Consider using real birch bark to trim wall

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/12/2001 (8847 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Debbie: You’ve given us shows on various faux wood grain finishes. Could you tell me how to do a faux birch bark paint effect? This would save trees and still be effective.

— Ferd and Anne, e-mail

Dear Ferd and Anne: Instead of painting a birch-bark effect, why not use the real thing? Birch-bark is commonly used on Adirondack-style furnishings, but it is never taken from a growing tree. The bark naturally peels off these trees and therefore can be found on the ground. You just need to dry it out and flatten the pieces. Bags of birch bark are also available in craft stores. You can cover a piece of furniture, as shown in the photograph, or trim a wall. Cut the bark into flat panels with heavy-duty scissors and adhere in place using carpenter’s glue and nails.

Dear Debbie: We are giving our 1950s raised ranch kitchen a facelift. Any suggestions for painting the 70s era sheet goods flooring to resemble cobblestone? It has a texture like veining, but no pattern and is in good shape. I need something durable as we have three young boys. What type of paint and sealer would hold up under strenuous conditions? I need the least costly solution.

–Roxanna, Chicago

Dear Roxanna: You can paint on this type of flooring but you must prepare it carefully so it will last even with three little boys. It should first be cleaned well to remove any grease. Once dry, apply a coat of high adhesive primer. These are premium primers that are designed to hold onto any surface. Most paint manufacturers make them, but give them all different names, so speak to your paint dealer about the correct one for your floor. Once the primer is dry, apply a base coat of very pale grey. This base coat will be the colour between the cobblestones. There are two ways to produce the look of cobblestones. You can stencil them on by making your own stencil. Cut a large sheet of Mylar (tough plastic) into rounded cobblestones, or look for a ready-made stencil. The other method is to cut a kitchen sponge into the shape of a cobblestone and stamp each stone on the floor. For both the stencil method and the stamping use a mixture of grays, taupe and stony brown colored latex paint to get a mottled stone effect. Finish your floor with three coats of low sheen varnish. This is a long project but if you involve the whole family it will be great fun.

Dear Debbie: I have a question about the varnish coat you talk about to protect finishes. I have three floor projects. First, a concrete bathroom floor, which I have painted a faux stone; second, a cottage wood bathroom floor, and third, a linoleum kitchen floor. Will one type of varnish work for all these finishes? Please be specific as I have already been quite confused at the paint section.

–Sandra, e-mail

Dear Sandra: The term varnish can be confusing because every paint manufacturer gives it a different name, from urethane and polyurethane to topcoat or clear coat. I always use the generic term varnish. There are two types of varnish, water based and oil based. Oil is easier to apply, but will yellow noticeably over pale-coloured surfaces, and you must wait 12 hours between coats for the varnish to dry. Water-based varnish will not yellow but must be applied quickly because it dries fast. The other consideration is sheen. This will depend on what you are painting or staining. Faux stone should be flat to make the stone realistic. Wood floors can have any sheen. I adore dark richly stained wood with a high gloss but today many modern interiors are using a dark stain with a low sheen varnish. It is a personal choice.

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The Painted House column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Send letters to Ask Debbie, c/o The Painted House, PO Box 425, Station Westmount, Westmount, Que. H3Z 2T5, or e-mail Debbie at askdebbie@painted-house.com.We regret that only letters chosen for publication can be answered personally. Check Debbie’s Web site www.painted-house.com. and watch Debbie Travis’ Painted House aired daily on WTN. For more ideas look for Debbie’s newest book, Living and Dining Rooms.