Product Spotlight

“Custom Art Imprints”

Fifteen years ago, Jerry Bergin of Artisan Theory in Edmond, Oklahoma, was introduced to Faux Effects® and their wide variety of decorative finishing products. His thriving faux finishing business grew from his Art Degree and working at Six Flags in their art department, transforming wood, plastic and metal to look anything but their original appearance. As a former feature in Faux Effects World Volume XII, Jerry’s talents were showcased in an episode of “Extreme Home Makeover” where his tremendous artistic abilities were highlighted in this fabulous home transformation.

Giving a gift from the heart, one year Jerry gave his sister eight hand-made Christmas ornaments using Faux Effects® products and Custom Art Imprints.™ A designer that works with Jerry saw this work and immediately wanted fifty, so he could not resist the offer! Making eight was easy, but Jerry had to figure out how to finish fifty of them all at one time. His thinking cap went on. First, he contacted Faux Effects International Inc. and submitted his images to have the Custom Art Imprints™ created. He then constructed a stand to hold all the frosted ornaments at one time to make for easy spraying of the super bonding SetCoat®. This stand was also used as the drying rack … nifty! Next, Imprint Coat™ was applied to the ornaments then the various custom-made, Custom Art Imprints™ were transferred to the surfaces. A coat of SetCoat® Clear was then used to seal the surface. “SetCoat® Clear gives a great base for glazing,” says Jerry. From there, Jerry toned the ornaments using a glaze mixture of Van Dyke Brown FauxColor™ and FauxCreme® Clear. When dry, lacquer was applied. A job complete! Delivery to the client was very rewarding as pure amazement was shown for the ornaments that were so, so beautiful with gorgeous detail! Who knows what quantity will be requested for the next holiday season. Jerry prides himself with projects from large scale to small and it shows… a true professional artist!

“Custom Art Imprints”

Custom Art Imprints™ are unique transfer products exclusive to Faux Effects International, Inc. Fine artwork can be added to your decorative project and unlike stencils or decals, they leave no edges. Custom Art Imprints™ appear to be hand painted, and once sealed, they can be antiqued, toned or embellished using a variety of Faux Effects® products.

Any image can be made as a mirror/reverse image. Images can be reproduced in a single color, i.e., red, blue, sepia, black. Order a Custom Art Imprints™ in a gray- or sepia-toned facsimile and recolor the image to your specifications. We’ll recreate your custom colored image into a customized Custom Art Imprint™.

Basic Application

Unless producing a distressed finish, a smooth surface will provide the best results. Apply two coats of a light-toned SetCoat® or SetCoat® Clear, letting each coat dry thoroughly.

With a sponge brush, apply an even coat of PrimEtch™ or Imprint Coat™ to the area where the image is to be placed. Brush in all directions to ensure all areas are covered. For PrimEtch™, let dry for 20 minutes; for Imprint Coat, at least 30 minutes. Set up time depends on drying conditions. In both cases, the surface will become very tacky. Imprint Coat™ is effective as long as the finish is tacky. PrimEtch™ will stay workable for approximately 1-2 hours.

Trim away excess paper around the Custom Art Imprint™ leaving about one-half inch of blank transfer paper around the image. Place the image face down on the surface where PrimEtch™/Imprint Coat™ is applied. Firmly secure imprint edges with quick release tape, taping from top to bottom. Do not drag your hand over the Custom Art Imprint,™ wrinkling will occur. With burnishing tool or wooden paint stick, gently rub the back side of the Custom Art Imprint™ in a small circular patterns until all ink is transferred to the surface. Occasionally lift the imprint from the bottom to check any areas that may have been missed. When transferred, gently remove the transfer paper and tape from the surface.

Apply a coat of SetCoat® Clear to seal the Custom Art Imprint™ and neutralize the Imprint Coat™. When using PrimEtch™, a barrier coat is not required unless a faux finish is being applied over the image. After SetCoat® Clear has dried completely; any Faux Effects® product may be applied to complete the project.

To make Custom Art Imprints™ part of your next project contact:

Faux Effects International, Inc. 800-270-8871

Finish Courtesy of: Jerry Bergin

Artisan Theory Inc.

Edmond, Oklahoma

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