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| Fresco table |
| If you think the age old art of fresco painting is beyond your ability, you'll be pleased to know there's a quick and contemporary method that anyone can do. |
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New presenter Tara Dennis shows us how to transform an old table into a fresco masterpiece. For this project we're using an old cane table with a glass table top. To create a fresco finish we have cut a piece of masonite to which we will attach the canvas.
1 To allow for shrinkage and turn under, cut canvas with 8 - 10cm overhang (on all sides). Place cut board on the canvas and trace around it to get the correct size.
2 In a disposable container, mix plaster. Add small amounts of water if the mixture begins to set. Gradually add plaster to water, stirring continually, but allow to sit before adding more. Make sure the mixture doesn't become too thick.
3 Place canvas on a large plastic covered flat surface and pour plaster onto canvas to a depth of 3 or 4mm. The thinner the plaster, the finer the cracks will be in the finished fresco but, if the mix is too thin it will separate and not set correctly. Apply plaster with your hands or a spatula. If it starts to set, add a small amount of water.
4 Retain a little milky plaster to mix with the paint at a later stage.
5 Allow the plaster to dry. You will know when it is dry enough when you can touch it and your fingerprints do not remain. This is best done overnight.
6 Bend the canvas slightly so that it starts to crack. Tip off excess dust.
7 Either sketch the design onto the plaster surface freehand or enlarge our pattern to fit your project. If you are enlarging, trace the enlarged design onto greaseproof paper. Place the paper over the canvas face side down, and gently draw over the design with a soft pencil. This will transfer the image onto the plaster.
8 Before painting the design, practice using your brush to make lines and fill-in various shapes. It's best to paint 2 or 3 watery layers than one heavy one. When watering down the paint, use the water from the plaster mix that you saved from step 4. Outline the image with watery black or a colour of your choice.
9 Allow a week for the plaster and paint to dry thoroughly. Fold the canvas over the masonite and staple gun from the underside. Finish with varnish or a piece of glass to fit the table top.
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Materials
Table or desired surface for decoration
Plaster of paris (approximately 0.5 — 1kg)
Un-primed art canvas with 8-10cm overhang on all sides.
Acrylic paints
Water based varnish
Selection of brushes, including foam brush or large brush for varnish
Small trowel, spatula or plastic ruler
Ruler
Soft pencil
Jar for water
4L ice cream container or bucket to mix plaster in
Bowl of water
Plastic plate or ice cream lid for palette
Greaseproof paper to trace design if necessary
MDF or masonite the same size as piece of furniture (if needed)
Staple gun or glue gun
Glass to fit table top, if desired
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Cost
Canvas and plaster $6.20
Masonite $4.75
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More Info
Masonite and MDF are available at hardware stores. Other materials available through leading craft stores.
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Disclaimer
All Fact Sheets and other material on the Our House website are provided as a general information service only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the advice of a properly qualified tradesman. Neither ninemsn nor its licensors (including the Nine Network) assume or accept any responsibility for, and will not be liable for the accuracy or appropriate application of any information whatsoever in any Fact Sheet or other material on the Our House web site. Your use of the Our House web site is governed by this disclaimer and the ninemsn's Terms of Use.
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