FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

We've compiled a list of some of the questions we're frequently asked. If you have a question about faux finishing, decorative painting or anything you've seen on our website, send it to us..

Q: What exactly is "faux" finishing?

A: This is somewhat of a loaded question, but in general, faux finishing is a centuries old art form that involves hand rendering a design on a surface to add depth, texture, color, dimension, illusion and/or drama and thereby simulating something that occurs naturally. For example, marble, leather, linen, reptile skin and wood graining would all be considered faux finishes.

Q: Are decorative painting and faux finishing the same thing?

A: No. Although many people often refer to them interchangeably, faux finishing and decorative painting are not the same thing. Faux finishing is the process of simulating something that exists in nature. Decorative painting simply means to put a decorative finish or design on a surface. A glazed wall or a stenciled border are examples of a decorative finish.

Q: Why should I consider faux and decorative finishing for my home?

A: In addition to adding color, depth and design, specialty finishes can make a small room appear larger and a low ceiling appear higher. These finishes can be used to camouflage design flaws, disguise damaged areas or accentuate achitectural features in a room. Specialty finishes also add interest and a sense of uniqueness to the setting. Since they are hand rendered, it's like having an original piece of artwork in your home.

Faux finishing is often used to integrate new materials with preexisting ones and to give surfaces the appearance of aging, weathering or elegance. For centuries faux finishers have been called upon to imitate materials that were either too expensive or not readily available.

Q: Are you insured?

A: Yes. Cutting Edge Designs carries a comprehensive liability policy through Farm Bureau Insurance.

Q: Since JaDecor is a new product to the Triangle area, are there public places where we could view it installed?

A: Yes. You can view the JaDecor treatment that has been installed at the Mirante Mix hair salon in Clayton, NC. The address is 11526 US 70 West. Pictures of this wall treatment are also listed in the Commercial album of the Gallery page.

A custom JaDecor finished was installed in the 2006 "Showcase Home for a Cure", benefiting the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. The home is located in the prestigous Linville community of North Raleigh. You can view pictures from this event in the gallery page.

Q: What is JaDecor made of?

A: JaDecor is made of cotton, pulp, vermiculite, cellulose and water. Other natural ingredients such as mica, glitter, silk, thread, toners and dyes can be added to customize the finish.

Q: Will JaDecor help prevent the sound from escaping through the walls of my home theater?

A: No. JaDecor is not meant for this application. JaDecor will help contain the flutter echoes that can develop within a home theater. To help insulate the room from noise passing through the walls, one could have special acoustical drywall installed during the building phase of the project.

Q: How does JaDecor compare in price with wallpaper?

A: JaDecor is no more expensive than a high quality textile wallpaper applied by a professional. Due to JaDecor's plastering application technique, there is no waste of materials as there is with wallpaper. Since JaDecor is easily repairable, its lifetime is much greater than that of wallpaper.

Q: Do you charge for consultations?

A: No. Consultations are provided free of charge.

Q: What happens during a consultation visit?

A: Prior to our consultation visit, we will discuss the area(s) in question, including any problems you might want to address and specific designs or wall treatments that you have in mind. We will refer you to our website to help familiarize you with the various choices available and the whole procedure.

When we arrive at your home or business we will view the room(s) in question and then discuss various options with you. This involves the showing of sample boards to help you understand the different wall treatments that are available. This also will give you a better understanding of what the artist is capable of. If after our discussion, you feel that you would like a price estimate for a certain treatment, measurements will be taken of the room. We usually will get a written estimate to you within 48 hours.

Q: What if I like one of the samples but want it done in different colors?

A: This is not a problem. Most of our wall treatments can be customized in any colors that you would like. For a small fee, we will complete a couple of samples in the colors that you choose. When the samples are presented to you, you have the option of agreeing to have the work done in those colors, or choosing not to proceed. However, if you do choose to have the work done, your sample fee will be credited back to you on your final bill.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: Many factors are involved in pricing a project. They include, but are not limited to, the square footage of the walls to be covered, the condition of the existing walls and the amount of prep work required for the desired finish, the size of the room and obstructions to work around, the number of layers in the desired finish and the number of products used to achieve the desired look, the cost of the materials used, new construction versus existing residence and location. When pricing ceilings, you can expect to pay 1 1/2 - 2 times the cost of creating the same finish on a wall, depending upon the height of the ceiling and whether special scaffolding will be required.

We offer finishes that range in price from $2.50 - $20.00 per square foot. If you have a specific budget you'd like to share with us, we can show you finishes to accomodate your price range.

Cabinet and furniture refinishing are priced on an individual basis only. Please call if you have any questions. We'd be happy to go over the specifics of our pricing with you.