Faux Stone Painting

The term 'faux painting' is used to refer to different decorative painting techniques that are mostly used in replicating the texture of wood and marble with paints. Faux is a French word, which means 'fake' or unreal. Faux painting is thus also known as 'false painting', as it is used to create effects of parchment and stone with the help of paints. One can use faux painting for home decorating activities such as painting the ceilings and walls, etc. It gives a unique look to the walls in the house. The history of faux painting dates back to the period of time which was ruled by ancient Egyptian Pharaohs, Romans and Greeks.

Faux Stone Painting
The basic idea or purpose of faux painting is to decorate the surroundings and break the monotony of a space. Thus, faux painting shouldn't be done continuously, but in patches. If this type of painting is used to create entire walls without any spacing, a gloomy and dark effect would be created. The first thing one should do to faux paint his house is to decide which stone and style to use. Some of the stones used for faux painting are limestone, marble, granite, slate, travertine, quartz, brownstone, fieldstone.

History of Faux Painting
The art of 'faux painting' gained popularity in Classical times, during which it surfaced in different forms such as 'Trompe l'oeil Murals', 'faux Wood' and 'faux Marble'. Artists had to apprentice for around 10 years to master this art. Those artists who were able to trick the viewers with their artworks received great recognition. The neoclassical era of the nineteenth century witnessed resurgence in the art of faux painting. During the Renaissance period, new materials were being used to carry out faux painting. The pigments obtained from various chemicals were used for painting during this period. In the 17th century, the art of faux painting was marked by the use of varnishes and lacquers. During this period, faux painting attained immense popularity in Europe. The artworks in the Palace of Versailles clearly shows the popularity of faux painting in Europe. The effect of this art started receding after the two World Wars that ravaged the world.

Faux Stone Painting Techniques
The famous techniques or methods of faux painting are, Faux Effects, Trompe L'Oleil and Faux, Paper 'Plique, Old World Tuscany Faux Finish.

Let us understand the basic technique or method of how to faux paint. Here are a few do it yourself tips for faux painting.

• The first coat should be that of a color wash. The color should preferably be light on a stone with a dark shade. It is advisable to use gloss or satin paints to enhance the effect.
• Once the wall gets dried completely, the motor joints should be laid. Brushes, sponges and rag finishes are used for the detailing of stones.
• One should use the tan, brown or black shades to give the painting a realistic look.

Faux stone painting adds beauty to the surroundings and is also used for interior painting. The dull and dry-looking wall is made livelier with the help of this art. It is just unbelievable how it can change the look of any surrounding. Thus, the art of faux painting should be preserved and developed further.