"...quite probably, the best general instructions on furniture decoration that exist." - Booklist Painting and Decorating Furniture is the definitive book on reviving old or unsightly furniture with simple craft techniques. Sheila McGraw shows how to breathe new life and color into old wood, metal or plastic laminate cabinets, desks, dressers, tables, chairs and cushions. With more than 1,000 step-by-step color photographs to guide the reader, and concise easy-to-follow instructions, the author demonstrates original treatments and techniques, including new stains and faux finishes, decorating with found materials, and inventive uses for fabric, posters and baskets. Popular treatments such as dragging, smooshing, block printing, metallic leafing, crackled varnish, faux plaster, antiquing, découpage, and other fine art and furniture finishes enhance furniture with freehand, decorative and folk painting. The stenciling and other projects all include patterns. With expert descriptions of tools and materials, McGraw generously shares her extensive knowledge and years of experience. Projects are easy-clean-up, fast-drying and use water-based paints and environmentally friendly primers, stains, varnishes and strippers. Painting and Decorating Furniture is fully cross-referenced and indexed. The "Read This First" sections prevent mistakes, and complete Materials Lists avoid frustration. Enormously popular, this new paperback edition of Painting and Decorating Furniture will introduce more buyers to its strong formula of excellent content, beautiful production and indisputable value.