Help!!! I have a client with an adobe house in Fl. Over the past few years I have done mural/trompe l'oeil work in nearly every room. We are doing a trade (my dentist)for work that needs to be done in the living room. Because it's a trade, I can't refer the job to someone else. The problem...the living room with 20ft. high ceilings and vigas they want a faux finish in a light camel/sand color. Everything in the place is exquisite and authethic. Commissioned weavings, old Indian dresses, hand-made sofa, table, etc. from Santa Fe...you get the picture. I would feel comfortable using my regular technique, a flat oil rub over latex, if the walls weren't so high. I was wondering if the is some "canned" plaster or a finish I could use to look like old SW walls, very subtle, that can be a stop/start finish....a look that is more authentic...a plaster.? beeswax?...I don't know what I'. talking about, because my expertise is oil painting. Anyone out there who can point me in the right direction??? Thanks in advance.
Patsy

Hi Patsy!

There are lots of canned plasters out there, but I doubt that any of them will be a stop/start finish. In fact it would be much more difficult and you will still have to go up the wall.

I think you should stick to what you know best, especially when the project is not the easy one! Dealing with the lagrge serface and have an unfamiliar material to work with???

Here is a tip for trade off work complications. When I give my client a deal, I expect her/him to realise that. (I assume that your dentist knows that you are doing him/her a favor in a way.)
I would give my regular price first, than apply a discount to that price. Now we have a "special person" price. Than I explain that I can trade of my time and skill but since that would be a "now money job", I let person know that I cannot pay for special setups and assistance from my pocket. In your case you need skafolds and helper (to hand you paints and stuff). I would pass this expence to the client and vola! job well done! If the client can not understand that than you better stay away from dealing with this person.

Anyway this is just my opinion.

Ilia Anossov
http://www.truefresco.com/anossov
http://www.truefresco.com/workshop

HI Llia....Thanks for thre response. I know that this is a tricky one. My clients are "gems" and they will certainly spring for scaffolding and such. I appreciate you taking the time to answer.
Patsy

You are welcome!

iLia

The new acrylic glazes (Golden and Polyvine are two) give you a longer working time than the traditional oil glazing materials. I've had good experiences over large areas using these acrylic products.

Good luck.

ken k