Faux Finishes and Venetian Plaster: A Decorative Revival
Faux Painting or Faux Finishing are interior design terminologies used to identify a wide spectrum of Decorative Painting techniques. Derived from the French word for "fake", Faux Painting began as a form of imitating the appearance of materials (such as marble and wood) with paint, but has come to encompass many other decorative finishes for walls, furniture and other interior & exterior design surfaces.
The History of Faux Finishes: A Timeless Tradition
Faux Finishing has been used for thousands of years, dating as far back as prehistoric cave paintings and later seen in cultural meccas such as Ancient Egypt, but what we generally think of as Faux Finishing in the Decorative Arts began with Plaster and Stucco Finishes in Mesopotamia over 5,000 years ago. Eventually, Faux grew in popularity during Classical times in the forms of Faux Wood, Faux Marble, and Trompe L'oeil murals. Artists would typically apprentice for a decade or more with a master Faux Painter, honing their trade before setting off to work on their own. Master artists who were able to create such optical illusions - convincing their audience that their work was the "real thing" and not a skillful impression - were held in very high regard. Faux Painting has continued to be a popular trend over the years, but experienced major resurgences in the neoclassical revival of the nineteenth century as well as during the Art Deco styles of the 1920's. Throughout the recent history of Decorative Painting, Faux Finishing has been mainly used in commercial and public spaces, notably lobbies of prominent upscale residences, fine dining establishments, luxury hotels, historical landmarks (particularly those which have been restored), resorts, theatres and so forth. During the latter portion of the 1980?s and early 1990?s, Faux Finishing enjoyed another major revival, as traditional methods of wallpaper declined in fashion. Consequently, Faux Painting grew increasingly in vogue, used as a sought-after alternative in residential environments, with affluent homes setting the standard for trends to come. Even today, consumers remain drawn to the benefits of a Faux Finish, as it can be easily painted over in comparison with the inconvenience of wallpaper removal (and thus less of an overall long-term 'commitment' when considering stylish redecorating options).
Modern Techniques: Limitless Options
There are two major materials/processes utilized in today's modern Faux-Finish techniques. Glazing work entails a translucent mixture of paint and glaze applied with a brush, roller, rag, or sponge; this technique simulates textures, but is always smooth to the touch. Plaster work can be rendered with tinted plasters, or washed over with earth pigments, and is generally applied with a trowel or spatula. The finished craft can be either flat to the touch or textured, depending on the method of application, the amounts of layers administered, and even the pigments themselves. NewYorkVenetianPlaster.com?s artisans apply a dazzling array of techniques to create the look of classic antiqued patinas; modern, high-gloss finishes; dramatic, light-reflecting metallics, and even the illusion of leather - the possibilities are endless when creating your customized dream home or business dcor. Let us guide you and make that vision a reality.