FAUX (pronounced “foe”) Finishing uses painting techniques to 
create the illusion of real materials like marble, granite, wood,
tortoiseshell, etc. at a fraction of the cost.

DECORATIVE OR FANTASY Finishes employs simple tools such as 
rags, sponges, combs, plastic etc. to create innovative painted 
effects on walls, furniture and accent pieces.

Newly painted walls even if exciting colors, can appear flat and one 
dimensional without interest or depth.  Those wanting more drama in 
their homes are taking their painting projects further, incorporating 
centuries-old glazing and color washing techniques.  After walls are 
properly prepared and painted a base coat - the magic begins as one 
or more coats of glaze are applied.  Unlike paint, glazes are trans-
lucent.  Each coat of glaze that is applied allows the layers of color 
underneath to filter through.  The result is a rich buildup of color 
and texture that one can actually peer into.

There are two basic methods of executing Paint/Faux Finishes: 

NEGATIVE: (removal) is achieved by applying an even coat of glaze
and removing some with various tools.  It is imperative that you use 
glazing liquid in order for these techniques to work and look right.

POSITIVE: (applied) involves applying paint or glaze directly to the 
surface with sponges, rags or other tools.  It is not imperative to 
use glazing liquid for some of these techniques.  See colorwashing and
sponging explained a little further.

Water-Based Glazing Liquid produces fresh pure color, has little odor and 
cleans up with soap and water.  It is a milky looking liquid, dries 
clear and does not yellow.  A disadvantage is the short open time.  
You can increase this time by using an Extender.  I will list some
products later.  

Oil Glazing Liquid offers exceptional transparency and lends a rich 
glow to painted surfaces.  It has a longer working time which is 
necessary when attempting negative applications on large surfaces.  
Universal tints or colorants can be substituted for paint.  Do not 
exceed 6 oz. of tint per gallon of glaze.  Some say that these yellow 
in time which could be a disadvantage depending on your choice of 
color.  They have more odor and clean up is with paint thinner 
- 2 more disadvantages.  Still, I prefer oil when doing the
negative finishes.

THE RECIPES:

For Oil Base Glaze: 1 part Alkyd paint - 1 part Oil based Glazing 
liquid and 1 part paint thinner.  For more translucency use up to 5 
parts Glazing liquid.  If you find the Glaze is fairly runny, then
you won't need to add paint thinner.

For Water Base Glaze:  1 part Latex paint - 3 to 5 parts Glazing 
Liquid.  This can be thinned with up to 1 part water if desired.   
Acrylic glazing liquids are usually quite runny so take care when 
thinning with water.

Please Note:  These ratios have worked for me but feel free to use 
them as guidelines.  These products all carry mixing directions and 
if you stray too far from their recommendations, you may not be 
guaranteed a satisfactory result.