How to achieve beautiful paint finishes, including sponging, dragging, stippling, distressing and lacquering. How to master patterned effects and faux finishes, from simple stamping to imitating the appearance of oak, mahogany, beech, marble and even a trompe l'oeil sky. A guide to the paints, varnishes, brushes, rollers and specialist tools you will need. How to remove old paint and prepare different surfaces for new finishes.