U.S. patent application number 11/140628 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-06 for apparatus for creating a faux finish.
Invention is credited to Winbauer, Jean Marie.
Application Number | 20050217051 11/140628 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37482111 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050217051 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Winbauer, Jean Marie |
October 6, 2005 |
Apparatus for creating a faux finish
Abstract
This invention is an apparatus and method of making the
apparatus, for creating a faux finish on a paintable surface. The
apparatus includes a polyvinyl alcohol block having first and
second ends, and a longitudinal body extending between the first
and second ends. The body also includes at least one planar
painting surface and a beveled surface located adjacent the first
end of the body.
Inventors: |
Winbauer, Jean Marie;
(Merrifield, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Roger L. Belfay
829 Tuscarora Avenue
Saint Paul
MN
55102
US
|
Family ID: |
37482111 |
Appl. No.: |
11/140628 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11140628 |
May 27, 2005 |
|
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10103168 |
Mar 20, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
15/244.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05C 17/00 20130101;
B05D 1/42 20130101; B44D 5/00 20130101; B44D 3/22 20130101; B05D
5/06 20130101; B44D 5/10 20130101; B44D 2/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
015/244.4 |
International
Class: |
A47K 007/02 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1) An apparatus for creating a faux finish on a surface comprising:
a polyvinyl alcohol block including: (a) a first end; (b) a second
end; (c) a longitudinal body extending between the first and second
ends, said body including at least one planar painting surface; and
a first beveled surface located at the first end of the body.
2) The apparatus of claim 1 further including a second beveled
surface located adjacent the second end of the body.
3) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a cross-section of the
longitudinal body is a square.
4) The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least one planar surface
intersects a second planar surface forming and edge, said edge
being rounded over.
5) The apparatus of claim 4 further including a second beveled
surface located adjacent the second end of the body.
6) The apparatus of claim 4 wherein a cross-section of the
longitudinal body is a square.
7) A method of making an apparatus for creating a faux finish
comprising: (a) shaping a block of polyvinyl alcohol to a desired
shape, (b) soaking said block of polyvinyl alcohol for at least 24
hours in a solution comprising water and Latex Polyurethane.
8) The method of claim 7 further comprising the step of rounding at
least one edge of said block of polyvinyl alcohol.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The application listed below is the only application related
to this application. This application is a continuation-in-part of
Utility Patent application No. 10/103168 filed on Mar. 20,
2002.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERAL SPONSORSHIP
[0002] No invention claimed in this application was made under
Federally sponsored research or development.
SPECIFICATION
[0003] The present invention is directed to an apparatus for
creating a faux finish on a surface and the method of making said
apparatus. One example embodiment of the present invention is
directed to an apparatus for creating a faux finish on a surface.
The apparatus includes a polyvinyl alcohol block. One example of
the method of making the apparatus includes presoaking the
polyvinyl alcohol block in a solution of water and Latex
Polyurethane.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0004] Faux finish is a particular form of decorative painting that
creates the appearance of an artistic effect or appearance on a
paintable surface. Typically, a person employing skilled and
artistic decorative techniques creates faux finishes. These
techniques are used to replicate many natural surfaces, such as
rock, marble, or stucco. Creation of faux finishes is desirable
because use of the natural materials that are being simulated by
the faux finish is costly and can be difficult to manufacture or
install with natural materials. For example, it is usually not
cost-effective to use natural materials on an irregularly shaped
surface. Utilizing a faux finish overcomes these problems and also
permits utilizing non-traditional colors that coordinate with other
interior elements.
[0005] Traditional faux finish techniques require a variety of
specialized materials, such as paints, solvents, coloring agents,
brushes, and sponges. Traditional processes are time consuming and
generally require a high degree of skill to create a variety of
faux finishes. Also, the typical equipment can be difficult to work
with, and its use time consuming. Set-up for using traditional faux
finish equipment and techniques is also time consuming because
generally the edge and surrounding areas must be covered with a
masking material to keep paint from being applied to the masked
areas. Therefore improvements are desirable.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] One example embodiment of the present invention is directed
to an apparatus for creating a faux finish on a surface. The
apparatus includes a polyvinyl alcohol block. The polyvinyl block
includes a first end, a second end and a longitudinal body
extending between the first and second ends. The body includes at
least one planar painting surface. The apparatus further includes a
beveled surface located adjacent the first end of the body.
