James, Author at PROPER PAINT & PAPER

Phillip Jeffries Blossom Wallpaper around mirror

Phillip Jeffries Blossom in Porcelain on Japanese Rice Paper

April 4, 2023

by James Mural Wallcoverings

Proper Paint & Paper installed this Phillip Jeffries Custom Blossom Mural on a Japanese Rice Paper Ground. Commissioned by New York Designer Maxwell Regan for a formal dining room in Mclean, Virginia. Phillip Jeffries will custom print on multiple grounds, customize color, scale and feature item placement, and customize panel length.

Our designer, Maxwell Regan, determined not to display traditional art in his formal dining room in McLean, Virginia. Instead, the design focused on a large antique mirror and the Phillip Jeffries custom wallpaper mural. The 10-foot ceilings allowed the scale of the unique Blossom Mural to be enlarged and extended further down the panel for greater visual impact.

With the large window wall of natural light, in addition to openings to the entry foyer and the kitchen, this Blossom wallpaper mural became an artistic cornerstone for this project.

The Phillip Jeffries Blossom Paper prints in a 36-inch wide panel site trimmed to 34-inches. It is printed as a 5 panel repeat. By breaking the pattern and cutting in extra blank ground above the door headers and windows, we were able to further extend the pattern so that there were only two repeats of pattern in the entire room.

Maxwells’ careful consideration to panel the layout greatly enhanced the impact of the blossom feature of the wallpaper, and worked well to address the negative space of the window and door cutouts.

We have installed the Phillip Jeffries Rice Paper Ground on many other occasions, and so we knew what to expect on installation day. Similar to our experiences with our other Phillip Jeffries products, proper technique will yield spectacular results.

This ground needs to be worked clean. No adhesive or water can contact the surface during installation or staining will occur. Our preferred method of installing this product is to double cut the seams on the wall. Roman 880 is my adhesive choice for this application with no additional dilution.

The walls were specced level 5 drywall from the builder, and so no additional wall prep was necessary. Drywall was primed with Benjamin Moore Fresh Start Deep base primer, custom tinted to exactly match the Indigo ground color. The Forbes and Lomax Invisible Wall Plate was base covered in additional plain ground, and then faux finish painted on site, to blend the floral pattern across the only switch in the field.

With proper care and planning, this Phillip Jeffries Blossom large format print can become the art focal point for a room. Designer Maxwell Regan laid out the panels perfectly and we installed it with the careful touch of handling fine art. The finished project speaks for itself and the client is beyond thrilled with the outcome. This was a thrilling and enjoyable project for the team at Proper Paint & Paper.

To Prime or Not To Prime? A 1-2-3 of Primers!

January 20, 2019

by James Paint

Yes, Prime. We prime 90% of what we paint and 100% of what we paper. The only things we don’t prime are repaints that we have painted previously, and know there was a blocking primer applied the first time. Wall Covering Inststiute of America guidelines require a dedicated wall covering primer under all installations. Builders stopped priming a while back when the newest generation of builder flats came out, so anything built in the last 5 years requires primer before any painting or wall covering.

Zinsser 1-2-3 for custom paint and wall covering installs.

Zinsser 1-2-3 is our go to for under our custom paint and wall covering installs. It is a vapor barrier when dried and will keep wall covering adhesive from permeating drywall allowing better seams and easier removal of wall covering. It is available in white and gray, and is custom tint-able. We tint to the background color of the wall covering or 50% of the paint color. It is perfect under Farrow and Ball Estate Emulsion when tinted to exact match will usually allow just two finish coats. It pays for itself with less finish paint required.

Zinsser Gardz comes to the rescue for damaged drywall and paper projects.

Damaged drywall or paper projects with a lot of previous drywall repair get a coat of Zinsser Gardz. This is a clear penetrating primer which will adhere drywall paper, block out drywall mud and spackle, and seal drywall surfaces to allow wall paper removal in the future. It is available in a tint base but we always use the clear.

Zinsser Cover Stain masks lingering odors and serves as a great enamel base.

Zinsser oil-based Cover Stain is great for odors and cigarette tar and is a great enamel under-coater since it sands easily to a smooth powder finish. We use this a lot on custom doors and handrails to hide grain and previous paint attempts and get a quick smooth durable base for enamel.

