in the horizontal portions.
    • PHOTO

    Blackboard paint adds a wonderful element to a children's door or a kitchen door.
    Blackboard Door

    Materials:

    primed, flat door
    blue painters tape
    paint of choice
    chalkboard paint

    Steps:


    1. Mark off the panel to be used as a chalkboard with painters tape.

    2. Paint the door outside the panel in the desired color and let it dry.
    PHOTO

    Figure C
  • Apply a heavy coat of chalkboard paint to the panel (figure C).

  • Let the first coat dry completely and add another coat if necessary.
    • Also in this Episode
    Smart Solutions : Episode SSL-910
    •Anti-Aging Techniques
    •Introducing New Pets
    •Adding Depth With Paint
    •Smart Solution of the Day