[0007] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a
method for creating a faux finish on a surface. The method includes
a step of providing a polyvinyl alcohol block having a first end, a
second end, a longitudinal body extending between the first and
second ends, the body including at least one planar painting
surface, and the block further including a first beveled surface
located adjacent the first end of the body. The method further
includes the steps of applying paint to the surface with a paint
applicator, and creating a desired faux finish effect by
manipulating the painting surface against the surface.
[0008] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a
method for painting. The method includes the steps of applying a
paint to a work surface, contacting a polyvinyl alcohol painting
surface against the work surface, manipulating the paint on the
work surface with the polyvinyl alcohol block, and creating a
decorative painting effect. The above summary of the present
invention is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or
every implementation of the present invention. The Figures and the
detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these
embodiments, to which the invention is not so limited.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of a
painting apparatus.
[0010] FIG. 2A is perspective view of a paint applicator from the
front side.
[0011] FIG. 2B is perspective view of the paint applicator of FIG.
2A from the reverse side.
[0012] FIG. 3 is perspective view of colors being applied to a
paintable surface using the paint applicator of FIGS. 2A and
2B.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the painting apparatus of
FIG. 1 being manipulated to create a faux finish.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the painting apparatus of
FIG. 1 being used to paint a wall without masking an adjacent
ceiling.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the painting apparatus of
FIG. 1 being used to paint a wall without masking an object
adjacent to the painted area.
[0016] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and
alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of
example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should
be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the
invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary,
the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The present disclosure is applicable to painting. In
particular, the present disclosure is directed to an apparatus, and
a method for making said apparatus, for creating faux finishes on
paintable or painted surfaces. While the present invention is not
so limited, an appreciation of various aspects of the invention
will be gained through a discussion of the examples provided
below.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, shown is an example embodiment of a
painting apparatus 100 of the present invention. Painting apparatus
100 is a polyvinyl alcohol block 110 including first and second
ends 112, 114. A longitudinal body 116 extends between first and
second ends 112, 114. The body 116 includes at least one planar
painting surface 118. The block 110 further includes a first
beveled surface 120 located at the first end 112 and a second
beveled surface 122 located at the second end 114. While the
example embodiment shown includes two beveled surfaces, only one
beveled surface is required. The painting apparatus 100 also
includes a detailing edge 124 formed by the intersection of the
planar painting surface 118 and the first beveled surfaced 120.
[0019] The block is made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), which
unexpectedly has been found to have excellent release and retention
characteristics that make the material particularly useful for faux
finish painting. PVA is available in stock form from a variety of
manufacturers, including Harvard International. The stock form is
generally in the shape of an elongated block, and the beveled
surfaces 120, 122 of the present invention can be made by cutting
or sawing the stock form into the desired shape of the present
invention. In the example embodiment shown, the block has a square
cross-sectional shape. Other cross-sectional shapes can be used,
for example a triangle or rectangle, depending on the conditions
and surroundings of the surface to be painted.
[0020] The block made from polyvinyl alcohol does not perform well
as sold for its intended purpose as a drying tool. However, soaking
the PVA block in a solution of 4 parts water and 1 part Latex
Polyurethane for a period of at least twenty-four hours provides
the desired balance between retention and release characteristics
required for efficient faux finish work.