Water damage or stains? New wood cabinetry? Zinsser BIN is what you need!

Zinsser BIN is an alcohol based primer stain killer designed for repairing water damaged drywall. It dries in minutes and will block out water stains so they don’t bleed through to acrylic finish coats. Also great for quick sealing knot holes and as a spray base for new wood cabinets since the alcohol will not raise the grain and dries quickly.

Custom Wallpaper, Paint, and Molding Project Built Around Mirror Centerpiece

December 15, 2018

by James Paint Special Projects Wallcoverings

“Excuse Me, Can You Build the Panel Molding Around the Art, Please?”

Designers get inspired by something and a whole room idea pops out. Here, A round mirror is going above a bar cart. We were given the dimensions of both before laying out he panel molding for this Great Falls Great Room. Glad Coleman took that geometry class in college.

With the mirror and the bar cart laid out on the wall, the rest of the 25’ by 25’ by 18’ high great room came together easily.

You can still see the layout lines the designer and homeowner signed off on before we started building the panel molding. Some filling and sanding, a little primer and three coats of Benjamin Moore Regal Select Pearl Super White sprayed on site and a panel wall pops out.

A little Philip Jeffries Patterned grass cloth hung above the 9’ high panel molding and this room is ready to furnish.

And here it is. The round mirror and bar cart with their very own room. Bar cart just to the bottom of the rail, check. Round mirror symmetrical to each side but asymmetrical to the panel rails and stiles, check. Look for this room in a magazine in the near future. Fun Project.

What Tools Should I Buy?

November 30, 2018

by James Paint

Standing at the counter at Regal Paints in Silver Spring yesterday morning waiting for my order to be filled, I heard a do-it-yourself-er asking the manager what brush to buy for his project. This was a hard core DIY’er since it was 6:30 am so I chimed in and started a conversation.

First question, What are you painting? He replies, “I’m painting a nursery and a guest bedroom today.” Ambitious I thought, but at least he was starting early. Second question, have you painted before? His reply: “yes, but I never know what brush to buy. I hate to spend $25.00 just for a brush but I fell like the cheaper ones are not as good.” I would agree. Brush technology has evolved with paint technology. In fact, the good brushes we used to use are horrible for the new paint technology.

I led him over and showed him the only brush he will ever need to buy. The Corona Excalibur 3” angled. Equally excellent for Gen x Acrylics, urethanes and long oils. Interchangeable with a cleaning in the proper solvent. He replied, “ I like to use a smaller brush, why the 3”? I replied, “because it will hold enough paint to cut really straight lines, wont drip, and will be just the right size for painting doors and trim.

I gave him a quick primer on only dipping the brush 1/3 into the paint. Tapping the side of the can once instead of wiping the rim. Using the side of the bristles to cut and not the flat of the bristles. How to clean when finished, and to save the cardboard sleeve to store the brush to protect the bristles and keep them straight.

He then asked about special roller covers for the new paint technologies. That’s when we put together this kit of everything he needed to paint a room with the best tools and outcomes. Wooster Superfab roller covers, 3/8” for wall paint, ½” for ceiling flat. A Wooster 9“ roller handle with bearings to roll more evenly with less pressure. A Wooster Shurfab 2-4’ extension pole with quick connect to save your back and make your rolling more efficient and paint application more even. A one gallon size roller tray to hold ½ gallon of paint and give you lots of room to load the roller and roll off excess paint without refilling the tray every 5 minutes. And lastly, one gallon size disposable tray liners to make keeping your paint clean easier and make final cleanup as easy as disposing the tray liner. Get 10 liners so you can switch out easily if you take a break and for lunch. New paint tends to clump after a hour or so in the tray. Change liners often to keep paint clean. I wonder if he got finished in one day!!?

Hanging Art After Wallpaper Installation & Paint Renovation

November 15, 2018

by James Special Projects

“Excuse me, Could You Help Me Hang This Art?”

We hear this a lot. I guess after spending weeks in peoples’ homes they see the work process and see the rooms come together and then are anxious to have the art rehung. Definitely not as easy as it looks. Especially hanging heavier pieces, mirror and groupings. This was all the above, and oh yeah, “can you help us put the mirrors together also, please? Sure.

