Faux finishes are used to trick the eye.
There are many different types of faux painting techniques. Some finishes such as faux bois and faux marble can be used to replicate particular natural surfaces. Simple glazes can create a patina of age, such as crackling and verdigris, and more complex techniques can fool the eye into seeing depth in a one-dimensional, painted scene.
Faux Bois
Faux bois is used to replicate a wide variety of wood finishes. The technique is commonly used on floors, doors, woodwork or molding to match existing wood samples that are unavailable or expensive. It is also an appropriate finish for furniture and cabinets. This faux finish usually consists of a tan base color with one or more layers of darker glaze to create the look of pores and wood grain. Graining can be done with stiff brushes, steel wool, metal combs or special graining tools.
Faux Marble
When done well, faux marble can be indistinguishable from genuine marble. Marble comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. It is important to carefully refer to a sample unless the goal is to create a fantasy marble. One key to replicating marble is to create subtle veining that follow a plausible pattern. Use long, thin sign-painting brushes to paint delicate veins that run in a diagonal, parallel pattern, with the occasional cross-vein running in the opposite diagonal direction. Use sponging and spattering techniques to make the mottled surface of more complex faux marbles.
Trompe L'Oeil
Trompe l'oeil, meaning "trick the eye," uses conventions of drawing and painting, such as perspective and shading, to create a realistic scene. Popular since ancient Greek and Roman times, trompe l'oeil often takes the form of a large-scale wall mural. It is one of the most difficult faux finishes to execute well.
Crackle Glaze
A crackle finish makes a surface appear antiqued. This finish occurs when the top layer of paint or glaze dries faster than the lower layer. Often occurring naturally over time, this process can be created quickly by decorative painters using specially formulated glazes.
Verdigris Finish
A verdigris finish is meant to imitate the natural oxidation of bronze or copper. This faux technique is achieved by applying a layer of teal green glaze over a dark metallic paint. The glaze is stippled with a brush to disperse the top coat, revealing glimpses of the surface below.
