Faux Painting, also referred to as Faux Finishing, is a process where layers of paint and processes are used to replicate the appearance of finishes such as wood, marble, weathering, stone or other such materials. The term comes from the French Word, Faux, which means false, referring to the appearance that is being replicated. Faux painting and faux finishing is used on walls, furniture, ceilings, cabinets and other items in a home or office.
Faux finishing has actually been used for thousands of years and the earliest uses can be found in cave paintings and ancient Egyptian tombs. The use of faux finishing that incorporated plaster and stucco is 5,000 years old. In classical times, faux wood and marble became popular. It was common for an artist to work alongside a more accomplished faux painter for 10 years before earning his own recognition for the art. If an artist could “fool” the public into believing that his works were real, he was given very high recognition for his craft.
Faux Finishing in the 1980's
The 1980s brought us Disco and neon and left us looking for more interesting wall ideas than wall papering. Faux Painting saw a huge popularity at this time and homeowners were using the trend to keep up with the styles. Simple rag rolling or ragging techniques were used by DIY homeowners courageous enough to try their hand. However, any process involving more intricate work, such as replicating a wood or marble finish, was left to professional experienced artists.
Much of the techniques that professional faux painters use today either use a glaze or plaster paint technique. Glazing uses a translucent mixture of paint, sometimes custom blended, that is applied with a brush, roller or sponge to replicate texture on the surface of the wall or cabinet that it is being applied to. Glazing is smooth to the touch. Plaster work is done with tinted plaster and washed in varying color pigments of paint. Plaster work is generally applied with a trowel. There is a textured finish to most of the plaster faux finishing work that is done.
Experience is the Difference in Professional Faux Painting
Even more important today is make sure that any professional faux painter has had significant experience to complete the desired finishes. In today’s world of YouTube learning and week-end classes, many if not most of the decorative finishes that are in demand today can only be done by someone who has had numerous years of training and experience and continues to learn and apply the newest technologies and paint theory that is available today.
Homeowners who want to add interest and drama to their homes walls, ceiling or cabinets should choose a local Faux Painting professional that has years of experience in this artistic realm. Macaluso Custom Design in Kansas City , MO has been in the professional Faux Finishing space since 1997. Their team of professional artists has the faux finishing experience and reputation for outstanding work that looks rich and lasts. (Short cutting on the faux process will result in chipping paint). Choosing an under talented faux painter can be costly for a homeowner who has to have work redone or stripped. Make sure a painter comes prepared to show you real faux painting samples (not an on iPad) and real references.
