I have been fortunate enough to be given a chance to Host for a New Remodeling Show that has a premise for teaching the TV how to find the right contractor at the right price. As for Faux Finishes, I have been a successful Faux Finisher for more than 25-years, and I have also taught classes in regard to the most basic of techniques; and since I have been a project manager for remodeling projects and also have bought and sold properties for profit, I do have a lot of experience in regard to what a contractor should charge in regard to remodeling and finishing work! There is an infinite variety of Faux (which is a French term that means, "False", such as in a false finish), and each faux finish can be easily categorized; and because of this, there can be a simple breakdown in regard to pricing, may it be per square foot (if dealing with a walls, ceilings, floors surface), per linear foot (if dealing with molding or units that can be measured by length such as cabinetry), or else, per piece (may it be a piece of furniture or furnishing).
To simplify, I have listed the most common of faux finish with associated pricing found below with the understanding that the contractor (if not licensed with a Class-C License, which is needed by Painters / Finishers / Interior Designers) will have the minimum of a business license, liability insurance, workmen's compensation (if any employees are provided) and proof of a positive work history that can be found with the provision of a referral list and photos / samples of completed projects. Warning: Do not hire any Idiot that professes to be a professional and does not have the basic facets described above! Also, keep in mind that all of the finishes (mentioned below) can be applied with either a water base products, or else, water born product (Water Born Products simply have an oil base personality, but can be cleaned up with soap and water prior to its natural cure time); and the relevant importance to you is this: If a faux finish can be applied and completed properly utilizing a water base or water born product, the project can be done faster than using a oil base product; and this should translate into a lower labor cost charge! List of Faux Finishes & Prices: Wash or Glaze - Most commonly used as wall applications: The pricing listed below reflects a minimum workspace of 500 square feet (which is calculated by the actual area space being finished) with the understanding that a smaller project surface would incur a higher cost per square foot. As for Ceiling Applications, there should be an addition cost of 20% due to difficulty.
1-Application 2- Applications 3-Application
Rubbing .15 sq. ft. .40 sq. ft. .60 sq. ft
Ragging .25 sq. ft. .50 sq. ft. .70 sq. ft.
Sponge .25 sq. ft. .50 sq. ft. .70 sq. ft.
Dry Brush .30 sq. ft. .60 sq. ft. .90 sq. ft.
Rag Rolling .35 sq. ft. .65 sq. ft. .95 sq. ft.
Bagging .40 sq. ft. .70 sq. ft. .00 sq. ft.
Stipple .50 sq. ft. .80 sq. ft. .10 sq. ft. Crackle: .00 - .00 sq. ft.
* Note: Yes - Water Base options do exist to produce Crackle] False Finish: [Minimum Work Space of 100 Square feet]
*Note: A Fantasy Finish is defined as a false finish that looks similar to a true effect found in nature, but it is not exact, somewhat flawed and may have the appearance of being less real.
A True False Finish looks identical to any effect found in nature!
Painted Fresco .00 sq. ft. - .00 sq. ft.
Fantasy Marble / Stone .00 - .00 sq. ft.
True Marble / Stone .00 - .00 sq. ft.
Mediterranean / Antique .00 - .00 sq. ft.
Texture Paper .00 - .00 sq. ft.
Metallic ,00 - .00 sq. ft.
Patina / Verdigris / Rust .00 - .00 sq. ft.
Gild & Leafing: Both Gilding and Leafing is a very old skilled technique; and when done by professional craftsmen that are utilizing precious materials (such as real gold), the outcome is not only breathtaking, but also costly. However, due to modern packaging and short cut products that can provide a cheaper effect, there is a lot of verity in regard to pricing. I would advise making an effort to request a minimum of three bids (quotes) on having any work done; and be sure to verify (on contract) what materials will be used, may it be real precious metals, or else, imitation...
Lastly, techniques can be broken down into either Foil or Rubbing Techniques. Stencil / Stenciling: Stenciling is an age-old specialty that has two basic techniques, which is Blocking (the use of a cut out stencil made from wax paper that can be used in repetition), or else, Freehand (where all stenciling is done by a freehand with the use of paint brush or creative options, such as pencils, markers or paint pens). The price for stenciling can vary greatly depending on the size or complexity of the stencil; however, for a basic stencil that is no more than 6 inches in height and is made up of one to two colors, the following pricing can hold true from simple to more complex: Blocking - .00 - .00 per linear foot Freehand - .00 - .00 per linear foot Cement / Concrete Applications: Cement and Concrete coloring has grown very popular within the last 20 years, and because of this, there are three basic options: Acid Stain - An acid is used to produce color, and even though it is a caustic means to an end, an acid stained surface does provide a more enduring finish.
However, there is little option in controlling the outcome color since cement surface are unpredictable due lye content or the surface condition that can react differently due to wear, elemental weathering or staining due to previous tracked oil products. Once colored, the cement or concrete can be sealed with either a penetrating sealer or surface sealer. Stain Sealer - A cement or concrete sealer can be applied as either a water base or oil base product depending on your needs. Either way, the sealer penetrates the cement until it has reached it saturation point, and thus, stops the penetration of any other liquids. Usually, two or three applications of a color sealer can be applied to a cement / concrete surface; and once a desired effect has been reached, it can be sealed with one or more application of a clear sealer to not only seal the surface, but to also protect the color pattern produced by color sealers.
In regard to basic color patterns, cost for two to three applications of a sealer (may it be color or clear) is - $.85 sq. ft. - .10 sq. ft.; and as for more complex patterns to imitate natural stone, the price variance can be from .50 sq. ft. to .00 sq. ft. depending on the complexity of the pattern. Paint Application - In recent years, there has been the introduction of a great many cement / concrete paint applications that are water based and can successfully be used on resident floors, walkways and driveways. Whatever products that are used, you should verify that the paint product is warranted for your project; and the cost can vary depending the finish, such as a solid color (Two-Applications .25 - .50 sq. ft.), or else, a stone finish application that can be from .00 sq. ft. - .00 sq. ft. depending on the complexity of the finish. Bottom Line: The most import part of any cement / concrete application is in preparation of the surface; and this includes cleaning the surface and not allowing any residue to remain on the surface; and a quick personal note: If the surface is cleaned with water, especially a power washer, be sure to allow the surface to dry out before any applications are applied!
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