Debbie's Paint Projects > Projects > Plastered Arches

Plastered Arches

Tools And Materials Needed

• Sheet rock plaster
• Cream latex paint
• Piece of stiff cardboard
• Pencil
• Elastic painter's tape (tape that bends)
• Spatula
• Sea sponge

Getting Started

1. Cut a piece of cardboard to the width of space between the side of the arch and where you would like the plaster arch to end. Add 2 inches that will be folded around the edge to act as a lip, and hold the cardboard at the same distance from the side. Put a small hole in the other end.
2. Put the pencil in the hole and move the cardboard from the bottom of the arch all the way around to the bottom of the other side, drawing a line as it goes.
3. Tape the outside of the line with elastic tape. Prime and then let dry.
4. Prepare the sheet rock plaster. Tint it with cream latex paint.
5. Apply a skim coat smoothly over the entire beam surface with a spatula. Let dry
6. Apply a second coat smoothly, then to create a bit of texture, go over it with a slightly damp sea sponge. Let dry.
7. Protect the surface with 2 coats of waterbased satin varnish.

Topics covered by this article include: Painting...