Faux painting techniques can bring the look of leather, stone or fabric to walls and furniture using certain application methods and a variety of faux painting tools. Most techniques call for layering colors of paint or glaze with everything from sponges and rags to plastic sheets. Learning the different techniques and understanding the results is important in choosing the best faux painting technique for your projects.
Base Coat: All faux painting techniques require a base coat. Then other layers are either added to it (positive) or added and then partially removed (negative). The base coat is the color that will show through with either technique.
Color Washing: The top coat of glaze is applied over the base coat with a rag or sponge in a circular or "washing" motion. The end result is a soft, swirled look.
Dry Brushing: This technique requires a paintbrush dipped in glaze that is applied to the wall in a criss-cross pattern. Most dry brushing faux painting techniques require two different colors of glaze for best results.
Frottage: This is an example of a negative faux painting technique, where glaze is removed using a plastic sheet. Apply the glaze over the base, and then spread a plastic sheet over a section. Press the sheet over the glaze, and then remove. The texture left behind resembles marble.
Ragging: This technique is similar to sponging in that glaze is applied over the base coat with a crinkled dry rag. By moving the rag and rotating your arm, you will create a texture that looks like stucco.
Sponging: This technique is similar to ragging, but gives a much more subtle texture. Use a sea sponge to apply one or two colors of glaze over a base coat, and take advantage of the unique texture of this natural substance.
Verdigris: For the green patina look of copper sulfate, try this technique to mimic weathered copper or bronze. Apply a copper or gold base coat, and then apply dark green paint with a sponge, allowing the base to show through. A light green paint color should be sponged on top of the dark green, giving the item a mottled appearance.
 | Before there was a dizzying array of faux painting techniques and tools available, there was sponge painting. In the dawn of faux, sponge painting was commonly done by people who wanted to add texture and interest to their walls. |
 | Faux seems like a dirty word to some people. Whether it's because they have seen horrendous examples of faux finishes or because they think it is too difficult, they just aren't interested in attempting it. They have a "don't try this at home" attitude when they see faux techniques on television or read about them online or in magazines. |
Color washing is a type of faux painting that gives walls texture and depth using several different colors. The look is often compared to stucco and is perfect for either normal walls or walls that have slight damage. |
A crackle finish is perfect for transforming a tired old piece of furniture into a classic shabby chic piece that looks like an heirloom. Even better, a crackle finish is one of the easier faux paint finishes for beginners. |
Ragging is a type of faux painting technique that is used for walls and on wooden furniture. This process creates a texture from a few different colors of paint, and the applicator is a paint-dipped rag. |
