Faux Shingles

by Nancy Schnell ~ FairyDust Creations

Editor’s Note: When a visitor had a question about Stenciling Shingles, I really didn’t have an answer — but I did know where to find one! I threw the question out to a group of paint wizards and artist Nancy Schnell provided this response, complete with photos.

The faux shingles on this play house were created with a 3-4″ japan scraper and joint compound. When dry, paint with bright brown paint, and then overglaze with dark brown or black … or whatever color is desired.

There is a product call Fix-all — a powder additive that can be added to joint compound to make it stronger — that should be mixed into the joint compound. The joint compound alone can chip if hit (and we all know that kid’s rooms are meant to be lived in), which will leave a white mark unless the compound has been pre-tinted. Fix-all will help make the compound stronger, and make chipping less likely. Tinting is still a great way to start with the joint compound mixture, then paint and glaze.

The real secret on this project, because of all the moldings in my way and tight work space, was to do everything on heavy vinyl wallpaper (primed for adhesion). I made a paper pattern of each space, cut the wallpaper to size and installed like wallpaper with clay based paste. So easy!