This guide features "paint recipes" of combined ingredients from shellac to metals. The book first tells what can and cannot be mixed, then goes on to discuss the fundamentals of home-made paints: a "distemper" wall paint; oil paint for woodwork; a glaze for scrumble effects; metallic paints with a sheen; lacquer; and antiquing patina. Each recipe includes a large swatch of the finish in question followed by a step-by-step guide. Remedy recipes are also included: Scandinavian washes for cooling existing colours; colourwax for wood and paintwork; fabric paint medium; and a primer for tile painting - demonstrated as practical projects, from picture frames to table napkins. There is also a range of recipes for "subtle" textured surfaces, including craquelure and beach-hut blistered paint, and gilding and "verre eglomise", as well as faux marbling, shark's skin, bronze, woodgraining, tortoiseshell and leather.