Faux Painting for Profit

Hi Debra,

I’ve just given a bid on a job that I was pretty much lost on, as to what to charge for the work that was being asked. In the 25+ years that I have been in the painting and decorating trade, I feel that I have pretty much mastered most areas of creative decorating, except for faux finishing and the many, many different styles and techniques.

I’m not intimidated by the creative aspects of faux finishing, I just need to learn the techniques and steps in order to achieve the look that I am aiming for. I am also an oil artist whom specializes in wildlife artworks, so being creative comes quite natural to me. So, with all this being said, here’s the problem that I have ran into. A talented faux finisher began a project on Ethel’s house, he used what appears to me to be a textured faux finish ( Venetian plaster)? On the kitchen walls. I detect at least four different colors in the finish.

And a paint and stain finish on the doors and woodwork. He was suppose to continue on to one small bathroom and two larger bathrooms, walls and ceilings, with the same textured faux finish, also a long hallway with an entry. The only difference is the colors. He charged $7000 for the project, began the project, then, pulled off to another job, having two not so skilled painters fill in for him. He collected the last $1000 on the job then disappeared.

Leaving over 75% of the job completely unfinished. My problem is to figure out how he achieved the finish that he created and to price the cost for the completion of the job. With trial and error I have little doubt that I can recreate the pre existing finish, I think? ha ha.

But I have no idea how to guesstimate a project like this. So this is what I did, I asked her what she had left in her budget to have this project completed. She told me $4000 and that she maybe could go as high as $4.500 if she had to. This includes materials. I asked for $4.200 to finish the project. I honestly have little idea if I am to high or to low. This also includes finishing both sets of cabinets in two of the bathrooms. She wants a weathered wood effect on both sets and the kitchen and hallway ceilings with slight texture and faux finish. Sorry for this long story, your opinion is important to me, please let me know what you think. Thank you so much for your time.

Sincerely

And My answer –

Hello , you are asking a very tough question indeed.

Without seeing the job and type of finish for myself – I really cannot give you much advice. Matching a faux finish is one of the hardest things to do in the business. And if the previous painter did not leave the exact materials and color formulas then you are left to figure everything out on your own. And because you mentioned the finish being multi colored and layered, then it will be even harder for you to do a match.

First of all, I would charge your client for the time that it will take you to actually come up with a color match. This is very tedious work. And then if you are not 100% right on with what you come up with, then I would suggest to your client that you may need to do the entire space over so that everything matches.

As far as the actual pricing. This varies tremendously based on the area that you are working in, the material costs, travel expenses, business expenses, whether or not your are hiring help, and also factoring in your hourly or daily rates that you want to get paid yourself. I cannot tell you whether or not your $4000 price is too high or too low. If the job is going to take you 2 weeks (5 days per week) then that would mean your business is getting $400 per day. That would probably be too low considering all the other costs that you will need to take care of prior to paying yourself.

So, you really have to factor everything in and break it down and come up with an estimated price that would be fair and acceptable and worthwhile for you.

I do wish you all the best and hope that this job will work out for you. Please keep me posted. I would love to hear the outcome!

How to Start a Faux Painting or Mural Business: A Guide to Making Money in the Decorative Arts

Oh.. I went on a rant about this… sometimes you will be asked to do a mural painting for free… out of the goodness of your heart… Let me just be clear… don't ever… ever give away your mural or faux painting for free: 

Hi Debra! I just stumbled across your site and I love it!

Ok, so I really need some help.

I am a painter who is just starting out in the mural business. I've done a couple for myself and family, but haven't had a real client YET.

Recently, I found someone who will be opening a school for mentally handicapped children and is wanting the walls painted in all of the rooms (ie. bubbles, frogs, etc).

Since I looked at this as a way to build my portfolio I told her that I would donate my time.

Now, I'm starting to get second thoughts. I will be meeting with her in a couple of days and I know the rooms are going to be big and the work will be extensive.

How do I go about getting something out of the deal? I honestly look at it as advertising for myself and my business, but I don't want to run myself into the ground over it.    PLEASE HELP!!!

****************

And here is my rant about giving away your mural painting for free: 

No No No… you don't give away anything for free… even if they are a
non-profit group… they have money to spend.

You must present yourself professionally and present them with a
contract for the work you will be providing.. If you want to give them a
discount, because they are doing something great for the community…
great.

But… don't give a discount because you are new… or are doing it for
the advertising… or doing it because you want to build a portfolio.

The reality is… you need a contract. This protects both of you. You
will have a signed document that details exactly what you will do and
when the work should be accomplished.

The other party has a contract… so they can see exactly what you are
going to do for them and they can't ask for you to do more, unless they
pay more.

This paid contract will also cover all your expenses. Your paint, your
time, your gas…. etc.

Never ever give your mural painting for free. When I was new… I fell into this trap… and it didn't help me get one cent of paid work.

You don't have to charge a mint, just a fair amount for the work.

If they don't want to pay you… don't get depressed or discouraged. It
happens to all of us. We all have to grow a thick skin in business. It's
just business.

Move on…

If they do want you to work… contact the local newspaper immediately
and talk to someone in the lifestyle section or business section… a
reporter is best. Tell them what you are up too, and would they like to
come take some pictures for a story! Don't wait until the work is done
and the business is open. Then that day care business will be the new
story and you won't be.

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Write back if you need more help about mural painting for free.

Got a great email a while ago… and thought I would share:

My friend Dawn Papandrea-Khan is an artist and decorative painter out of Putnam County & Westchester County, NY. She does exceptional Faux Painting and Murals. This one is for a big— little challenge. Check out this Green Faux Paint Bathroom.

Dawn writes: 

"I have to say that this project was one of my biggest challenges yet.  It was a very small space.  I felt like I was actually getting claustrophobic at times.  It was extremely difficult to maneuver my ladder.  At points I gave up on the ladder and just stood on the counter top, until I fell off and almost broke my neck…. 

So, now three and a half weeks later, I have finally completed this wonderful project.  By the way, It would've only taken 2 and a half weeks, if my client hadn't gotten the flu midstream.  I never got it, thank God!

The color selection for the woodwork was not my idea, though I love how it came out in the end. 

The client had the bathroom faux finished over 15 years ago and they wanted it re-done… but exactly the same as they had it (same colors and everything)  So, I had to paint over the existing faux finish and mimic what they had previously.  I added my own personal touch of course and the clients love it, so that is all that really matters anyway."
 

Check out her other murals including this Mermaid Underwater Mural

 Be sure to let us know if you like the Green Faux Paint Bathroom