Two summers ago a building contractor friend asked me if I could paint a dining room ceiling for him in his new home near Folly Beach. After discussing a preferred color scheme, we decided that a Damask stencil design would be most appropriate.
The Damask pattern has often been thought of originating form Damascus, Spain however its true origin is from China during the Byzantine empire and made its way to Europe in the 14th century. A silk or twill fabric weave has now been sometimes replaced with a modern day replica that decorative painters use with paint. I often apply several layers of thin translucent paint glazes to the wall before i even get to the Damask stencil. Once I apply the Damask stencil pattern I like to emulate the feeling of fabric.
The undercoat layer of paint has a sheen similar to a satin finish, the damask stencil paint will be mixed with a dead flat finish so that once applied to the wall it will have a very authentic look of fabric. The juxtaposition of the two sheens truly offsets the pattern so much that one wants to physically touch the wall to investigate its authenticity of being fabric β¦ or not.
It is a wonderful look and can be sanded to look more worn or not sanded to look new. I have also used iridescent mica powders in the glaze undercoat to give an impression of wet silk fabric. It shimmers in different light throughout the course of the day.
Although the faux painting is not inexpensive it does pale in comparison to the real fabric itself. Pickles had to wait in the bed of the truck during the days work schedule. Pickles had plenty of shade, water, snacks AND visitors..
