On a recent trip to Utah, we completed a series of switch plates — this switch plate cover matched the tile in a bathroom.
The first thing we did was take a picture of the plate. Then, it was brought back to my working station in the house.
We were given 2 actual tiles for reference. The base coat of the plate was meant to match the white of the tile.
With a hard pencil, the pattern is drawn on the plate.
With skinny tape, mask off the white areas. The tape should be well burnished (see post on protecting fragile surfaces).
After the initial red and black squares were based out, a little variance of tonality was added. Still with the tape on, the trompe l’oeil effect was next.
A small slanted brush was the best brush for the delicate striping.
Then, the tape was removed. Here is a picture of the actual tile. You can see the 3-D element of the little lip on the edges. This lends for a stronger accent and highlight (see elements of light and shadow).
With a selection of fine, trompe l’oeil brushes, the final shadows and highlights were painted to finish the plate cover. Additionally, a little aging was added to the white tile.
After a varnish, this one is installed and admired . Then, on to the next one …
… more switch plate covers to show you — coming soon!
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