Paint is the original superhero. Whether it’s an artistic decorative finish, a captivating mural or one breathtaking color, paint can make a room or a piece of furniture look completely different. We tapped into some local expertise and artistry to discover how the power of paint can rock your world.
Set Yourself Up for Success.
Before you dive into a painting project, make a plan and consult a knowledgeable resource. “Our team has years of painting experience and is happy to assist with any paint questions you may have,” says Chad Newcomer, Assistant General Manager at Grauer’s Paint & Decorating.
Different types and brands of paint are formulated for different goals. “The paint that would be used to paint ceilings is different from the paint used to paint trim,” says Newcomer. Also, consider how much shine, or sheen, you’d like. “Typical preferences are flat for ceilings, eggshell for walls and semi-gloss for trim work.”
Since paint comes in every color of the rainbow and all shades in between, “We always recommend visiting one of our showrooms to look at color samples in person versus choosing a color off of a picture or computer screen since they can distort the color,” says Newcomer. After you’ve decided, consider doing a test to make sure the color is a good fit. Grauer’s offers pint-sized samples for testing the color on your wall. Check out the color in daylight and with the lights turned on. “Lighting is one of the biggest factors to take into account when choosing a color.”
After you’ve found your perfect choice, the amount of paint you need depends “on the size of the room and the quality of the product chosen,” says Newcomer. “A higher quality product will cover the walls in less coats and last longer, which saves money and time in the long run. A gallon typically covers 350-400 square feet of wall space per coat.” You can keep any extra paint for future touchups. If you do need more, “Grauer’s is always happy to mix more paint later.”
Besides paint, the right tools will make the job easier and prevent last-minute store trips. Newcomer recommends, “a roller, roller frame, extension pole, drop cloths, tape, spackling to fill holes, caulk for various cracks and a paint tray.” Not every tool is needed for every project. When in doubt, consult the experts.
Before you open that beautiful, fresh can of paint, get your room ready. “Prep work is key and assists in providing flawless results,” says Newcomer. “A light sand is typically recommended. For major color changes, a primer may be required.” Drop cloths on furniture and carpeting will guard against spills and make for easier clean-up.
To transform your room into a master-piece, seek out the wisdom of seasoned pros. “Our team has years of experience and is willing to assist you with tips and tricks to give outstanding results. Oftentimes the right products with the right tools will go a long way.”
Go For a Big Finish.
Making a person’s house into a home, says Cathy Chervanick, “is about what they want to feel when they walk through the door.” For designs from bold and bright to calming, muted colors, Chervanick’s “number one inspiration for either scenario is nature; whether it be sand or snow, forests or canyons, mountains or sky and sea.” For more than 30 years, Chervanick has worked as a decorative painter. Now retired from custom wall finishes, she creates commissioned art pieces. Chervanick also shares her knowledge and skill by offering design consultations for people to do their own custom finishes.
“I favor decorative painting techniques that are subtle and add depth to the room,” says Chervanick. Her goal is for the “room to be enhanced, not overwhelmed, by the technique.” To add some glamour and sparkle to two different powder rooms, Chervanick used bold decorative plasters. Then she incorporated stencils enhanced with Swarovski Crystals to twinkle and catch the light.
When considering a special finish, look up. “One of the most forgotten parts of a room is the ceiling, also known as the fifth wall,” says Chervanick. “I loved doing ceilings, especially dining room ceilings as the chandelier lights focus on an otherwise plain surface.”
To begin, Chervanick recommends starting with “a good basecoat in a satin finish from your local paint store.” With so many different decorative finishes, the step-by-step process varies widely, but they have a common beginning. “They all start with good surface preparation. I like using Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore paints that have a built-in primer with a satin finish.”
For decorative paints, “Modern Masters Paint has a line of decorative paint products and is available locally at Grauer’s Paint Store,” says Chervanick. Modern Masters’ website is filled with tutorials and inspiration. Chervanick’s favorite decorative painting technique is “a parchment look on the walls with very little color contrast and subtle movement.” The end result looks just like parchment paper.
During retirement, Chervanick’s enthusiasm for painting has moved in new directions. “My passion for color, creativity and discovery has never waned, and it has led me to my current hobby of playing in paints, various mediums and plasters on large canvas and wood panels.” One of her recent pieces, My View, depicts dawn at the Red Bridge on the Gring’s Mill Trail. “The love of my life, my husband of 48 years, Tom, sadly passed away two weeks after it was hung in our home. My View was his favorite. We frequently spent time at the Union Canal Trail at the Berks Heritage Center walking and biking and shared many fond memories there.”
Turn a Wall Into Art.
