the fifth coat is the charm

having done traditional faux finish techniques (ragging on/off, sponging on/off) at lori's condo, we thought we'd go for something new and exciting - a leather finish. we bought a special stippler and off we went. it turns out that the stippling technique is quite time-consuming and the paint dries once you finish the first strip. faux finishers out there know that dry paint and faux finishes do not mix. after several tries and an ill-fated frottage attempt, we discovered our new best friend, floetrol - a paint conditioner that extends dry time.

before & afters:



the faux finish wall (a picture cannot do 5 attempts justice):