Definition: Faux Finish

Faux finishing is the art of using paint to create the illusion of texture or depth on otherwise flat surfaces, such as walls, furniture, and floors. The decorative painting technique has exploded in popularity in recent years, and you can now buy many different types of specialized brushes and glazes available to help achieve faux finishes.


There are a number of faux finish techniques, including sponge painting (above left), "ragging" or rag painting (right), and color washing. Faux finishes can also be used to replicate the look of a specific surface, such as leather, stone, cracked plaster, or gilded wood.

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