As a full-time mural painter, Carrie Kingsbury transforms residential and commercial spaces. As the owner of Promiseland Murals LLC, she has created a stunning array of nature scenes, portraits and historic vignettes. Kingsbury listens to her clients’ vision to create the mural of their dreams. “My art history background really comes in handy when working with customers, and it’s a great way to find out what their tastes are,” she says.
Kingsbury works with homeowners “to find out what they would love in a mural, their preferred color palette, what fabrics, furnishings and the design style they have in their home.” For projects commissioned by a town, she delves into its past. “I find inspiration from the history and special features of a town and enjoy working with the local historians,” she says.
The end result may be big, but Kingsbury’s murals start small. “I come up with a rough sketch for approval, and then I move on to a color rendering. To avoid complicated math, I do my sketches in an inch-to-foot ratio.” After the project’s approved, Kingsbury paints with Nova Color from California. She says, “It’s specifically designed for mural.” She also uses Benjamin Moore Exterior for outdoor works.
Kingsbury’s subjects vary widely, and each mural creates a sense of magic. In homes, she has painted underwater worlds and jungle paradises. She’s brought fairytale castles and nursery rhymes to life. Trains, trucks and spaceships in brilliant detail become part of a bedroom.
For a small mural, like a nursery accent wall, Kingsbury spends one day painting. Larger projects may require months of work. For a mural in Berwyn, PA, Kingsbury painted “36 life-size photo realistic portraits and a realistic American flag that was 15-feet high by 60-feet wide.” The finished projects are preserved with a protective clear coat.
Different projects present unique challenges, and Kingsbury embraces the opportunity to expand her artistic skills. Her most memorable project, at Covered Bridge Park in Allentown, “was one of the hardest but I was the most proud when I was done.” This walking bridge mural included the parachute cloth mural technique. Pioneered by Philadelphia Mural Arts, this technique involves painting on cloth. “I didn’t realize how hard it would be, because one of the walls was circular. There was a lot of sweat and a little bit of bickering, but we made it through, and it turned out great!” Kingsbury says.
After the hard work is completed, it’s time for a celebration. Besides unveiling the mural art, dedication events let Kingsbury experience the emotional impact of her work. “I’ve gotten many tears from expectant mothers. I once walked through an elementary school cafeteria and got a standing ovation from the little ones.”
Give Old Furniture a Fresh Outlook.
Paint has an amazing ability to give furniture a style makeover. “Painting tends to hide imperfections well and give the piece a new life,” says Jen Follweiler, owner of Unique Timber. When selecting furniture for painting, “We look for a solid piece that is less than perfect.” Not all older furniture should be painted, and it’s important to know the difference. “If it’s an antique and in good condition, we will not paint,” advises Follweiler.
Before the project begins, it’s time for a moment of reflection. “I try to take in the piece for a moment and be realistic about the potential for it.” Follweiler takes her inspiration from the furniture, letting it be her guide. “The pieces that have been well used over the years and have several imperfections are usually best as a rustic refinish. Those that are in better condition can have a smoother, more modern finish.”
Next, Follweiler cleans and preps the piece. She makes any needed repairs, sands the surface, and sometimes uses primer. Different paints are needed to achieve different looks. “Chalk paints can tend to give a more rustic textured look, while other mineral-based paints can provide a more polished look.” Follweiler will also re-stain furniture as well. For a finishing touch, she uses waxes, polycrylic, acrylic and polyurethane to protect surfaces.
Whether rustic or modern, Follweiler’s goal is to create pieces that will last. “We believe in finishing solid pieces that can be well loved and enjoyed by our clients.” Over the years, this family-owned business has revitalized tables, vanities, dressers and all kinds of cabinets. Follweiler admits to having “a soft spot” for antique Hoosier cabinets. These cabinets were a popular kitchen workstation 100 years ago, and feature top and bottom storage, built-in equipment like a flour sifter/bin and a work surface in between. “We have had the pleasure of restoring four Hoosiers in recent years. Each one is unique and has so much history.”
Unique Timber does custom refinishing and creates pieces for sale. For custom pieces, Follweiler collaborates with clients and witnesses their reaction to her work. “Most rewarding is when we have had the honor to refinish pieces that have been in a client’s family for generations. Several have been emotional when they see the end result. No words for the happy tears.”
Sources
Cathy Chervanick Art and Design
Leesport | 610.926.0525 | cathychervanick.com
Unique Timber | Jen Follweiler
610.780.7744 | FB @uniquetimbercrafts
Items for sale at: Lazy Dog Vintage
335 State St., Hamburg
484.660.3695 | FB @lazydogvintage
Grauer’s Paint & Decorating
3315 Penn Avenue, West Lawn
1941 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster
739 Rothsville Rd., Lititz
Promiseland Murals LLC | Carrie Kingsbury
484.919.3414 | promiselandart.com