Here are the frames just back from the faux finishers.

And here are the mirror inserts installed from the back with glazier points to hold the mirror but allow the frame to move with the seasons.

A couple of quick measurements and fire up the two-axis laser and we are ready for the confirmation of the final layout.

Measure twice and don’t repair the walls at all and these are ready to hang. Perfect. Now just waiting on the custom sideboard to be delivered. Remind me to blog about hanging art for Roy Lichtenstein’s sister in her apartment in Chevy Chase a couple years ago before we knew she was Roy Lichtenstein’s sister and before we knew all the prints we were hanging were number 1 originals. This was a productive and fun day for us and our client!

Farrow & Ball Helleborus Wallpaper laid out

Wallpaper Inspiration: Big Farrow & Ball Prints in Powder Rooms

October 29, 2018

by James Wallcoverings

Looking for creative wallpaper inspiration for a powder room renovation?

More of my designers are breaking the rules and using big, open, drop-matched prints in powder rooms, bars and entryways. How refreshing to see some fresh wallpaper inspiration, and not to have the traditional little powder room VINES!

Powder Room Wallpaper Inspiration: Big Prints from Farrow & Ball. — Farrow & Ball “Helleborus.” Creative wallpaper inspiration for a powder room renovation.

Today’s install was Farrow and Ball “Helleborus” in a modern total-home renovation in Kensington, MD. Look at the pretty box it comes in.

Farrow & Ball Designer Wallpaper. We offer consults, ordering and installation. — Farrow & Ball Wallpaper Box.

I can help you purchase designer wallpaper at the best price. Get in touch here.

This is a drop-match paper so the pattern drops down on each sheet. Pay attention to drop match specs when measuring and ordering especially with a big 50” repeat. Layout is critical before ordering.

Farrow & Ball “Helleborus.” Drop Match Paper Layout. Kensington, MD.

Expert Installation Technique

This is a real English paper and will expand and contract when pasted.

Velcro method is the best install for this product. Paste the Primed wall with Roman 880 diluted to thin paint consistency and allow to dry:

Bench Paste paper with Roman 880 diluted to thick glue consistency with water.
Roll paste on table since pasting machine will stretch the print.
Book edges perfectly and place into plastic trash bag for 12 minutes.
Book each piece approximately the same amount of time to keep expansion consistent.

Bring to wall and hang carefully without stretching leaving a visible gap the width of the paper between sheets. Work the paper wet face with a smoothing tool and wet sponge. Quick tip: Any glue tracks under paper WILL NOT dry out.

Smooth down center and then out to sides paying attention not to tear seams. After sheet is worked and smoothed bring seam together with wet sponge and set with smoothing tool. More tips: Do not seam roll this product. Break blades often since wallpaper will be very soft and will pull and tear with a dull blade.

Interested in seeing Farrow & Ball’s latest styles? Click here. We at Proper Paint & Paper would be happy to provide a free consultation on your wallpaper project, place an order, and help with install.

Christopher Farr “Carnival” Brings Amusement to this Small Adams Morgan Entry

October 22, 2018

by James Paint Wallcoverings

This original c.1904 Adams Morgan entry was still rocking the original green lacquer wall tile wainscoting in perfect condition. We spent some time getting the replacement front door and original interior door ready for paint and then busted out three coats of Fine Paints of Europe Hollandlac Satin Oil to make them the best looking entry doors in Adams Morgan.

Fine Paints of Europe Hollandlac Satin Oil. Entry Doors. Adams Morgan, Washington, DC.

Then it was time for the main attraction. This “Carnival” non woven wall covering from Christopher Farr steals the sideshow. It is such a large pattern that it doesn’t repeat in this entry. It is beautiful to work with and seams invisible. Surface is a paper hand feel but is wipeable. It looks like it has always been there and compliments the tile wainscoting beautifully. It should wear well.

Christopher Farr “Carnival” Installed in c. 1904 Adams Morgan Entry. Washington, DC.

Big wide open patterns in small areas are a common theme developing with some of my designers. Long thought taboo, it really works to make small spaces visually interesting. This custom light fixture specified by Iantha Carley Interiors certainly doesn’t hurt the eyes either.

Custom Light Fixture. c. 1904 Adams Morgan Entry. Washington, DC.

