Product Description

The world’s leading experts reveal how to paint great finishes—and make money doing it!



• classic, now in paperback for the first time


• Basics plus step-by-steps for more than 55 techniques—glazing, marbling, graining, more


• Full information on running a furniture-restoration business



Booklist called the Marxes’ latest collaboration, Furniture Restoration, “a book to be pored over again and again.” Now their classic first book, Professional Painted Finishes, is available in a handy paperback edition. Drawn from the authors’ 30 years of experience in the field, these painted finishes simulate a wide variety of wood grains, stones, and marbles. More than 55 techniques are explained in depth, with hundreds of step-by-step color photographs and complete lists of the materials and tools needed. Everything that a professional or hobbyist needs is here, from basics, to specific techniques such as marbling, glazing, and graining, to an overview of business practices, including startup, preparing estimates and contracts, and getting the job done. A comprehensive decorative painting resource, ideal for professionals, aspiring professionals, and committed amateurs, Professional Painted Finishes packs the combined knowledge of three top experts into one indispensable reference.


From the Trade Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #231779 in Books
• Published on: 1991-06-01
• Released on: 1991-06-01
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 240 pages

From Amazon.com
One lovely feature of this volume is that it shows the real material that inspired different faux finishes next to the excellent painted imitations. After extensive coverage of all aspects of getting started (tools and materials, preparation, safety concerns, and design and color considerations), and of working with glazes, there are dozens of detailed recipes for various marble and graining effects. The final chapter, "Professional Practice," explains how to set up your own decorative-painting business, including assembling a portfolio, identifying and reaching your market, financial planning, calculating rates and expenses, preparing samples, organizing the workspace, and working with clients. You'll even find a prototype contract and a checklist of supplies to bring on the job. Those who want to produce spectacular faux-finish results will learn a lot from Professional Painted Finishes.

About the Author
Ina Brosseau Marx and Allen Marx are the founders of The Finishing School, which offers classes on creating painted finishes. During their thirty-year career as professional restorers, they brought new life to museum pieces from the 17th to the 20th centuries. Robert Marx, their son, is the executive director of The Finishing School. Ina and Allen Marx live in Princeton, NJ. Robert Marx lives on Long Island.


From the Trade Paperback edition.