We also do furniture. This piece did not fit in with what the designer was doing for the client, so we gave it a fresh new look…

Before :

AFTER…

(click on image for close up of detailing) We also added several layers of wax for a richer look.

Faux – is it fake?

Faux painting is a term used to describe a type of decorative painting that can be used to enhance a wall rather than just straight painting it.

Faux means “false”-to fool the eye.

There are two main types of faux painting.

One type is with design plaster, as I spoke about in another article

The 2nd type uses glaze(s) applied over a painted surface, or glaze mixed with paint, to produce a textured look-it mimics a texture. A wall can seem to be cement, plaster, aged, silk wallpaper, wood, etc. Many layers and colors can be used to create more texture and depth. The Glaze is either tinted, and/or paint added.

here are some examples of faux painting :

Antiqued look on large book case

A mixture of metallic glaze and paint was used to create tiles giving this bathroom wall an elegant look.

An exterior sealer was used in place of glaze-tinted and brushed on to create a wood grain that fooled all but the most trained eye!

So, as you see – faux painting can be used in just about any environment to create many different looks and effects.

Design Plaster

We at Virginia Fair studios can create just about any finish on any wall to tie in with the clients needs and ideas… Over 20 years experience in the field-faux painting, design plaster, aging, antiquing, sponging, including furniture, molding, cabinets, etc.

DESIGN PLASTER-What is it?

A recent art installation we completed, for a private residence, was a life size plaster relief of a buffalo designed to complement a life size wood carved Indian!

This is just one example of what can be done with design plaster. When we say design plaster , we are talking about specialty plasters that are used as decorative finishes, as opposed to wall plaster that is used over dry wall that is then painted or wall papered, etc. One example of design plaster is called Venetian plaster. This is a mixture composed of marble and other aggregates such as limestone, etc. The main being marble dust. What this does is give the plaster a wonderful glow and richness, and authenticity-and once smoothed onto a wall and buffed, creates a rich surface that brings forth the character of the marble. It feels and looks like marble, and is actually cool to the touch. The plaster can easily be tinted any color as well. There are several grades of this design plaster, ranging from very fine, to the more course mixture that can be used to create an old world raised texture. These lime based marble plasters are combined with natural oxides and pigments to give a wide range of colors. Over this can be applied glazes and/or washes to enhance the effect, adding to the look and feel of the wall(s). Although some Venetian Plasters are polished or “burnished” with a sheen-techniques have been developed to give a variety of effects ranging from a suede, marble, or stone “feel” and look. It is through the artisan’s imagination and the refinement of technique that can give a room the look and feel of Old World, Contemporary, Tuscan, Traditional , etc. www.virginiafairstudios.com