What is Bellagio Faux Finish Painting?

Series Summary

The word “faux” is a French word that translates to mean false. It is called false or faux painting because it utilizes techniques that enable the artist to emulate different textures and appearances. Faux painting is an easy, beautiful painting technique that anyone can use to add interest to traditionally painted walls.

In this series of free instructional videos, professional interior designer Frank Messina shares tips and techniques for making an Italian-inspired Bellagio faux finish which have been passed down from generation to generation in his family. Frank walks you through the painting process step-by-step, showing you the tools needed to get started, how to apply a base coat, mixing and applying joint compound, and how to add color. Follow these easy steps and your walls will have a unique and beautiful finish that will look like it was done by a professional painter.

Video Transcript

"Good afternoon I'm Frank Messina and welcome to Expert Village today series has to do with my Bellagio faux finishes and I think I hear someone approaching the door. Hey! Look who is here it is Nili come on in Nili how are you it is good to see you. Wow. It is good to see you to. Welcome welcome to my home. So did you save a wall for us? I save a wall for you I decided to do this project in my own home. Good. Yes. That is good and I'm excited to learn about this faux finishing tell me a little bit about it. Where did it originate? Well it originated in the town of Bellagio of the shore of Lake Komo where my aunt sisters are from. That is nice. My uncles where painters and that is how I develop the art of fine painting. Wow. And all the homes done in this rustic technique which is called the Bellagio Faux thati s my master technique is the Bellagio Faux finishes. Now your interior designer. Interior designer, I have my own painting Frank Painting Contract Frank Messina color concept in Los Angeles. You specialize in painting and fuax finishing. Painting and faux finishing yes. Absolutely. So even someone like my self I have 2 left hands are you going to be able to teach me how to faux finish? Not a problem. Okay great. By the end of this you would know how to be a master faux finisher. Excellent let's get started. Let's do after you. "