Faux finishes are extremely popular because they can create the look of metallic, sandstone, textured suede, and many others. Faux finishes are easy to produce if you follow the instructions and make sure you use the right types of paints. The finishes are popular in both large and small rooms and can even make a small room look a lot bigger. If you’re wondering what the most popular types of faux finishes are, the information below should help because it describes several of these finishes in detail.
Brushed Suede
Suede is a material that is loved by most people, and if you want your walls to have the look of brushed suede, it is best to work in small sections. Use a half-inch nap roller to apply the base coat, then roll over the entire wall from top to bottom to eliminate any lap marks. Afterwards, you can use a wide paint brush and paint in continuous overlapping X’s, which creates variety in the tone and color. This finish is best used in areas that are not high-traffic, because it is a delicate finish that can scratch easily.
Sandstone
The sandstone look is fast and simple to produce. You start by painting the corners and the trim with a regular brush, then using a half-inch or 3/4-inch nap roller to roll on the finish. Wait until this coat is completely dry, then apply a second coat. Using the special paint that is made for this type of finish ensures the final look is granular in appearance and gritty like real sand, producing a second-to-none look that millions of people enjoy.
Artisan Finishes
These paints produce the look of marble or stone and are usually applied to either drywall or wood. The paints used for these finishes can produce various looks, including tissue paper, leaves, and crackles. With the first option, you simply place a piece of tissue paper in the wet paint, and for the leaf effect you place decorative leaves in there instead. Finally, for a crackle look, you apply a glaze with a wooden stick. These looks are much like the looks associated with older European-style wall coverings, and one of the most unique things about them is that each light source that is used produces a different look in the hues and shades you’ve used.
Metallic Plaster
This is a special type of paint that is best applied with a trowel and not a paintbrush. By applying a base coat in broad swipes, applying the texture coat with a miniature sponge roller, then applying the metal plaster itself, you can get a shiny, sparkling look that you will be proud to show off to others. Using the last coat and the texture coat in colors and shades that contrast one another produces a more dramatic look in the end, and even looks like it has real metal in the finished product.
Painting with style and flair is not as complex as it may sound, and these faux finishes are much easier to produce than you think. There are other faux finishes as well, and a quick trip to the Internet can tell you everything you need to proceed to the next step.
Marc Poulos began his real estate and financial services career, but he soon realized that his true passion was beautifying homes. He started working with various small craftsman shops before serving an apprenticeship with the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Chicago. His commitment to excellence won him Top Apprentice from Washburne trade school in Chicago – the country’s premier school of its kind.
