Metallic paint can add shimmer and reflection to a living room. Paint the entire room or simply add paint to one accent wall. Metallic paint can be used both in modern and traditional settings. Almost all colors, from pastels to jewel tones, are available in metallic versions. Metallic paint is made by adding small mica flakes into the paint. Mica requires light to reflect; dark rooms with no light sources will not show the metallic paint properties well.
Instructions
Preparation
1. Decide what surface to add the metallic paint to. Determine if the area has lots of light, either natural or artificial, for appropriate reflection. Look at the walls during different times of the day if in doubt.
2. Remove all furniture and accessories from the room. Cover remaining items with plastic for protection. Take off all outlet and electrical covers using a screwdriver; place all pieces into a small plastic bag or box.
3. Mask off the baseboards, ceiling trim, window frames and door frames with 1-inch painter's tape. Apply the tape as close to the painted wall as possible. Burnish the tape to avoid any paint from seeping under. Use an old credit card or library card to rub the edge down.
Basecoat
4. Paint the walls with eggshell or satin black paint. Use a larger roller to apply the paint to the surface. Use the appropriate roller cover for the wall's surface: Choose a short nap roller for smooth surfaces and a long nap roller for rough textured walls.
5. Trim out the perimeter of the wall with an angled brush. Dip the tip of the brush into the black paint. Glide the brush along the edge of the wall.
6. Inspect the walls to make sure the black basecoat is even and solid. Any missed areas cannot be fixed later. The basecoat is one of the most important steps in achieving a quality metallic finish.
Adding Metallic Paint
7. Using a large wooden paint stick, stir the paint well prior to applying. Continue to stir the paint every 15 to 30 minutes if the mica flakes tend to settle to the bottom of the paint. Know that some paints use extremely fine mica flakes and settling will not occur.
8. Use a foam roller to apply the metallic paint. Roll the paint on the walls using a random, organic motion. Do not roll the paint using up and down motions, as using this method will create vivid, clear lines. Overlap the paint and continue until the entire surface is painted. Do not trim out or paint the perimeter with a paint brush. The paint lines will be clearly visible. Use the roller to get as close to the edge as possible.
9. Do not be alarmed if the first coat of paint does not cover the black paint. Remember that metallic paint is extremely translucent. Depending on the quality of metallic paint and the manufacturer, up to five coats may be required. Continue to paint walls and add additional coats until a solid surface is visible.
FInishing Steps
10. Wash all paint equipment using warm, soapy water. Lay all brushes flat when drying.
11. Remove all tape. Use a razor knife to cut off tape if paint is stuck to the surface.
12. Pick up all plastic and drop cloths, and bring furniture back into the room. Put outlet covers and switch plates back onto the wall.
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