Christopher Farr “Carnival” is a pleasure to work with. Roman 880 adhesive thinned to shampoo consistency and applied directly to primed walls. This is non-woven so paste the wall with full wet coat of paste. Hang paper and smooth. Wipe with damp sponge to remove adhesive from face. Tape with yellow tape and double cut seam on the wall. This paper seams invisible. Seams can not be felt or seen. BEAUTIFUL product and design!!!!!

Paint tape masking to create faux stripes

Faux Stripes are Hot Again

October 15, 2018

by James Paint

Faux Stripes are hot again. After hours of wall prep and primer/base coat, layout, laser and level work, and rolls and rolls and rolls of green tape the top coat goes on.

A long nervous lunch hour in Alexandria, VA follows while the top coat dries. It’s show time. The tape is peeled and there are the metallic gold stripes hiding underneath.

Grand Reveal – Gold Metallic Faux Stripes. Alexandria, VA.

It is so much harder to do than on TV.

Urethane stripes start the same way with prep, primer and base coat. Then hours of green tape.

Urethane Stripes Prep Work. Georgetown, Washington, DC.

Note I said green tape since we started this job with a new yellow tape our vendor told us was so wonderful and wanted us to try and we had a big FAIL! Applied the green tape and two coats of Semigloss urethane letting it dry between coats and scuffing with green scrub pads. An hour of dry time and it’s show time. The client was so excited she was present when the tape was pulled. Luckily we knew we had a winner with these stripes in Georgetown , DC.

Grand Reveal: Green Urethane Stripes. Georgetown, Washington, DC.

Then there is the classic two or multi-color stripe. Same prep and prime and base coat, darker color. Dry and tape-in stripes. Try to let room features dictate layout so there are no weird transitions. Top coat with lighter color, two coats. Peel tape while paint is still soft. Another home run on these Zebra Stripes in Alexandria, VA.

Sikkens SRD and Door and Window Clear Finish to the Rescue

October 11, 2018

by James Paint

Today we are in Kensington, Maryland, to fix the finish on a clear cedar front entry. The contractor who did the renovation used a home center clear finish with a well known name. It was put on in June so lasted a little less than four months. Unfortunately when the finish fails, mildew grows quickly.

Sikkens Clear Finish Repair for Cedar Front Entry Entry & Accents. Kensington, MD.

After Cleaning with a solution of TSP and Bleach mixed with water, scrubbing with a coarse brush and letting dry, it is time to put a real finish on.

Sikkens SRD Dark Oak & Sikkens SRD Satin Clear Finish. Used for exterior cedar wood. Kensington, MD.

Sikkens SRD Dark Oak matches the factory Parkflex™ finish perfectly. One coat of stain applied with a green scrubby scrubbing into the surface, wait 5 minutes and wipe with the grain with a clean sponge. Allow to dry 24 hours.

Sikkens Clear Cedar Finish Repair for Exterior Accents. Kensington, MD.

After 24 hours, scuff with dry green pad and wipe surface. Do not use steel wool. Apply first coat of Sikkens SRD Satin Clear with a chinex brush. Brush into surface with grain. Apply a full coat but back brush to remove excess and prevent dripping. Tape adjacent surfaces to prevent brush marks against the grain. This finish should last a while, but will never peel or flake. Maintenance is simply wash with detergent and apply additional coat of Sikkens SRD Satin as need for UV protection.

Sikkens Clear Cedar Finish Repair for Cedar Front Entry Entry & Accents. Kensington, MD.

Magnetic Primer & Blackboard Paint

October 10, 2018

by James Paint

We have finally found a product combination that works! Magnetic primer and paint has been around for a while, but never really caught on, mainly because it didn’t work. You had to use industrial strength magnets and even they didn’t hold more than a single post-it.

Not any more. We have found a combination for two magnetic primers and a non toxic top coat which makes a truly magnet holding surface which is also a durable chalk board.

Perfect for menu and store list walls, home offices, and children’s playrooms. These lucky kids in McLean, VA got a big blackboard wall which is also magnet holding downstairs next to their custom playhouse.

Painted Magnetic Chalk Wall. Playroom, Private Residence. McLean, VA.

We installed the carpet today for the finished product. Lucky Kids!!