[0021] Other formulae were tested to determine if other soaking
solutions would produce the desired change in the PVA block. New
PVA Blocks were soaked in several solutions for a period of 24
hours. Those solutions were a 4 to 1 ratio of Water to the
following additives:
[0022] #1 Flat Latex Paint
[0023] #2 Semi-Gloss Latex Paint
[0024] #3 Dull Finish Latex Polyurethane
[0025] In addition, a control PVA Block (#4) was soaked in a
solution of Water ONLY. After soaking, each Block was tested by
using it to perform the exact same finish with the exact same
formula on exactly the same surface. Block #1 performed no better
or worse than previously tested traditional industry tools. Block
#2 performed slightly better than #1, but with much less quality
than Blocks we have been using constantly in the performance of our
designs. Block #3 performed to the EXACT standards we have come to
expect from the blocks currently in use (except for the lines
caused by the sharp edges). Control Block #4 performed much the
same as Block #1.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the beveled surface 120 allows
the painting surface 118 to be used to create a faux finish on a
paintable surface 210 to be painted without the use of masking
materials because the beveled surface 120 allows the beveled edge
120 of the painting surface 118 to come into proximity to an edge
220 of the paintable surface 210 without contacting any surrounding
surface 240 or object 230. Eliminating or reducing the need for
masking saves time in the faux finish painting process.
[0027] In many envisioned embodiments the PVA block includes a
number of planar surfaces which intersect forming edges. It was
expected that such edges would provide for crisp boundaries where
paint application would terminate because the block's direction of
motion was changed. This feature is not an advantage when applying
faux finishes. It is desirable to blend the edge of one painted
area into the next as the finish is applied, in sections, to an
area much larger then each individual application section. To
facilitate this blending operation the said edges of the block were
rounded. Said edges should be rounded to a radius of approximately
1 eighth of an inch for satisfactory blending characteristics.
However, it is envisioned that a large range of radii may be chosen
and even edges with non uniform rounding may be satisfactorily
employed. In PVA blocks with multiple edges different rounding
characteristics may be applied to different edges.
[0028] The bevel angle 126 is preferably between 15 and 60 degrees,
but one of skill in the art will recognize that the bevel angle can
be varied to accommodate the surrounding areas 240 and objects 230
while eliminating or reducing the need for masking. In one
preferred embodiment, the beveled surface 120 is oriented at a
bevel angle 126 of about 25 degrees with respect to the planar
painting surface 118.
[0029] The painting apparatus 100 can be used to create a variety
of faux finishes 200. Before the faux finish 200 is created, one or
more colors of paint 301 are applied to the surface 210 or wall to
be painted. If only a single color is to be applied, any convenient
method of application can be used, including using a paint
applicator such as a brush or a sponge. If it is desired to apply
multiple colors, for example, to be blended or textured together,
the preferred paint applicator is a mitt 300, FIGS. 2A and 2B. When
using the mitt 300 to apply one or more colors, the desired color
or colors of paint are applied to different areas of the mitt 300.
For example, up to eight different colors can be blended on the
surface 210 or wall using different areas of the mitt 300; the heel
312 of the hand, finger tip area 314, middle 316, and side 318 on
the palm side 310 of the mitt 300, and the heel of the hand 322,
finger tip area 324, middle 326, and side 328 on the reverse side
320 of the mitt 300. Some care should be exercised to prevent color
blending on the mitt 300, unless this is a desired result, as the
colors of paint are dabbed from the mitt 300 onto the surface 210
or wall 310 in an approximate 12-inch by 12-inch area.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 4, to create a desired faux 200 finish
effect, the painting apparatus 100 is lightly pressed in the middle
305 or other accessible portion, as circumstances may dictate, of
the dabbed area 303 and then moved in a large, circular motion
(similar to polishing the surface), until the colors of paint are
blended and spread out to cover an area of approximately 2-foot by
2-foot, leaving the edge of the area feathered. One advantage of
this method is that each area covered with paint can be done in a
very short time. The preceding steps are repeated in another area
until the entire surface to be painted is covered. An advantage of
using the painting apparatus of the present invention is that
creating a faux finish 200 on an 8-foot by 10-foot wall requires
substantially less paint than existing faux finishing tools and
methods.
[0031] Using the above described apparatus and method, a variety of
faux finishes can be created. Soaking or otherwise hydrating the
painting apparatus 100 in water, a solution of water and paint, a
solution of water and polyurethane, or any equivalent solution for
re-hydration, so that it retains water while being used to create
faux effects enables the effects described below. The present
disclosure can be used with a variety of paints, including aqueous
paints, latex based paints, or oil based paints. When used with oil
based paints the painting apparatus 100 should be soaked or
hydrated using paint thinner, extender or other equivalent
solution. When using a latex paint, the present disclosure is
specially effective in blending multiple colors into a thin
consistent layer on flat surfaces.
