Rhode Island Charm

Paul Schroeder's introduction to "professional painting" came by doing prep work for a large, mostly commercial painting and wallpaper company in Boston, MA. Day after day of caulking windows in a large hotel hardly seemed his idea of a lifelong career path. How he progressed to own his own company, Final Touch Painting, is the rest of the story.

Growing up in rural Oregon, Paul was always interested in painting and drawing.He inherited his creative skill from his father who, although it was not his occupation, was an amazing fine artist and cartoonist. Paul developed his skill and love for the arts through various courses and studies throughout high school and a year of college. At 20, Paul’s religious faith spurred him to move to New York to volunteer at a facility that printed Bibles and Bible literature. Eight years later, Paul met his future wife, Jessica, in Providence, RI. They married and settled in Taunton, MA, where he began various construction jobs.

Watching his father labor in a sawmill despite so much talent, and remembering the saying “find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life,” often caused Paul to wonder what he could do to provide for his family and still enjoy his vocation. Working for a paint contractor exposed him to the possibilities of what could be done with paints and glazes. Paul began to notice decorative painting, including marbleizing, wood graining and murals. He began reading and practicing his own finishes with some success. Finally, at his wife’s urging, they began their business, Final Touch Painting, in the winter of 2002.

With a trunk weighted down with sample boards (3/8” sheetrock; he hadn’t yet discovered polystyrene), Paul sold his first major decorative finish job—a bridal store that was expanding to include a salon and spa, where Tuscan-inspired, old world wall finishes were desired. All were thrilled with the end result. Emboldened by this effort, Paul wanted to expand his portfolio. Searching the internet to find further instruction, he attended the Designer Walls One class at The Finishing School in Long Island, NY, taught by Bob Marx. “This truly opened my eyes to the endless creative possibilities by using Faux Effects® products,” Paul explains. Now with a legitimate and lighter portfolio, Paul’s business took off. Since then, he has broadened his skills by taking more classes at The Finishing School, including a mural class from Sean Crosby and Pascal Amblard.

At a booth at a home show in Providence, RI, Paul met with the clients for the featured Barrington RI, residential project. The owners of the 6,600 square-foot home wanted to incorporate the style of Napa Valley in California, a region where they formerly resided. They chose decorative finishes for eight areas of the home, including a two-tone Lusterstone® harlequin pattern for a barrel-truss foyer ceiling, and a faux copper range hood for an indoor grilling area.

Although the business has grown, Paul hasn’t strayed away fromhis humble roots. Final Touch Painting provides clients with a full-service paint company, including prep work, base coats, and yes, even caulking windows.

DECORATIVE ART BY: PAUL SCHROEDER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY: PAUL SCHROEDER

WRITTEN BY: SANDRA TAYLOR

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