Papered Switch Plates and Heater Registers

August 9, 2018

by James Wallcoverings

Papered register returns are possible with most paper. They definitely look better than just painting, and are usually worth the effort. The only papers which really limit covering are the heavier grass cloths. The heavy natural fibers don’t bend around the curves very well and tend to break, leaving open fibers. The solution is then to spray the grids with a color close to the background color of the paper.

For switch plates the same limitations apply. Most papers will allow covering properly prepared metal switch plates. Again the heavier natural fiber papers tend to break when bent and force other solutions

Forbes and Lomax have a really great line of invisible plates with a metal back plate that is flat. These will accept any paper, and provide a good solution for a more tailored look. These are also great in powder and bathrooms since the back plate paper is covered by clear acrylic so it can be disinfected easily without staining the paper underneath. They are also available in standard decora outlets and switches where a sanitary or high wear application may make them desirable.

Symmetry Series: Part 3

August 9, 2018

by James Restaurants Wallcoverings

Continuing the recent theme of symmetry, grass cloths and natural and silk fiber panels create a unique installation demand. Natural panels always show a seam and usually show shading between panels. Tricks like reversing the panels and using the material in numbered sequence from the factory help, but individual panels still show. Installations always look much more planned when panel symmetry is maintained.

The Phillip Jefferies “Bermuda Hemp” 5286 Cocoa made it easy. One trick is to make the end panels a little smaller then the field as the corner shadow tricks the eye, here giving 5 symmetrical panels along the focal wall. Big modern art is on the way for this beautiful Bethesda Dining Room. Keep the symmetry flowing around corners and pay attention to headers and above doors. We think of these rooms as tailored suits when laying out and hanging natural fabrics.

Phillip Jefferies “Bermuda Hemp” 5286 “Cocoa” Photo courtesy of Iantha Carley Interiors, Private Residence Bethesda, MD

Installers Notes: Roman 880 thinned about 20% with clean water to shampoo consistency. With A 3/8 roller apply a nice thin even coat on the back and book paying attention to getting no adhesive over the edges onto the fabric. Book for 10 minutes and hang to the wall overlapped on yellow tape. Trim and make the seam immediately and remove the tape on a 45* angle to the panel to avoid fraying the cut edges. Work steadily as the tape on the surface will oxidize the panel and create a shadow line. Consider panel symmetry when measuring and installing. Use panels off the rool and maintain factory roll sequencing, including cuts at headers and doors. Will tolerate a damp sponge during install but “BLOT ONLY”, do not scrub.

Sidenote: Lunch today is Raku in Bethesda MD. Be sure to try the cold noodle soup on their summer special menu, it’s a meal by itself. My go to lunch at Raku for the last 10years is the Soba Noodle Red Curry with chicken or beef. Wok fired soshito peppers in fish sauce and soy was also a great appetizer special today. My partner always gets the tuna Tartar with the Kale salad as an appetizer.

Symmetry Series: Part 2

August 9, 2018

by James Wallcoverings

Some architectural aspects and features of the home can not be helped when doing wall paper layout. Wall ends, uneven window heights, uneven or non symmetrical door spacing on the wall. With Linear patterns and prints, it is imperative to see where the symmetry needs to be maintained and lay out accordingly.

This converted bar and wine fridge space has a recessed mirror pocket which is the first thing you see entering the room or from the open door from the formal living room. Maintaining the symmetry of the outside corner and the return to the mirror made this Zoffany Quartz Collection “Spark”pattern look fantastic in this application.

Symmetry Series: Part 1

August 9, 2018

by James Wallcoverings

Some architectural aspects and features of the home can not be helped when doing wall paper layout. Wall ends, uneven window heights, uneven or non symmetrical door spacing on the wall. With Larger patterns and prints, it is imperative to see where the symmetry needs to be maintained and lay out accordingly.

This two story entry foyer in Alexandria, VA had many hard lines, starts and stops, but the most important focal point to maintain symmetry was this antique mirror between two door frames. This is on the lower level between the formal dining room and the hall to the bar/kitchen. It is also the focal point coming down the main stair case. Laying out the entire stair install so that symmetry was maintained around this mirror and the adjoining two door frames made this install a home run.

