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Faux specialist tools.

As well as the tools you normally use for decorating, some finishes require special tools and materials. Many different objects and materials can be used to produce that extra special effect. Sponges, rags, feathers, etcetera; even your hands, fingers and fingernails.

Graining

The main graining tool is a comb, which lays the foundation for further grain effects. Rocker; badger; hog softener; mottler; sponges; stippler; flogger.

Rocker

A small block of wood or plastic with rounded edges used to produce a realistic impression of the heartgrain of woods. Slowly pull the the rocker thropugh the glaze, rocking it slightly using a wrist action, to produce heartgrains. View rocker

Graining Comb

Combs are available with fine, medium, coarse and varigated teeth. Normally used in conjunction with a rocker to produce more authentic wood effects. Use the comb to line all the glaze before using the rocker at spaced intervals. View comb

Flogger

A brush with very long whippy bristles. First line the glaze with a fine comb and then use the flogger to distress the pattern using a striking and tapping motion. Do NOT drag the bristles over the surface. View flogger

Hog Softener

Used to soften and blend coloured glazes on walis and large areas. Effects which require softening include colourwashing, ragging, bagging and faux marbling. It can also be used for dragging and stippling. View hog softener

Badger Softener

This brush is used in very high-class work such as marbling and graining. The bristles of the Badger Softener are so soft that glazes of emulsion/latex paint offer too much resistance, and must first be softened with the Hog Softener. View Badger

Small Badger Softener

This is identical to the Badger Softener in terms of quality of bristle and is used for small objects, pieces of furniture and intricate work.

Mottler

Used to produce lights in the pattern of a woodgrain. The glaze is interrupted leaving a dappled effect. Also used for simulating the heartgrains. View mottler

Natural Sea Sponge

Sea sponge is used to create soft patterned effects on walls, doors and furniture and is preferred by professional artists and decorators for its superior texture, resilience and absorption. Synthetic sponge is too even and regular. View sponge

Stippler

Stippling is a professional decorative paint effect in its own right. Often used to disguise brush marks before employing another technique.To produce a stippled finish, strike the wet glaze quite hard with the flat head of the brush. Care must be taken to strike the work at right angles or smudge marks may appear. View stippler

Graining Nail

Formerly craftsmen grew a thumbnail long for use on glazes to give the impression, e.g. the open pattern in quartered oak. Nowadays it is more common to use a small flat cylinder of cork or rubber to produce the same effect.

Trompe l'oeil

Mainly artists brushes and equipment; transfers. Murals are commonly used to produce dramatic effect.

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