Faux Finish

Faux Finishes Are Hot - Bare Walls Are Not!


Ever see a wall finish that is so artistic it doesn’t look like wallpaper or regular paint? If so, it might just be a faux finish.

Faux finishes are the latest craze in home improvement. Faux finish can be applied to any type of surface including dry wall, metal, glass, ceramic, wood, etc. The preparation for each type of surface varies.

A faux finish lasts longer than wallpaper. Since it is not paper-based, it will never peel off. It can be coated with polyurethane that is available in satin, matte, or semi-gloss finish for a longer lasting appeal.

There are different techniques that can be done with faux finishing. The condition of the surface to which it will be applied determines the best technique to use to hide any imperfections. With the different techniques possible with faux finishes, a small room can appear larger and more spacious, or a larger room can become cozier.

Faux Finishing Basics

As with any other paint project, the surface to be painted should be well
prepared for the work to obtain a long lasting finish. Almost any paint can be applied to any type of surface and be long lasting by preparing the surface properly.

How do you prepare a surface for painting? Simple, just make sure that the surface is well cleaned. Interior surfaces should be cleaned and washed with soap and water: if there is mold or mildew, use a mild bleach solution to get rid of the spoors. For exterior surfaces, some scrubbing with a bristle brush may be required. A mixture of TSP and water makes for excellent surface preparation.

Once the surface preparation is done and the surface dried, you can start with the project. There are no rules to follow in doing faux finishes. You have the freedom to do what you to create the desired appearance. There are different techniques that can be applied and instructions available to help you with your first project.

Before you start, you should have all of the necessary tools. The common tools that you will need are the primer, glaze, coating, brushes, rollers, paint tray, water bucket, gloves, rags, soap, water, and technique-specific materials such as a sponge, feather, and wood-graining tools.

Color is also one major consideration in faux finishes. Since you can be as artistic as you would like to attain the desired effect, you may want to try color blending or other combinations. If decide to try this, make certain that you use colors within the same color group. You can probably use the same base color with different shades. This will be more pleasing to the eye than combining with contrasting colors.

Before you start applying the finish to the surface itself - experiment first by using a small piece of wood or a scrap of the same surface that you will be placing the finish on. By experimenting, you will be able to see how it will look and decide whether to continue with that finish or try a different one.

There are several techniques that may be done when faux finishing. Here are some examples of the different techniques:

- Color blocking – this is when there are different shades of a base color shaped as big blocks; this technique is ideal for nursery rooms.

- Smooshing – this is a simple marble effect, something like moiré wallpaper.

- Stripe – this uses different variations and shades of one color for a soft effect.

- Shadow Striping – if a striped tone-on-tone technique to make an elegant wall finish.

- Terracotta tile – a durable alternative to terracotta tiles; and only a fraction of the cost of the real thing.

- Fresco – is used for a mottled, parchment look.

- Copper patina –is ideal for kitchen surfaces because it provides a rich texture from the old country.

- Golden glaze – has a soft texture that adds a glimmering touch to a room.

Faux finishes are hot! You have the freedom to choose the design you want by applying your creativity and imagination for a desirable effect. So rather than having just a plain painted wall, why not try a artistic faux finish for a long lasting alternative to paint or wallpaper. It’s faux, it’s practical, and it’s nice!