Illustrated Interiors - Murals, Trompe L'Oeil, Faux Finishes

The current availability and variety of specialized paints and finishing tools has increased the popularity of faux finishes. At Illustrated Interiors, we have mastered the skills needed to create a wonderful variety of effects. The results we can achieve with faux painting are virtually infinite. The following is only a small cross section of possibilities. We can add a translucent wash of color to a wall, create a pattern of lines with a comb or brush, make a texture with a crushed rag or sponge, or spatter flecks of paint.

An exciting alternative to plain paint or wallpaper, many of these faux finishes are extremely practical as well. They can provide a disguise for uneven walls, give a new look to a tired decorating scheme, and add a touch of class to ordinary rooms.

If you choose to attempt a faux finish on your own, you can visit our design & planning section for help getting started. Or, go to our do it yourself section for information on how to create and execute faux finishes.

Call us today for a free estimate.

Some of the many techniques available:

Ragging and Rag Rolling

To learn this technique, see
>>> Do it Yourself: Ragging

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ragging

Rolling a scrunched up rag in parallel lines or dabbing it on a wet paint surface creates a decorative design that resembles crushed velvet. Ragging gives a random pattern, while rag rolling is used for a more regular effect. Ragging off creates a softer finish.

Sponging

To learn this technique, see
>>> Do it Yourself: Sponging

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ragging

One or more colors are applied with a slightly damp sponge over a solid base color. Partly covering the surface, it allows the basecoat color to show through. A natural sponge works best, but a synthetic sponge can be used if torn into irregular shapes.

Colorwash

To learn this technique, see
>>> Do it Yourself: Colorwash

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colorwash

Colorwashing is painting one color lightly over another to allow the base color to show through, or painting a transparent glaze over a dry basecoat and then partially removing it to reveal the base color. Diluted latex and other paints can be used instead of glaze.

Spattering

To learn this technique, see
>>> Do it Yourself: Spattering

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colorwash

Spattering is an age-old form of decorative painting. The technique involves holding a glaze-dipped brush in front of or above a painted surface, and pulling a stick through the bristles to send up tiny drops of paint. Note: this technique can be messy and imprecise.

Dragging

To learn this technique, see
>>> Do it Yourself: Dragging

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dragging

Dragging was once used to produce a wood grain effect without actually exposing the wood. Transparent glaze is applied over a dry base color. A large, dry brush is 'dragged' across the surface with firm straight strokes so that the base color shows through.

Stippling

To learn this technique, see
>>> Do it Yourself: Stippling

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stippling

Stippling involves dabbing a flat faced brush on a wet, colored glaze to lift speckles of glaze off the surface and allow the base coat color to subtly show through. Though subtle, this technique creates a rich depth of color that cannot be achieved with flat coats of paint.

Rubbing

To learn this technique, see
>>> Do it Yourself: Rubbing

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rubbing

Rubbing on or rubbing off create swirled, cloudy pattern of color. Rubbing on creates a light, translucent effect similar to colorwashing but without the brush strokes. Rubbing off coverage is thicker than it is in rubbing on, so the color is more intense and more opaque.

Frottage

To learn this technique, see
>>> Do it Yourself: Frottage

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frottage

Newspaper or plastic is placed on radomly painted wet glaze, pressed out, and then removed. The wrinkles and imperfections create edgy, random pattern. The effect is subtle when the glaze and base color are similar, more dramatic when colors are further apart.

Combing

To learn this technique, see
>>> Do it Yourself: Combing

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combing

Patterns are combed into wet paint or glaze using a hard comb, allowing the base color to show. The pattern is determined by the size, spacing and hardness of the comb's teeth. Effects can be enhanced by pulling the comb in different directions.

Distressing

To learn this technique, see
>>> Do it Yourself: Distressing

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distressing

Lightly dry brushing multiple shades of the same color onto a surface and light sanding allows specks of the different shades to show through, creating a mottled, scratched appearance from mildly aged to truly beat up. More layers of paint intensify the effect.

Stone

To learn this technique, see
>>> Do it Yourself: Stone

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stone

Each faux stone finishes has a different method of application and its own distinct finish. Granite, marble, limestone... any stone finish can add a look of age and timelessness. The finishes available are as extensive as the choices of natural stone.

Stenciling

To learn this technique, see
>>> Do it Yourself: Stenciling

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stenciling

Stenciling is an art art form used to add graphic patterns and decorative touches to a decor. This technique applies paint through a cutout image. Patterns can be store bought patterns, hand cut stencils, or combinations of stencils to create new effects.