Stenciling isn't just dainty vines trailing along the tops of walls. It's also realistic-looking imitations of mosaic tile, delicate damask, architectural elements and much more.
Sandra Buckingham helps readers create those varied looks in her fourth book, "The Complete Stenciling Handbook."
Buckingham takes a textbook approach to the subject, covering materials, color and basic techniques, and then takes readers step by step through the processes of creating dozens of designs.
"The Complete Stenciling Handbook" is published by Firefly Books Ltd. and sells for $29.95 in softcover.
Cautious coloring
Color experts often suggest applying patches of a few paint colors on your walls before you commit to a single choice, so you see how the colors look in your room at various times of the day. But the cost of a few quarts of paint can make that a pretty pricey test.
That's why Benjamin Moore introduced Color Samples, 2-ounce sample jars that contain just enough paint for a 2-by-2-foot, two-coat test square.
Color Samples have a suggested retail price of $3.49 and are available from Benjamin Moore dealers.
Polishing up the brass
Q. I have a cast-brass coin box from an old trolley car, which was painted when I got it. I removed the paint with paint stripper, and now I want to shine it. Brasso didn't work well. What's the best method?
- R.S., Canal Fulton, Ohio.
A. Ray Anderson, a retired metallurgist from Kent, Ohio, recommended English Custom Polishing's Museum Blend polish. You can buy it directly from the company at www.englishcustompolishing.com or 207-338-6939.
The polish contains an organic solvent that isn't harsh, as well as Renaissance Wax, a wax used by museum curators, Anderson said.
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