Learn About Faux Painting

The history of faux painting goes back to Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia

. It may seem like a recent artistic trend but people have been using it since ancient times. The popularity of faux reached the top in classic times showing in the forms of faux wood, Trompe loeil murals, faux marble etc. Learning faux painting is not that easy. An artist may have to apprentice 10 or more year with a master faux painter before they can start working on their own. It is used in both commercial and public spaces. But the trend changed dramatically in the 1980s and 90s when faux painting got a major revival, wallpaper fell out of fashion. Next it become popular for home environments as faux proved to be an affordable alternative to remodeling or moving.

Faux painting can change your house dramatically; it can enhance your home by providing a touch of beauty and value to the house. You can create various illusions and moods using different faux techniques and finishes. When you hire someone expert in faux painting, it is important that you possess some knowledge about the difference between techniques and finishes. It is also important if you are doing the work all by yourself. The understanding would help you decide what would be the best for your home.

Glaze and plaster are the two techniques of faux painting. Plaster technique involves tinted plaster and it is applied using a trowel or spatula. You can get flat or textured style from the plaster technique. Glaze technique is rather complicated; a translucent mixture of paint and glaze is used. The mixture is applied with the help of rag, roller, sponge, brush etc. Glaze can offer smooth to the touch.

First you should choose the technique and when the technique is decided, you can choose a finish for the beautification.

Marbleizing

It can make your walls and furniture appear like made of real marble. The finish is also known as marbleizing or faux marbling. You can use it with both glaze and plaster technique.

Graining

You can use it to create an illusion of exotic, hard to find wood varieties. The finish is also known as faux bois (French word meaning fake wood) or wood graining.

Trompe loeil

It is a French word meaning trick of the eye, and it is true to its name. The finish is often used to create architectural details (especially in murals).

Venetian Plaster

This finish is used with the plaster technique. It is smooth and shiny and offer texture smooth to the touch. Among all the plaster technique finishes, it is the most popular.

Color Wash

If you are looking for subtle variations of color using the glaze technique, you can use color wash. It uses multiple hues of glaze and blends it with a paint brush.

Strie

This is also a French word meaning stripe or streak. It works with the glaze technique. Using a paint brush it can offer soft stripes of color. Fabrics like Linen and denim can be simulated with this finish.

Rag Painting

It is a glaze finish used to create a textural pattern using twisted rags (also known as ragging).

Faux painting is an ancient style that can change your house dramatically and create a pleasant and soothing environment for you. It can add high level of texture to your room walls changing the whole theme of that room. Austin muralist Leigh Watson of Watson Design is one of the top masters of faux painting. If you are looking to hire a professional for decorating your house with faux style, Austin muralist Leigh Watson of Watson Design can be a great choice for you. You wont have to pay anything for initial consultation or preliminary sketch. You deposit an amount only after the design is selected and the price is agreed. You can expect high quality and perfection from Leigh.

by: Christine Chou

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