Phillip Jeffries “Rivets” Wallcovering

July 31, 2018

by James Wallcoverings

Today we finished installing Phillip Jeffries “Rivets” Wall covering in a Poker Room in Great Falls, Virginia. This install was the stock Phillip Jeffries Bronze Rivet on Jute Backing.

Custom colors are available with a 5 week lead and a custom strike charge from your supplied paint or fabric samples.

This is a medium Jute background and although the seams are noticeable on close up inspection they are not obvious and the panel shading is consistent and not obvious. The product is easy to work and the seams cut straight and flat with wall double cut over yellow tape our preferred way to install this. Paper dries flat with consistent shrinkage. Installation Moisture on the surface dries invisible with no dye discoloration. Order width is 36” but it trims to an exact 34”. Pay special attention to room symmetry when measuring as this looks best when art or highlights are symmetrical and floor and ceiling cuts are even and consistent. A Two plane laser was used to hold both plumb and level through.

Adhesive was Roman 880 diluted with less than 10% water. Adhesive should still hold roller peaks. Paste with a ½” roller. Paste field liberally but lighten up on edges to prevent seam staining. Stiff brush and smoothing tool but no seam roller was necessary.

A Forbes & Lomax invisible papered switch in Bronze was perfect to finish off this install. Special Thanks to Iantha Carley Interiors, Phillip Jeffries LTD and Forbes & Lomax Inc.

Phillip Jeffries “Tease” Installation

July 15, 2018

by James Wallcoverings

Todays installation is Phillip Jeffries “Tease” from the Phillip Jeffries Passport Collection.

This is a 36” wide print on Jute. Custom colors are available with your supplied paint or fabric sample. When measuring note the 5.7” pattern repeat up the roll and also note the pattern runs up slightly with each graphic by design. This created a really neat optical illusion in this crowded rear entry with so many vertical references.

Paper is heavy and was pasted with Roman 880 diluted just enough water to roll smoothly with a ½” nap roller. Yellow tape and double cut on the wall made these seams nearly invisible. A dual plane laser is absolutely necessary to keep this plumb as the pattern rises slightly by design. It is 36’ wide stock but trims to an exact 34”.

It is available in 12 yard rolls to minimize pattern match waste. It is coated so installation moisture dries invisible. Use in roll sequence to avoid panel shading. It dries with predictable shrinkage and seams dry flat and tight. It has a rugged hand feel and looks like it will hold up well in the often used rear entry.

Special thanks to Iantha Carley Interiors and Phillip Jeffries LTD.

All posts by : James

Phillip Jeffries Blossom in Porcelain on Japanese Rice Paper

Wallpaper Mural Blooms with Life in Formal Dining Room

Creating a Continuous Bloom Pattern with Wallpaper Panels

Working with Phillip Jeffries Rice Paper

A Wallpaper Mural with a Fine Art Feel

Let's Talk About Your Next Project

To Prime or Not To Prime? A 1-2-3 of Primers!

Let's Talk About Your Next Project

Custom Wallpaper, Paint, and Molding Project Built Around Mirror Centerpiece

What Tools Should I Buy?

Let's Talk About Your Next Project

Hanging Art After Wallpaper Installation & Paint Renovation

Let's Talk About Your Next Project

Wallpaper Inspiration: Big Farrow & Ball Prints in Powder Rooms

Looking for creative wallpaper inspiration for a powder room renovation?

Expert Installation Technique

Let's Talk About Your Next Project

Christopher Farr “Carnival” Brings Amusement to this Small Adams Morgan Entry

Let's Talk About Your Next Project

Faux Stripes are Hot Again

Let's Talk About Your Next Project

Sikkens SRD and Door and Window Clear Finish to the Rescue

Let's Talk About Your Next Project

Magnetic Primer & Blackboard Paint

Let's Talk About Your Next Project

Papered Switch Plates and Heater Registers

Let's Talk About Your Next Project

Symmetry Series: Part 3

Let's Talk About Your Next Project

Symmetry Series: Part 2

Let's Talk About Your Next Project

Symmetry Series: Part 1

Let's Talk About Your Next Project

Phillip Jeffries “Rivets” Wallcovering

Let's Talk About Your Next Project

Phillip Jeffries “Tease” Installation

Let's Talk About Your Next Project