Fake or not fake: in a nutshell, how much is it supposed to cost?
I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to host a new remodeling show that is premised on teaching television how to find the right contractor at the right price. As for Faux Finishes, I have been a successful Faux Finisher for over 25 years, and have also taught classes on the most basic techniques; and since I have been a project manager for remodeling projects and have also bought and sold properties for profit, I have a lot of experience regarding what a contractor should charge regarding remodeling and finishing work! There is an endless variety of Faux (which is a French term meaning “false”, as in a faux finish), and each faux finish can be easily categorized; and because of this, there can be a simple breakdown regarding price, either per square foot (if it is a surface area of walls, ceilings, floors), per linear foot (if it is trim or units that can be measured by length, such as cabinetry), or by piece (either a piece of furniture or fixtures).
For simplicity, I have listed the most common faux finishes with associated prices below with the understanding that the contractor (if they do not have a Class C license, which is required for painters/finishers/interior designers) will have the minimum of a business license, liability insurance, workers’ compensation (if any employees are provided), and proof of a positive work history which can be found with the provision of a list of references and photos/samples of completed projects. Caveat: Do not hire some idiot who pretends to be a professional and does not have the basic skills described above! Also, please note that all finishes (listed below) can be applied with either a water-based product or a water-based product (water-based products simply have an oil-based personality, but can be clean with soap and water). before its natural curing time); and the relevant importance to you is this: If a faux finish can be correctly applied and completed using a water-based or water-based product, the project can be completed faster than using an oil-based product; And this should translate to lower labor cost! Faux Finish List and Pricing: Washed or Glazed – Most commonly used as wall applications – Price listed below reflects a minimum working space of 500 square feet (calculated by the actual area space being used). ending) with the understanding that a smaller project footprint would incur a higher cost per square foot. As for ceiling applications, there should be an additional cost of 20% due to difficulty.
1-Application 2-Applications 3-Application
Rub $1.15 sq. ft $1.40 per square meter ft $1.60 per square meter ft
Ragging $1.25 sq. ft $1.50 per square foot $1.70 per square foot
Sponge $1.25 sq. ft $1.50 per square foot $1.70 per square foot
Dry brush $1.30 sq. ft $1.60 per square foot $1.90 per square foot
Rag roll $1.35 sq. ft $1.65 per square foot $1.95 per square foot
Bagged $1.40 sq. ft. $1.70 per sq. ft. $2.00 per sq. ft.
Stipple $1.50 sq. ft $1.80 per sq ft $2.10 per sq ft Crackle: $3.00 – $8.00 per sq ft
*Note: Yes, there are water-based options to produce Crackle]False Finish: [Minimum Work Space of 100 Square feet]
*Note: A fantasy finish is defined as a faux finish that resembles a real effect found in nature, but is not exact, has some flaws, and may appear less than real.
A True False Finish looks identical to any effect found in nature!
Fresco painted $3.00 m2 ft – $5.00 m2 ft
Fantasy Marble/Stone $2.00 – $6.00 m2 ft
True Marble/Stone $6.00 – $15.00 m2 ft
Mediterranean / Antique $4.00 – $8.00 m2 ft
Textured paper $3.00 – $10.00 m2 ft
Metallic $3.00 – $6.00 m2 ft
Patina / Verdigris / Rust $3.00 – $8.00 m2 ft
Gild & Leafing: Both Gilding and Leafing is a very old technique; And when done by professional craftsmen using precious materials (such as real gold), the result is not only impressive, but also expensive. However, due to modern packaging and abbreviated products that can provide a more economical effect, there is much truth to pricing. I would advise making an effort to request a minimum of three bids (quotes) for any job; and be sure to check (in the contract) what materials will be used, whether they are real precious metals, or if not, imitation…
Lastly, the techniques can be divided into foil techniques or rubbing techniques. Stencil / Stenciling: Stenciling is an ancient specialty that has two basic techniques, which is Blocking (use of a cut-out stencil made of wax paper that can be used repeatedly), or Freehand (where all the stenciling is done by hand raised with the use of brush or creative options, such as pencils, markers or pens). The template price can vary greatly depending on the size or complexity of the template; however, for a basic template that is no more than 6 inches tall and consists of one or two colors, the following price may apply, from the simplest to the most complex: Blocking – $5.00 – $12.00 per lineal foot Freehand – $8.00 – $15.00 per linear foot Cement/Concrete Applications: Cement and concrete staining has become very popular over the last 20 years, and because of this, there are three basic options: Acid Stain: An acid is used to produce color, and although it is a caustic means to an end, an acid stained surface provides a more durable finish.
However, there are few options to control the resulting color as the cement surface is unpredictable due to lye content or surface condition which may react differently due to wear, elemental weathering or staining due to chemicals. petroleum products tracked above. Once colored, the cement or concrete can be sealed with a penetrating sealer or surface sealer. Stain sealer: A cement or concrete sealer can be applied as a water-based or oil-based product, depending on your needs. Either way, the sealer penetrates the cement until it reaches its saturation point, thereby stopping the penetration of any other liquid. Typically, two or three applications of a colored sealer can be applied to a cement/concrete surface; and once the desired effect has been achieved, it can be sealed with one or more applications of a clear sealer to not only seal the surface, but also to protect the color pattern produced by the colored sealers.
For basic color patterns, the cost of two or three applications of a sealer (either colored or clear) is $0.85 per square meter. ft. – $1.10 per sq. ft.; and as for more complex patterns to imitate natural stone, the price variation can be from $1.50 m2. ft to $3.00 m2 ft depending on the complexity of the pattern. Paint Application – In recent years, a large number of cement/concrete paint applications have been introduced that are water-based and can be used successfully on resident floors, walkways, and driveways. Regardless of the products used, you must verify that the paint product is guaranteed for your project; and cost may vary depending on finish, such as a solid color (Two applications $1.25 – $1.50 sf), or a stone finish application starting at $2.00 sf. ft – $4.00 m2 ft depending on the complexity of the finish. Conclusion: The most important part of any cement/concrete application is surface preparation; 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 with a pressure washer, be sure to let the surface dry before applying any applications!