Know Your Faux and Your Faux Finisher
Faux...adj. Artificial; fake; false; [French, from Old French fals.]
not genuine or real; being an imitation of the genuine article;
"faux marble"; "faux wood"; "it isn't fake anything; it's real synthetic fur";
[syn: fake, false, imitation, simulated]
Faux paintings have been seen throughout history, beginning with the Egyptian Pharaohs,
when they employed artists and craftsmen to replicate wood graining.
Throughout history the faux finisher has been called upon to replicate finishes
where the real thing would be too costly and sometimes not architecturally sound.
Really!!!!
At one time it was thought that Venice would sink due to the wieght of all their cathedrals.
A true faux finish is a little more then just paint sponged on a wall.
But can most people handle a true faux finish...probably not!
That is why faux finishers today are more apt to
accommodate a conservative decorative palette.
Instead of giving you a truly authentic aged plaster wall
with crusty cracks and drips of lime and rust...
an accomplished faux finisher can give their clients
a sophisticated finish that will both be
appealing to your eye and match the fabric on your couch.
Many faux finishers today would rather be called Decorative Artists
since they are really going outside the realm of faux finishing
and into a more decorative and designing venue.
Why Faux?
Why leave behind your trusted wall paper and go to the other side...
the simpler side of faux????
Well it might not be simpler for your trusted faux finisher,
but for you simplicity is the word.
With your sophisticated more elegant faux finishes, such as glazes and stries,
if you tire of the look you can simply repaint with little or no hassel.
Have you ever stripped wallpaper, do you really want to go there?
Let's not forget about all the mold you would probably find under that old paper.
Are you really trying to "keep up with the Jones"? What about Viva La Difference!!!
Wallpapers are mostly mass produced...
faux finishes are rarely reproduced.
Each finish is usually designed especially for you.
The true mark of a craftsman can be seen in the look and style of your faux finish.
Make your home a conversation place,
that will make a lasting impression on anyone who visits.
But let's get down to really knowing "your faux"!
If you think you have never seen a painted faux finish,
well you are probably wrong,
if executed correctly faux paintings are suppose to go unnoticed
or at least designed to make you take a better look.
With years of experience and training
a skilled faux finisher can learn to duplicate the look of...
- aged plaster
- marble
- limestone
- wood and distressed paint
What has taken years to accomplish naturally,
a skilled faux finisher can recreate in days and sometimes even hours.
Now since each faux finish is hand painted and
the hands of a craftsman will leave an impression on the outcome of the look...
no two finishes are alike.
The following is a collection of types of finishes
and techniques used in the faux finishing industry.
These terms will help you to understand this faux finishing world.
Today there are two major materials and processes used.
1.
Glazes....
involves using a translucent mixture of paint and glaze applied with a brush,
roller, rag, or sponge, and often mimics textures,
but it always smooth to the touch.
2. Plasters
....
can be done with tinted plasters, or washed over with earth pigments,
and are generally applied with a trowel or spatula.
The finished result can be either flat to the touch or textured.
Please be sure to visit www.faux-finisher.com
for more information on Faux Finishing
And your local Faux Finishers and Decorative Artists.