About Faux Painting

Faux painting is painting that makes walls look textured. It fools the eye into making one think they are looking at a leathered wall or a marbled wall. It differs from other painting treatments because it creates the illusion of a texture.

History

The word "faux" in French and means fake. In the United States, if we would say, "How about fake treatments for your walls, Mrs. Jones?" the consumer would think twice to purchase of fake wall treatment implements or fake glaze. With the term in French, however, it seems cooler and more artistic. Faux painting was revived in home decorating schemes in the late 1980s and 1990s. In the past, though, artists didn't have the tools of the trade that they have today to create faux-painted walls. They made their own implements and even created their own styles, all while peering back into the archives of painting.

Types

Faux painting consists of treatments and finishes with names such as frottage, stippling and ragging. There are other terms used when artists talk about faux treatments, such as color wash, feathering, marbling and stenciling. The frottage faux treatments are done with plastic drop cloth and glaze. Stippling is done with a stiff dry stenciling paint brush, and ragging is accomplished with rags. Each faux treatment has its own implements and tools used to create the effect, and experienced artists are able to invent any texture.

Identification

When looking to hire a professional, examine the artist's portfolio to determine the skill of the painter. A master faux treatment painter will display complete skill levels of painting. Look for completed artworks, such as landscape paintings and contemporary works or complete murals. This is a clue that the artist can create any kind of painting treatment if required. Some faux painters provide a folio of paint boards. The paint boards are completed examples of the types of work they provide, and usually they don't deviate from those techniques. There are typically two types of faux painters: the types of faux painters who have master ability to complete and develop any faux treatment, and the faux painters who work from the directions found on the products at a home improvement store.

Considerations

Be confident in the professional hired to paint the faux walls and realize that the time to question the ability of a faux painter has passed if one has paid a deposit and ordered supplies.To an experienced artist, painting a faux treatment is a creative process and one that is developed each time a new job is begun.

Potential

Faux treatments on walls can bring life to a room and add style and warmth to the mood of the room. The texture creates interest and propels decorating to a new level of excitement.

Benefits

Wallpaper has the tendency to lift off of walls because of condensation or poor application. This is an issue that faux treatments solve while allowing the homeowner to keep decorative style. Wallpaper is sold to the masses, but faux treatments serve individuality and can be painted around the homeowner's current decorations and design, further enhancing the decor. Faux treatments are a good effect to any decorating scheme.

Resources

• Creatve Handy Works