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From habitat plus - special paint effects

Get to know the Resene FX product range, plus tips to get started

There are a number of specialty Resene products to help you create useful and beautiful surfaces.

• Metallic paints from the Resene Metallics and Special Effects range from classics such as pewter and gold, through to brightly coloured hues.

• Resene Colorwood Whitewash and Resene Colorwood Greywash for an easy-to-achieve and durable washed effect.

• Resene FX Paint Effects Medium is a tintable acrylic medium that allows you to easily create unique paint effects, while still enjoying the benefits of a low-odour product that is easy to clean up in water. It dries more slowly than standard paint so you have longer to work on the effect.

• Resene Resitex or Resene Sandtex are good basecoats for paint effects as the texture adds an extra dimension to the effect.

• Resene FX Crackle gives an antique looking finish.

• Resene FX Pearl Shimmer gives a soft shimmery sparkle to any paint colour.

• Resene FX Blackboard Paint or Resene FX Chalkboard Paint for a chalkboard finish ideal for noticeboards.

• Resene FX Magnetic Magic and Resene FX Write-on Wall Paint to create noticeboards and play areas.

This is just a taste of the options available. There are many others for you to try!

Tips and tricks to get you started

• Work on a sample area first as the end result depends not only on the colour chosen, but the mix ratio and the style of technique. Remember that first efforts can be hidden by repainting with the basecoat and then restarting the effect as your expertise develops.

• Keep notes of your recipes when creating intermixes or dilutions, so you can easily reproduce the colour later.

• Mask off wall sockets, skirting boards and doors to allow the effect to be carried right to the edge.

• When mixing your Resene FX Paint Effects Medium, add the colour in small increments until you are satisfied with your sample. This will allow you to control the colour you create. If it is too subtle, you can increase the amount of colour accordingly.

• Allow drying time between coats of Resene FX Paint Effects Medium.

• Adding up to 10% of Resene Hot Weather Additive will slow the drying of Resene FX Paint Effects Medium and give you more time to work with the paint. This is particularly useful when working on a large area.

• Add up to 5% clean water to thin and improve the flow of the Resene FX Paint Effects Medium.

• Clean up your equipment in water.

• Coverage varies greatly and depends on the technique used and the substrate. On smooth surfaces, one litre of Resene FX Paint Effects Medium may cover up to 30-40 square metres per coat.

• Always work from one edge of the surface to the other. Make large areas more manageable by breaking them into smaller strips. Keep a wet edge as you work across.

• To check on your progress, regularly stand well back from the painted area and check that the effect looks even.

• If you need to take a break, stop at a natural break in the area you are working on, such as in a corner. Put your brush, rag, roller and/or application tool into a plastic bag or wrap with cling film to keep the paint moist.

• You can combine multiple effects finishes to get your look. E.g. Combine limewashing with distressing to create a timeless weathered finish.

• Wear protective gloves if rag-rolling or sponging.

• In all cases, read the appropriate product labels and data sheets before you start.

• And most importantly, be patient! There is a paint effect finish to suit all tastes so take your time experimenting with different options. Creating paint effects can be tiring, so be realistic when starting your project. It may be better to start off with one small project or feature area first rather than tackling an entire room.