[0032] Examples of some of the faux finishes that can be
accomplished using only the painting apparatus 100 and the paint
applicator are hereinafter described. Various types of decorative
painting for flat walls can be accomplished. To create a one layer,
single color blended finish about 3 or 4 spots of one color of
paint from the paint applicator are dabbed on the wall. The
painting apparatus is wicked and blending starts in the middle of
the paint spots that are then blended softly outward to feathered
edges.
[0033] To create a suede finish, the same procedure as one layer,
single color blend is carried out. However, a base background paint
of a medium tone, natural color is applied to the surface. A finish
color that is one shade lighter than the base color is used, and is
blended sufficiently to allow a portion of the base color to show
through. A leather finish can be created using the same technique
as the suede finish, except the finish color used is one shade
darker than the base color.
[0034] To create a one layer, multiple color blend, about 1 or 2
spots of each color of paint from the paint applicator (from 2 to
10 colors) are dabbed on the wall. The painting apparatus is wicked
and blending begins in the middle of the paint spots, that are then
blended softly outward to feathered edges. To create a two layer,
single color blend, that adds more dimension and depth, the same
technique as the one layer, single color blend is used, and in
addition, when the first layer is dried, a second layer of a
different color is added.
[0035] To create a stone finish, the same procedure as one layer,
single color blend is used, except the background finish is white
or cream color. To enhance the stone finish, about 3 neutral or
natural colors are used for the finish. To create a marble finish,
the same procedure as the stone finish is used. After the stone
finish dries, the detailing edge of the beveled surface of the
painting apparatus is dipped in one of the colors on the painting
applicator, that is then used to create veining in the marble. Less
pressure on the detailing edge produces a thinner line, and more
pressure on the detailing edge widens the veining line. The
painting apparatus is then used to softly blend the veins. Endless
varieties of other faux finishes can be accomplished using the
present disclosure. For example, one of skill in the art will
recognize that using a combination of the above techniques allows
one to create aging and darkening finishes, a sky and clouds
finish, a two layer metallic finish, and a multiple layer finish.
An advantage of the present disclosure is that adjustment layers
can be easily applied. Since paint coloration is difficult for most
people to do with accuracy and precision, the painting apparatus
makes application of an adjustment layer easy because of the
ability of painting apparatus to produce an almost transparent
layer, thereby making color adjustment easier by the addition of a
second layer.
[0036] The painting apparatus can also be used for decorative
painting for textured finishes. The painting apparatus enables the
user to accomplish additive and subtractive techniques at the same
time on textured surfaces. The detailing edge of the painting
apparatus can be used to push paint into crevices at the same time
the painting surface or beveled surface removes paint from the top
of the texture to create the appearance of depth. Also, the
painting surface of the painting apparatus can be used to apply
paint to only the top of the textured surface without tracking
paint into the crevices, which also adds depth.
[0037] A textured finish includes any paintable surface where a
first part of the surface is raised, and a second part of the
surfaces has crevices. Examples of textured finishes are wood or
plastic that includes carvings or impressions, raised wood grain in
wood, scrunched paper bags glued to the wall, wicker, plaster,
sheet rock, mud or cement with impressions, frieses, paintable
moldings, sculptured murals, stones and bricks. Fresco and Venetian
plaster finishes can also be created using the present disclosure.
To create fresco and Venetian plaster effects, after plaster or
sheetrock mud has dried it is re-wetted with the painting surface
of a water saturated painting apparatus. Paint colors are then
applied from a clean paint applicator to the wetted plaster or mud
area. The present invention should not be considered limited to the
particular examples described above, but rather should be
understood to cover all aspects of the invention as fairly set out
in the attached claims. Various modifications, equivalent
processes, as well as numerous structures to which the present
invention may be applicable will be readily apparent to those of
skill in the art to which the present invention is directed upon
review of the instant specification.
* * * * *