Dry Wall Lift

Dry Wall Lift

You've taken mansion tours or have been in old buildings where Victorian plaster makes its mark on the walls, ceilings and staircases. There is an unmistakable elegance that ornamental plaster adds to plain surfaces. But I can bet you don't realize just how easy it is to do. Especially when it comes to adding ornate beauty to your staircase.

There's something mystical and majestic about a staircase. It tends to create fantasy and curiosity in us as we have an overwhelming desire to see what lies at the top of the stairs. But does your staircase lack appeal? Is it just like every other staircase in every other house you have ever been in? Create a dramatic upstairs entrance with these easy and beautiful ideas.

There are generally two areas on a staircase that lend themselves well to embellishment. These are the "L" shaped wall space where the stair riser and top meet, and in the case of un-carpeted stairs, the front of the riser board itself.

When considering the "L" wall space, new lines or ornamental plaster molds now on the market, open your options for creating dramatic staircase designs. Use them to create a romantic and ornate design at the side of each stair to create beautiful detail and add architectural interest to the stair sides.

Ornamental molds come in a variety of designs that work perfectly to create architectural interest and in many cases, extreme detail. The truly wonderful part is that each project is incredibly inexpensive.

The great thing about ornamental plaster molds is that they are re-usable. What that means is that you can make as many pieces as you wish without worrying about reproduction costs. Plaster of paris typically sells for around $7.00 for a large bag that will cast anywhere from 20-50 pieces depending on the side of the design.

Once the pieces come out of the mold and are dried, they are easy to apply to the staircase with simple joint compound. No glue required!

How to cast a mold

1. Simply turn the mold face down and make sure it is level.

2. Lightly coat the inside of the mold by brushing it with mineral oil.

3. Mix the plaster of paris per the instructions on the bag.

4. Pour the mold ½ full, then tap up and down and to bring any air bubbles away from the design surface and up to the top of the plaster.

5. Slowly fill the mold to the top. Do not over fill.

6. Allow the plaster to harden completely. If it is warm to the touch, the chemical reaction is not yet complete. Wait until it feels cold to the touch before removing the hardened plaster.

7. To release the plaster piece, turn the mold over and place on a soft surface. Gently lift one edge of the mold and begin to work the piece out.

Plaster pieces must dry completely before they can be applied to walls, ceilings or furniture. This process can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days depending on atmospheric conditions such as moisture in the air or cold temperatures.

To apply the plaster piece to the staircase wall area, simply spread a thin layer (about 1/8th inch thick) of pre-mixed joint compound (also called "wall mud") over the back side of the piece, press to the area on the staircase and hold for one minute. Fill any gap between the wall and the plaster piece with joint compound on your finger. Wipe away any excess with a damp sponge and let dry.

Plaster pieces can be pre-painted if desired.

The same plaster pieces can then be used to create a circular design around your light fixture to coordinate with the staircase.

Decorating The Riser Board

There are so many ways that you can decorate your staircases. For instance, consider using a Raised Plaster Stencil or paint stencil on the riser to each stair to create visual detail. Border designs work perfectly for this application.

Rather than using plaster, Raised Plaster Stencils allow you to use standard joint compound instead of paint as the medium.

Simply tape the stencil to the riser, spread joint compound over the stencil openings, remove the stencil and allow the compound to dry. Paint as desired.

Designing your staircase can be as simple or ornate as you would like it to be. But the possibilities are endless! So don't exclude this feature of your home when deciding your decorating plan.

© Victoria Larsen 2009. All Rights Reserved

Victoria Larsen is a professional wall stencil designer and interior specialist. Her products and ideas have been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, Women's Day, Craft Trends, Creating Keepsakes, Rubber Stampin Retailer and Memory Maker magazines and The Wall Street Journal. Victoria's website features ideas, techniques, stencils and ornamental wall molds for easy and beautiful home decorating.
Visit Victoria on line at http://www.victorialarsen.com
"Decorating with Class on a Budget" Blog: http://victorialarsen.typepad.com

Lift Together $59.99 Dmitri Mohr Lift Together - Wall Decal

Biofirm Lift Firming Filling Cream(Dry Skin) $77.67 Biofirm Lift Firming Filling Cream(Dry Skin) by Biotherm for Unisex - 1.7 oz Anti-Wrinkle Cream

Resilience Lift Extreme Firming Cream (Dry) $105.34 Resilience Lift Extreme Firming Cream (Dry) by Estee Lauder for Unisex - 1.7 oz Firming Cream

Dry Stone Wall $19.99 Chris Simpson Dry Stone Wall - Art Print

Atlantis Lift-Off $59.99 Atlantis Lift-Off - Wall Decal

Keratin Complex Volumizing Dry Shampoo Lift Powder $23.95 Keratin Complex Volumizing Dry Shampoo Lift Powder adds considerable body and volume to hair. It also removes impurities and excess oil while maintaining hair's natural essential nourishment. ? Cleanses and refreshes hair and scalp while lifting hair from

Repairwear Lift Firming Night Cream (For Dry/ Combination Skin) $79.8 Repairwear Lift Firming Night Cream (For Dry/ Combination Skin) by Clinique for Unisex - 1.7 oz Night Cream

Repairwear Lift SPF 15 Firming Day Cream (For Very Dry to Dry Skin) $79.8 Repairwear Lift SPF 15 Firming Day Cream (For Very Dry to Dry Skin) by Clinique for Unisex - 1.7 oz Firming Cream

