Painted Scrolls on Ceiling Beams

The charm of painted scrolls on ceiling beams needs no introduction. This decorative accent is a delightful addition to any room. And though beams are common elements in many interiors rarely do one see them used as a focal point for decorative applications. Whether you enjoy the old world charm of Italy, or the contemporary flair of a San Francisco loft space, these tech iques can be adapted to suit the most creative inspiration.

more

Base Color – Red Dawn

Glaze Color – Rustic Brick

Prepare the working area.

Step 1:

Mixing the plaster compound

In a bucket I pour approx. 1 quart of the latex flat wall paint, Red Dawn. Slowly I add handfuls of Plaster of Paris, stirring the mixture thoroughly to insure the plaster becomes fully integrated with the paint.  I mix the plaster/paint combination in small batches, to insure the compound does not dry out and become unworkable as I move along the room. 

Step 2:

Continue to add plaster until you have created a mixture with a smooth putty consistency.

Step 3:

Once I have thoroughly mixed the plaster-paint compound I begin to trowel on the plaster over the wall surface. Starting at the top of the wall I spread the plaster mixture over the surface with a wide, flat trowel or putty knife. 

Creating a slight texture is an important part of the antique plaster appearance. Do this by spreading the plaster thinly over the wall, adding more as needed. Using a second trowel or putty knife, continually wipe blades together to remove excess plaster build up on the trowel edge. Create slight variations in texture over the surface by dragging the clean trowel blade over the surface. Experiment with different amounts of pressure applied to the blade. A light, even pressure will cause the trowel edge to 'skip' over the surface, creating variations in surface texture. A harder, firmer texture will result in smoother areas. Try and develop a nice blending of smooth areas, with occasional, irregular textures.

Step 4:

Continue over the wall surface until you are out of your plaster-paint mix. Mix up another batch and continue onward until your have completed the walls. 

When you reach a corner, simply apply the plaster mixture with a small 1/2 inch brush and smooth outward with a trowel. Your finger, dipped in the plaster compound can also work well, as long as you complete the corners by smoothing the surfaces with the trowel edge.

Step 5:

Lightly sand the plaster surface with 180 grit sandpaper to smooth it and remove any coarse areas. This should be done in a quick and efficient manner. The intention is to smooth the surface only, not to get rid of textured areas. When the sanding is complete remove any loose dust with a tack cloth.

When the plaster is dry, you are ready to begin the antiquing process.

Step 6:

Mixing the Antique glaze

You will need 2 plastic buckets, 2.5 gallon or larger. One will hold your glaze mix and the other just plain tap water. 

Antique Plaster color mixing ratio: 

Mixing ratio 8:4:1:1 - Bulletin Red:Venetian Red:Raw Umber:Ultramarine Blue

In bucket 1 mix eight parts Bulletin Red, four parts Venetian Red with one part Raw Umber and one part Ultramarine Blue into 1/2 quart of latex Glazing liquid. Add enough water to dilute the glaze to a loose and fluid constancy. Test the color in a non conspicuous area of the wall, adjusting the colorant as needed until you get your color right. For a light antique add more water to thin the glaze considerably. For a darker, richer look add less water, leaving your glaze thicker. 

Your second bucket has plain water in it. This is used to wash over the wall prior to glazing to make it wet before you start applying your glaze.

Step 7:

Applying the antique plaster glaze

First I wet the plaster wall first with clean water. This allows the glaze to move freely over the plaster surface. If you were to apply the glaze directly to the dry plaster the colored glaze would immediately soak into the dry, porous surface and stain the wall, resulting in spotty, unworkable glaze.

Step 8:

Using a moistened sponge dipped in the antique glaze, I spread color over the damp plaster surface. You can soften the color by varying the pressure applied with the sponge. You will notice some darker glaze 'settling' in the recesses of the textured wall, with the 'high points' getting lighter, caused by the continual softening of the glaze due to your sponge movement.

Color irregularities, i.e., dark and light areas, are desirable and accentuate the antique look of the plaster wall.

When you reach a corner apply the glaze mixture with a small 1/2 inch brush and smooth outward with a dry brush. 

Allow the glazed surface to dry completely. The overall color will lighten as the moisture from the wall dries.