The Art of Faux

Faux finishing may seem like a recent artistic development, but it has been used as decorative arts as far back as Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Faux became increasingly popular in Classic times through the forms of faux marble, faux wood, and Trompe l’oeil murals. Artists would apprentice for 10 years with a master faux painter before working on their own. Throughout recent history, faux finishing has been mainly used in commercial and public spaces. But in the late 1980s and early 1990s faux finishing saw another major revival, as wallpaper fell out of fashion. The popularity progressed to home environments for affordable alternatives to remodeling or moving.

Faux finishing and decorative painting add beauty and value to your home. There are many different types of faux finishes and techniques that create a mood or an illusion of texture on a plain wall; Whether you are considering a faux finish project yourself or hiring a professional, it is important to understand the differences between techniques and finishes, and decide what you want for your home.

There two types of techniques: glaze and plaster. Glaze technique involves using a translucent mixture of paint and glaze applied with a brush, roller, rag, or sponge, and often mimics textures. It is always smooth to the touch. Plaster work is typically done with tinted plasters and applied with a trowel or spatula. The result can be either flat to the touch or textured.

Once you’ve decided what technique you would like to use, it is time to decide on the finish.

Marbleizing

Also known as faux marbling, marbleizing is used to make walls and furniture appear to be made of real marble. This can be done using either plaster or glaze techniques.

Graining

Also known as wood graining, or faux bois (French for “fake wood”) it is often used to imitate exotic, hard-to-find, or very expensive wood varieties.

Trompe l’oeil

Meaning “trick of the eye” in French, this finish is a realistic technique often used in murals, and to create architectural details.

Venetian Plaster

This finish is smooth and often shiny. It appears textured but is smooth to the touch. This is one of the most popular and traditional plaster decorations.

Color Wash

This is a free-form finish that creates subtle variations of color utilizing multiple hues of glaze blended with a paint brush.

Strie

Strie derives from the French word meaning “stripe” or “streak”, and is a glazing technique that creates soft thin streaks of color using a paint brush. This technique is popular for simulating fabrics such as linen and denim.

Rag Painting

Also known as ragging, this glazing technique uses twisted or bunched up rags to create a textual pattern.

If you desire to create a pleasing environment for the rest of your house, faux painting is an old-world technique that adds a level of visual texture to walls, bringing a very updated and subtle look for any room. If you are in need of a professional faux painter or decorator, Austin muralist Leigh Watson of Watson Design is a master of her craft and excels at all things faux. Watson Design will meet you with in your subject space to determine size, color, design and layout. There is no charge for the initial consultation and preliminary sketches. Once design and quote price are agreed upon, a deposit will be requested for additional supplies and start date will be scheduled. Leigh will work patiently with you to create your ideal room or piece of personalized artwork.