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Home / Decorating Resources

1,406 dentils — 1,402 to go

pam kueber - Updated: August 18, 2021

Retro Renovation stopped publishing in 2021; these stories remain for historical information, as potential continued resources, and for archival purposes.

faux bois painting plain wainscoting to look like woodCongratulations to reader Mandrake, who guessed 1,408 dentils inserted within the ceiling molding and beams topping my living room and dining room. Mandrake guessed amazingly close — 1,408 — to the number of dentils I counted, 1406.

Above: Genius decorative painter Denise [yesterday was her ninth day on the job; we have taken to calling her Eldin] experiments to find the best technique to paint the little demons — be sure to notice her laft hand, where there are three more brushes. Yes, to faux bois glaze and striae them, she determined that she and I will need to use four different brushes. This, on top of the two coats of base paint and the final clear coat at the end. Denise has painted four so far; only 1,402 to go! Wish us luck — and thanks to everyone who played. Mandrake will be getting his Paul MacAlister Plan-a-Room shortly!

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11 comments

Comments

  1. Joe Felice says

    May 28, 2017 at 11:57 am

    I would have to say that you have a LOT more patience than I. Once I start a project, I want it done. Of course, I select and acquire all materials before I start, and youhjave been doing so as you go along.

  2. Diane in CO says

    February 28, 2017 at 11:05 pm

    Only 146 off (guessed 1260) and disappointed but Congratulations Mandrake!!
    I looked back at Pam’s scaled floor plans, subtracted for intersection of beams and perimeter molding, added best guess for fireplace and figured 6 dentilia/foot. Gave it my best shot LOL! Now, Pam and Denise, it’s all in your hands and so far it looks FABULOUS! Thanks for making fun for us…. 🙂

    • Kathy says

      March 13, 2017 at 1:22 pm

      I was going to guess 8 dentils (dentilia?) a foot, but didn’t get around to calculating it out. Wonder if I would have been close. So how many linear feet was it Pam–was it close to Diane’s calculation of 110?

      Looks great and I admire both of your perseverance!

      • pam kueber says

        March 13, 2017 at 2:25 pm

        I have not counted the linear feet…

  3. Suzie C says

    February 28, 2017 at 3:52 pm

    Oooo my guess was 182 off…not bad! ???? I was really hoping to get lucky and win! I will forever be on the lookout…

    It’s really looking wonderful! Bet you’ll never desire to ever paint over it again knowing all the hard work it took to get this far.
    Can’t wait until the big reveal when it’s complete!

  4. Dan says

    February 28, 2017 at 12:30 pm

    Off by only 44. I shall pat myself on the back.

    Still not sure if this project is inspiring or disturbing.

  5. Mandrake says

    February 28, 2017 at 11:12 am

    Quite Happy but why couldn’t I have won one of those Sputnik ceiling lights from a couple of years ago darnit? Oh well, gotta play to win, so I’ll just have to keep playing!

  6. Jay says

    February 28, 2017 at 10:15 am

    Drat! Only off by 106. The fireplace is looking fantastic! Appears as if you have a nice cherry finish going on there, sure looks like stained wood. Hard to believe it’s paint. Keep the coffee pot going, you’ll need lots of caffeine.

  7. Robin, WA says

    February 28, 2017 at 9:23 am

    Oy. Talk about perseverance!

  8. Janie4 says

    February 28, 2017 at 6:47 am

    Congratulations Mandrake!

  9. Landon says

    February 28, 2017 at 6:44 am

    Nooooooooo. Pam! Your killing me. I was 72 off. Do I get anything for being the first person to put in a guess? Still a little mad you discoverd Plan A Rooms when you did. Before you posted your story I was going to buy the used plan a room on eBay. Then everyone learned how cool that are and I got out bid. Oh well. I am glad you had 72 less to paint. XOXO

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