Hobbled Sheep by a Dry Stone Wall $19.99 Alen MacWeeney Hobbled Sheep by a Dry Stone Wall - Photographic Print

Safco - Drop/Lift Wall Rack $47.99 0% 1 Each 5030 7.75" Width x 12" Depth x 1.25" Height Drop/Lift Wall Rack Mounting hardware Wall rack bolts to a wall and extends less than 12". Rack holds up to 1,200 sheets in 12 hanging clamps. Mounting hardware is included. Installation is recommended on wall studs or solid-back wall surfaces. Hanging clamps are sold separately. Steel frame holds up to 240 lb. Drop/Lift Wall Rack GREENGUARD No Safco Safco Products Steel Tropic Sand Wall Bracket Yes www.safcoproducts.com

Mötsenböcker's Lift Off® Lift Off® Dry Erase Cleaner Wipes, 7 x 12. Each $9.15 Manufacturer: Mötsenböcker's Lift Off®. Each. Lift Off Dry Erase Board Cleaner Wipes Biodegradable, water-based solution removes dry erase marks, ghosting and shadows. Streak-free formula makes old boards look like new. Also removes correction fluid, pen,

Collagenist V-Lift Tightening Replumping Cream ( Dry Skin ) $117.99 Women's 50ml/1.72oz . A collagen-enriched cream Helps immediately firm & lift skin Noticeably reduces marks & spots Minimizes slackening skin & appearance of wrinkles Creates re-contoured & evenly toned complexion Perfect for dry skin

Dry Erase Thermometer $39.99 Dry Erase Thermometer - Wall Decal

Dry Wall Hoist $648.45 Dry wall hoist holds panels up to 4 feet x 16 feetLadder accessory features all welded steelTool features easy rolling casters150-pound capacityHolds panels up to 4 feet x 16 feetRaises up to 11 feet highAssembly required.

Mötsenböcker's Lift Off® Lift Off® Dry Erase Cleaner Wipes, 7 x 12. 6 Canisters per Carton $38.37 Manufacturer: Mötsenböcker's Lift Off®. 6 Canisters per Carton. Dry Erase Board Cleaner Wipes Easy to use, safe and effective Biodegradable, water-based solution removes dry erase marks, ghosting and shadows. Streak-free formula makes old boards look lik

Ergotron Neo-Flex Wall Mount Lift 60-577-195 60577195 $60.95 Ergotron Neo-Flex Wall Mount Lift 60-577-195 60577195

Dry Wall Cart $473.41 Dry wall cart is great for remodeling jobs that require hauling toolsLadder accessory is great for remodeling jobs that require hauling toolsLadder rolls on four casters for easy maneuverabilityMeasures 43 inches x 12 inches drywall cart3,000-pound load capacityRolls on four swivel casters for easy maneuverabilityDurable powder coat paint finishTransports paneling, drywall or plywoodAssembled size: 49.75 inches long x 22.5 inches wide x 47 inches highWrap-around tube frameBumper for extra strength and durabilityTwo swivel casters lock For security

Lift Bridge Wall Calendar by CafePress $21 12 great pictures of the Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge Wall Calendar Keeping track of important dates on your calendar is easy when you can view 12 months of inspiring images that reflect your personal interests. Our high-quality calendar is printed on thick 100lb cover weight paper and adds impact to any room.

Renergie Lift Volumetry Volumetric Lifting And Shaping Cream SPF 15 (Dry Skin) $92 Renergie Lift Volumetry Volumetric Lifting And Shaping Cream SPF 15 (Dry Skin) by Lancome for Unisex - 1.7 oz Cream

Mötsenböcker's Lift Off® Lift Off® Dry Erase Cleaner Wipes, 7 x 12. Case of 180 $40.66 Manufacturer: Mötsenböcker's Lift Off®. Case of 180. Although these wipes are designed specifically for cleaning dry erase boards, they can do so much more. Easy to use, safe and effective wipes are a great cleaning addition to any school, home or office.

Dry Cracked Earth $124.99 Rachel Lewis Dry Cracked Earth - Wall Mural

USA Map Dry Erase $79.99 USA Map Dry Erase - Wall Decal

27x40 Dry Erase Calendar $39.99 27x40 Dry Erase Calendar - Wall Decal

Activity Board Dry Erase $59.99 Activity Board Dry Erase - Wall Decal

Design Lift Riche - Day Care for Dry and Very Dry Skin (1.6 fl oz.) $110 Restore radiance and youth to your skin with Payot Paris Design Lift Riche - Day Care for Dry/Very Dry Skin, an enriched moisturizing cream that penetrates the skin for visibly improved elasticity. Rice extract and Pepti-Oriza Calcium complex work together to reach deep into the skin cells’ core to strengthen and fortify skin. Essential fatty acids, omega 3 and 6, further restore your youthful glow and firm your complexion.

RENERGIE 1 oz Lift Makeup Amande 20(Normal to Dry Skin) w/ SPF 20 by Lancome $33.99 This lightweight makeup helps lift away the appearance of lines with its innovative Micro-Lift Network

Repairwear Lift Firming Night Cream ( For Dry to Dry Skin ) $79.99 Women's 50ml/1.7oz . Regenerates skin during rest time at night Helps skin multiply production of collagen Increases skin firmness & resilience Reduces appearance of fine lines & wrinkles Leaves skin soft smooth & fresh Over time skin appears more elastic & less slack