Faux painting or faux finishing are terms used to describe decorative paint finishes that replicate the appearance of materials such as marble, wood, or stone.

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In modern-day faux painting, there are two major types of techniques used. A glaze painting technique that requires the use of a translucent mixture of paint and glazes applied with a brush, roller, rag, or sponge, and often mimics textures, but it’s normally smooth to the touch. 

Plaster application is the other technique used in faux painting that can be done with tinted plasters, or washed over with earth pigments, and is generally applied with a trowel or spatula. The final product can be flat to the touch or textured.

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Types of faux decorative paint techniques include:

• Color washing

• Rag rolling

• Strie

• Linen weave

• Mottling, Old World color washing, or tea stained

• Venetian plaster or other plaster effects

• Metals and patinas

• Crackle or weathered effect