Faux Paint Finish Ideas
Last updated September 7, 2023
A faux paint finish is a dramatic yet simple way to add dimension and texture to a wall. Most techniques take about the same amount of time and effort as just painting a wall. All you need is a good glaze mixed with paint and some basic paint texture tools. This guide has several easy faux paint finish ideas to inspire your next painting project.
Table of Contents
Raw Silk
Crackling
Faux Marbling
Sponging
Ragging
Combing
Raw Silk
Raw silk is a faux finish created using a glaze paint and coarse steel wool. Apply a thin layer of glaze with a roller or bristle brush and then firmly drag a balled up piece of coarse steel wool across the glaze. The result is a texture that mimics the look of raw silk.
A silk faux finish will give your walls depth and shine. This technique works best when using
a similar base and glaze color.
Crackling
Crackling is a special paint process that results in a distressed look. The effect is created by painting a surface with a basecoat, then applying a crackle medium. You complete the project with a topcoat to contrast with the basecoat. The crackle medium then forces the topcoat to split and separate, creating a timeless vintage look.
Faux Marbling
Faux marbling gives the luxurious look of polished marble without the expense. Once you’ve painted your base color, use a brush and paint to create swirls, fractures and cracks that mimic real marble. You can also use a feather dipped in 1 part paint and 3 parts water to create the signature white lines of a marbled look.
Sponging
Sponging is one of the easiest faux finishes. All you need is a painting sponge and some glaze paints in two to three complimentary colors. Use the sponge to dab on layers of color. This faux paint finish allows you to get creative with colors and textures to create a unique wall all your own.
Ragging
Ragging brings dimension to walls by mopping a thin paint glaze on a surface with cloth rags.
This simple technique utilizes paint thinned out with glaze and old rags to create a design with depth and dimension.
Combing
Combing is a faux finish created by dragging a paint comb through a colored glaze. Get creative with this faux paint technique by using combs with different spacing of horizontal and vertical lines.
Wood Graining
Wood graining is a popular way to give walls, doors or painted furniture a rustic look. To start, apply a base of interior paint. Using a roller, add a thin coat of glaze in small sections at a time. Drag a wood grain rocker over the glaze to create the wood grain effect.
Adding interest to your walls is as simple as mixing glaze and paint with a little creativity. Download The Home Depot Mobile App to have what you need shipped straight to your doorstep.
