Faux-effect Painting

I've done some different types of painting over the years, I generally like the variation that faux painting can provide to the eye.

I used a number of techniques for the kitchen walls. First, a sage green underpaint was applied to the wall, then an offwhite glaze rag-rolled on. A graygreen color glaze was used to marble vein and splatter small specks throughout the design. The effect has been one I remained happy with and it has held up well to cleaning.

We used the sea sponge effect quite a bit in years past, but I generally find it passé now. The kids used it to paint their rooms, but the only time I like it is when done with very subtle shade variations, which is not what my children preferred. They liked stronger contrasts.

I like marbling effects, but they are time consuming to apply on large expanses such as walls. I use a feather or a paintbrush to apply the veining, usually following a picture of marble for inspiration. I've used this on furniture, which also was the recipient of wood graining. I've seen wood graining used to good effect on woodwork, but have never done that myself.

My son did a beautiful Venetian plaster look in his Phoenix kitchen with deep red hues. I am tempted to try that in my dining room, perhaps in a different color.

I think the best way to start faux painting is in purchasing a how-to book on the subject and then attempting something small scale: one wall or a piece of furniture, for example.

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