Would You Try Special Effects Walls?

Interior Design & Decor

Published on: January 11th, 2021
4 minutes read

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This here is Mr. Png Gek Liang (fondly known as Liang), a Dulux-preferred painter that specialises in special effects painting. Aged 54 with 34 years of experience, Liang has been in the industry for decades but only picked up special effects painting back in 2006. What contributed to this change in direction and how has it been for him so far? We recently had a chat with the humble painter to find out.

Hi Liang, how has your journey has a painter been?

When I was in school I used to love doing art. I had a friend who was a painting contractor so I got a job at his company. It slowly became a career, and in 2006 I shifted my focus and picked up special effects painting.

Because special effects painting requires a specific skill set, I headed to Australia to train under Leslie Ho. I spent about half a year learning and then the other half working at houses to gain more experience. Working with Leslie also provided me with the opportunity to travel to places like Dubai and Taiwan, where I taught painters how to do special effects painting.

image for Would You Try Special Effects Walls?

image for Would You Try Special Effects Walls?

What was the toughest part about switching from conventional painting to special effects painting?

Being a student all over again felt like I was starting from scratch. Although it wasn’t an easy transition, it was the challenge that special effects painting brought which made me decide to switch over.

Aside from that, the journey was a pretty smooth one, especially since everyone was very patient when teaching me. All the hard work paid off because now I feel an immense sense of satisfaction whenever I complete a special effects painting project.

You’re one of the nine Dulux-approved applicators in Singapore. What requirements need to met in order to become Dulux certified?

Dulux-approved applicators must be skilled in at least a few different special effects. They must also have a portfolio consisting of at least a few home projects that involved special effects painting.

We’ve been specifically trained to use Dulux Ambiance paint so the techniques we use suit the paint type. If homeowners engage us via Dulux and use their Ambiance range they’re given on year warranty under Dulux.

What are some popular special effects that homeowners tend to select?

Marble is probably the most popular option, and linen and velvet are a close second. Sometimes homeowners request for metallic effects as well because it has a very realistic sheen. The thing about these special effects is they feel like the actual material when you touch them. Many people don’t usually believe it until they see it for themselves.

image for Would You Try Special Effects Walls?

What’s the best way to maintain the quality of special effects walls after the paint process?

These special effects walls only require light cleaning. Don’t scrub them because the paint will peel off faster. If there’s a stain, use soap and water and clean gently.

What are some of your plans for the future?

I’m currently thinking about getting an apprentice so I won’t have such a busy work schedule. When I retire in future, I’d like someone from the family to take over. I’m planning to teach my daughter this skill since she has interest in art and painting.

Check out Liang in action below.