This text explores all the benefits of using water-based paints and demonstrates the special techniques involved in using quick-drying paints to achieve subtle and unusual paint finishes. Suitable treatment for walls, woodwork, furniture and metalwork are all described in detail. With practical step-by-step photographs, the author explains how to obtain a perfect finish, progressing from the simplest broken colour effects to more advanced techniques including block printing, stencilling and exotic tortoiseshell and metallic finishes. Colour schemes and beautiful rooms complete the book's comprehensive, practical and inspirational coverage.