About Faux Painting

Faux painting, or using painting techniques to make a wall look like something other than just a painted wall, has risen in popularity as homeowners increasingly engage in do-it-yourself home projects. Faux painting requires a few more tools, supplies and effort than the simple roller and paint brush, but the effects created add dimension and drama to any room.

Materials Commonly Used

Most faux painting finishes have additional supplies beyond primer and paint. Common materials in faux painting can be found at any home improvement store or crafts store.

• Plaster or drywall mud.


• Glaze.


• Texture paint.


• Crackle medium.


• Specialty paints that are pre-mixed to look like leather, bronze, marble or stone.

Tools Commonly Used

Faux painting techniques also require additional tools to gain the desired effects. Common tools used in faux painting techniques can be purchased at any home improvement store, or they could be something that you have lying around the house.

• Fake sea sponge.


• Craft paint brushes.


• Graining tool.


• Texture paint roller.


• Comb.


• Painter’s tape.

Most Common Faux Painting Techniques

• Sponging. A fake sea sponge is used to create a faux finish in a few different ways. Texture can be created while applying paint or drywall mud with the sponge, a glaze can be applied over paint for a sheen with dimension or two different colors can be applied over one another to create interest.


• Texture Paint. You can buy paint with a texture medium already added. With a special roller brush that will hold the heavy texture medium, you apply the paint right on the wall. After repeat applications, the effect is similar to texture usually found on ceilings.


• Faux Fresco or Plaster Walls. This technique is used to get your walls to look like they have been in Italy for the last 200 years. One way to make a faux plaster wall is to apply watered-down drywall mud or plaster to a wall in smooth applications with a rag or sponge. All of the applications should blend into one another. After the plaster or mud is dry, apply a glaze mixed with burnt umber. The brown glaze will pool in the cracks, looking like a patina that has developed after many years.