Faux finishes are useful alternatives to the more conventional paneling, painting or wall papering. Faux finishes can brighten a drab room and give a one-of-a-kind, custom décor. They are relatively inexpensive, and can be applied easily by anyone.

Faux (to fool or make believe) finishes are used on almost all surfaces, including dry wall, wallboard, plastering, wood, metal, fabric, glass and ceramic. They last longer than wallpaper, do not have seams and will not be adversely affected by weathers. Faux finishes usually become more beautiful with time, and touch-ups are easy.

These finishes are useful for hiding imperfections on any surface. For longer lasting protection and to enhance the final appearance, faux finishes may be top-coated with polyurethane in matte, satin, or semi-gloss.

Faux finishes are sometimes applied to furniture and accessories such as photo frames and vases. Finishes may resemble leather, exotic or distressed woods or marble. You can choose a textured, suede or sand look, or gold, silver and pearlescent shimmer. Hardware & Lumber sells many Faux finish products and tools.

Techniques

The main ways to achieve faux finishes include Sponging, Rag Rolling, Dragging, Color Washing, and Stenciling. Tools and applicators include natural Sea Sponge, Rag Rollers, Color Washing and Dragging brushes, Decorator's tape, paint rollers in various textures and patterns, paints and glazes, and spray finishes.

 

Note:

• Before starting, experiment first on a piece of board or a hidden corner of a room or closet.
• Completely finish a wall before stopping because it is difficult to work wet glaze into dried glaze.
• It can be messy so organize your workspace.
• Applying finishes require several steps, with long waiting periods between.

Color Washing

This produces a soft, subtle effect, and adds depth to a flat, textured or stucco-ed wall. Requires a color washing brush for glaze application.

• Brush on glaze in an X-shape in a 1 sq, ft. x 1 sq. ft. area.
• Continue to brush in smaller X's until glaze on brush is used up. Areas should have mottled effect.
• This look can be made even softer by using a dry washing brush or cheesecloth to remove some of the glaze before it dries.

Rag Rolling

This can create some very dramatic patterns. A Ragging cloth, roller or pad is required. Choose the Rolling On or Rolling Off method.

• Rolling On - apply glaze to rag, twist rag into cylindrical shape, roll across surface to create the desired pattern.
• Rolling Off - apply glaze with a roller, dampen rag with water, roll into a cylindrical shape and roll across surface to remove some of the wet glaze.

Marbling

Expect results to vary as marbles do. Keep a marble on hand to help reproduce the colours and veining. For a white marble effect:

• Clean off, sand down, and fill any imperfections; then remove residues.
• Apply 2 coats of white basecoat. Let each dry fully. Mix raw sienna colour with one tablespoon each of white spirit and oil glaze. Apply lightly with an artist's brush.
• Use a small, clean cloth to wipe away different amounts of wet glaze, so it will form patches of light and dark areas.
• Create "veins" by using a thin artist's brush to apply sienna glaze in lines of differing thickness.

Distressing

This creates an aged look on furniture, cabinets and vanities.

• Use two colours to complement your colour scheme. Apply the base colour and allow to dry (approx. 1 - 3 hours).
• With sandpaper (100-grit), gently sand away patches of paint. Allow surface below to show through. Clean off and let dry (24 hours).
• Use the other colour to repeat step 2. Allow 24 hours for drying.
• To protect the look, apply a coat of clear laquer.

Sponging

This requires a Sea Sponge to apply two to three accent colours to a base coat. Sponging can create a soft, mottled look on anything. Regular sponges can be used but they do not produce random patterning. One option is to cut sponges into specific patterns.

• Begin by taping off areas that should not be sponged e.g. ceilings or trim.
• Use either the Sponging On or the Sponging Off method.
• Sponging Off - first apply glaze with a roller and then sponge off materials.
• Sponge On - lightly dab sponge with the glaze on the surface. Turn sponge as you work to produce different patterns. Keep pattern consistent by using the same amount of glaze on the sponge each time.