Faux Painting Tips - How to Faux Paint

Faux is a French word that means 'false'. Faux painting is a style of painting that uses colors and glazes to paint patterns that give the illusion of marble, granite, wood, brick, aged wood and many more varied surfaces. Faux painting can be done anywhere in the house including the roof, the floors and the ceiling. Faux painting can provide a number of different finishes. Let us discuss the steps on how to faux paint.

Material required for Faux painting.

• Paint trays
• Rubber gloves
• Drop cloth
• Glazes
• Acrylic paint
• Paint brush
• Ladder

NOTE: For the different types of Faux painting techniques, you will require different material.

Step #1
Select the surface you want to faux paint. Select a solid color that will blend properly with the furniture of the room. Then apply this solid color to the surface, which will act as the background color. Let the paint dry for at least 4 hours

Step #2
The next step is to select the acrylic paint for your faux paint job. Choose the appropriate color that should complement the background color you applied before.

Step #3
Now prepare the mixture of glaze and paint. The recommended amount of glaze in this mixture is 3 parts of glaze for 1 part of paint. Then pour the mixture in a paint tray.

Step #4
There are a number of faux painting techniques available. The different types of faux painting techniques are Rag Rolling, Sponging, Color Streaking, Marbleizing and Wood Graining. Each of them uses different equipment and unique methods of faux painting.

Step #5
Once you decide on the technique, practice the method on cardboard or wood pieces. Color the cardboard with the background color you applied earlier and then start practicing. Practice the pattern on the boards in the way you wish to paint the surface. Continue to practice, until you get the desired effect on the board and you are confident enough to start painting the surface.

Step #6
Now you can start painting the walls with the technique you practiced on the cardboard.

The following is a list of faux painting tips that will guide you through the painting process.

• Before you start painting, cover the surfaces that are not going to be painted. Use a drop cloth instead of plastic.
• For the background color, use water based latex paints of satin or eggshell, to get better results.
• While applying the background color, make sure you cover the patches, if any.
• Always practice before you start painting on the surface.
• Paint the surface after dividing it into sections.
• Use gloves to help the cleaning process
• While mixing the glaze and the paint, start with a small amount of glaze.
• Line the trays with plastic bags, when you are mixing the glaze and paint. This will reduce the mess and you won't have to wash the trays.
• Lay the painting tools on plastic bags, when not in use.

Faux painting is a great way to develop a new and beautiful look to the interior of your house. There is no limit to the patterns that can be generated with the various faux painting techniques. Use the aforementioned steps and tips for faux painting and rev up your interior.