Wall Treatments
Faux Finish
Faux finishing encompasses decorative painting techniques that imitate other materials—marble, wood grain, leather, aged surfaces—through skilled paint application. These craft techniques transform ordinary walls into extraordinary surfaces without the cost of actual materials.
While less common than in their 1990s heyday, quality faux finishes remain valuable for specific applications—creating the appearance of marble in bathrooms, wood grain in studies, or aged plaster in European-style homes.
Key Characteristics
- ✓Imitates other materials
- ✓Decorative painting technique
- ✓Skilled application
- ✓Various effects possible
- ✓Cost-effective alternative
- ✓Can be overdone
Types & Variations
Faux marble
Faux wood grain
Faux leather
Aged/antique finishes
Trompe l'oeil (illusionistic)
Works Well With These Styles
Placement & Usage Tips
Use faux finishes for specific purposes—faux marble on columns, aged plaster for European character. Avoid overuse which can appear tacky. Quality execution is essential.
💡 Pro Tip
Modern limewash and plaster paints achieve many effects previously requiring faux techniques. Consider these newer products before commissioning traditional faux painting—results may be superior and more accessible.