Faux Finish Paint Techniques

There is a reason they call a white wall a blank canvas. However, you don’t have to cover it in art to make it noticeable. There are many faux finish paint techniques that will turn uninspiring walls into dramatic surfaces that look textured.

Faux finish paint technique: Denim walls

If you thought denim was just for jeans, think again. Ralph Lauren’s paint collection carries indigo denim faux finish paints and tools that bring the worn-in look of a comfortable pair of jeans to your walls.  The design involves painting with a base and then dragging a “weaving” tool over the walls. Comprehensive directions and an instruction video are online.

Faux finish paint technique: Brushed pearl

A formal entryway, a dining room or a bathroom are among rooms that look amazing with an iridescent faux finish paint. While the effect is subtle, this finish complements smaller spaces that may lack natural light. Valspar has all the paints, tools and instructions you need to get your walls to look as luminous as a string of pearls.

Faux finish paint technique: Suede walls

Adding the rich texture of suede to the walls of a master bedroom or living room instantly brings elegance and warmth to the space. As light hits the slightly textured walls you may forget whether they are covered in fabric or paint. Several DIY websites give easy-to-follow instructions for applying paint to achieve a faux suede finish.

Faux finish paint technique: Artisan impressions

Sherwin-Williams takes faux finishes to a new level with textured walls using either tissue paper, leaves or crackle. The leaf faux finish paint technique looks like wallpaper inspired by nature, yet up close you can see the elegant paint detail.

Practice for perfection

We recommend testing your finish of choice on a board or small space first. Test it to practice your technique and to make sure you love the style. Painting a faux finish is not always difficult, but almost all of the techniques require a decent amount of time. Rome wasn’t built in a day and your masterpiece walls will take some time too.